Your facial expressions are your main method of communicating your innermost, most authentic self and all Vancouver professional photographers use this to get the most genuine expressions. We use our facial expressions to get information across and present ourselves to the world. While photography doesn’t contain auditory methods of communicating, your facial expression is all you’ve got.
Even though we may not realize it, we are constantly making micro expressions that are not easily caught by an untrained eye. These micro expressions communicate what we are thinking at any given moment, even if what we present to the world is completely different on the surface. It’s important to know how different areas of the face work individually and together, to create a confident expression.
The Eyes
As we all know, the eyes are the windows to the soul. They are the most critical piece to the puzzle when it comes to fully capture what you want to get across.
Gaze into the lens, as far as your eye can see and pretend like you’re looking through it and onto the other side. This helps create an intense gaze that pierces through the camera. If you’re having difficulty, try very slightly squinting with your lower lids. You’ll automatically look more confident, more sure of yourself and ready to take on your industry.
The Eyebrows
Your eyebrows are vast communicators of how you’re feeling at any given moment. Feel angry and your eyebrows will naturally frown in the middle. Feel worried and your eyebrows might unconsciously create an S shape.
A trick used in muscle relaxation during meditation, is to tense up your facial and bodily muscles, and relax them to make sure you’re not unknowingly tense in certain areas. Frown with your eyebrows, and relax them. Smile and open your mouth wide, then purse your lips, and relax.
The Mouth
When you’re nervous, you might unconsciously purse your lips, or they may end up looking tense before having your photo taken. Be mindful of your lips during your photoshoot and relax them if you’re going for a serious look. If you’re going for a fun, friendly and approachable look, one of the Vancouver professional photographers on set will help you relax and laugh so we can get a natural, sincere and truly genuine expression.
The Chin & Neck
Chin and neck tilt is huge when it comes to determining whether you look confident, questioning, endearing or just…not right. You’ll often notice that in photoshoots the photographer will direct the subject by telling them to tilt their chin up, down or in either direction. They may also tell them to tilt their neck a certain way. Although you might not be able to feel the look you’re giving off, your photographer will be your best friend in the process.
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