Tip of the Day … Facial Expressions dominate a great Portrait – don’t be afraid to Experiment !!!

Helen’s Comp Card is a great example of how a variety of wardrobe and expressions really contribute to a super collection of Portraits. Whether you are working with your Photographer on a simple headshot or a full Modeling Portfolio it is still important to bring plenty of wardrobe. The smart model will put together several complete outfits days before their photo sitting to make sure all the elements are included in the “look”. This includes the shoes (boots, heels, kicks, etc), accessories like jewelry, hats, belts, scarves, and also any Props that might add energy and interest to the Portraits.

Another great tip that I learned a long time ago from a few of my favorite NYC Supermodels is for the model to practice expressions at home. Simply look into your big bathroom mirror and experiment with a variety of expressions. Sure a nice smile is great but there are also some powerful expressions with small smiles, closed mouth, open mouth, big eyes, looking over your shoulder back at the camera, and more. Grab a handful of fashion magazines and look to see what expressions the models are doing – then you copy their expressions in the mirror. Don’t be afraid to try these in front of the camera. You might be surprised at how great you look with an expression you never would have thought of on your own.

Another super tip is that if you are posing for the camera and start to feel like you are doing the same expressions over and over – try mouthing vowel sounds for the camera. Hahahahaha … I know you might feel a little silly but it works.  Sounding out vowels (a, e ,i,  o , and u) puts your mouth and cheeks in positions that often make for great expressions. The key to expressions is variety. Practice them and then try them for the camera. There are supermodels that don’t look good smiling but look awesome with an open mouth pouty look.

Lastly… don’t forget to experiment with how much you open your eyes for the camera. There are times when big eyes look fantastic and other times when squinting works best.

The good Photographers are going to be excited that you are working your face through a full range of expressions. You will discover that you have your own “look” with a handful of expressions that work best with the shape of your face. Have fun and enjoy your photo session… I guarantee it will pay off big time !!!

Live – Love – Laugh

All My Best,

Don