Expressions can convey a mixture of feelings, even with the slightest of tweaks. A raised eyebrow here or the merest of grimaces there can portray exactly what a photographer is looking for – or the exact opposite. It’s a model’s job – under direction – to work with our clients to create the perfect looks for their campaigns.
Faces have an impressive number of nerves and muscles, with the mouth and the eyes being most important for a model to rock their range of expressions on set. They are a model’s main assets when bringing a brand to life – and when it works, the results are spectacular.
Because no two faces are the same (even identical twins are physically different), brands constantly utilise various expressions specifically for each assignment. Even the most natural-looking photo could have been perfected after several attempts; achieving the best shot for the client is not as easy as simply staring or smiling at the camera.
Which brings us to practice. Even the most gifted actor or model can’t nail a faultless facial expression without a few dummy runs. Practice is the most effective way of successfully conveying an emotion through facial expressions. If a photographer could capture a model’s look of pain or discomfort, the best way may well be to incur true pain to the model – but this is, of course, completely out of the question. So, brands need models to have practiced expressions so they’re familiar with the basic emotions. As with anything that requires practice, it gets easier with the more hours the model puts in. We’ve always reiterated that modelling is fun, but putting in some hard graft by practicing and knowing the basic principles of our industry always serves models well.
The most logical first attempts when practicing facial expressions is smiling. We’re sure all our models have beaming smiles, but developing the ideal shot can be tricky. Try these tips to discover a range of smiles:
- Use a mirror. Start by smiling with the least movement in the lips. Gradually increase the width of the lips and see if your smile looks forced or natural. Photographers love natural models whose smiles look unforced. If your smile looks strained, bring your lips in a little and find your optimum lip width.
- Use your eyes. Strange at it may seem, your eyes (and eyebrows) create genuine warmth.
- Don’t be too eager to create the broadest smile possible. A subtle smile speaks volumes, and it’ll be picked up by the camera more evidently than you’d think.
- Remember humorous anecdotes or jokes, and take a photo when you smile reminiscing. The image will be one of the most effortless happy snaps you’ll get.
The element of surprise is a handy expression to master on set. If a brand wants models to gasp in awe of their product, models should practice:
- Dropping of the jaw.
- Widening of eyes.
- Natural uplift of eyebrows.
If practice is vital, subtlety is just as important. Overdoing any facial expression is likely to result in exaggerated, comical results. Little by little, practice makes perfect!
