ModelMayhem.com - Facial Expressions - Tips, Tricks, & Resources

Forums > Model Colloquy > Facial Expressions - Tips, Tricks, & Resources

Model

Posts: 26

Alexandria, Virginia, US

Facial Expressions can make or break a photo.

Besides practicing in front of a mirror or doing a series of test shots for analyzing facial expression what is your best advice on this topic?

I found this link. Great simple tips!
http://www.modelsdirect.com/help-advice … ions-poses

Feb 06 13 12:47 am Link

Photographer

Andrew Bigwood

Posts: 35

Guildford, England, United Kingdom

If I'm working with a model that asks for, or needs direction, I take a few tear sheets from mags that show good examples of facial expressions, as this always helps.
I also have a list of ideas I ask the model to visualise in order to bring out their expressive qualities.
I found that if I do these expressions first, we have a laugh which relaxes the vibe, then the model finds it easier to express herself more freely.

Feb 06 13 02:00 am Link

Model

JWest

Posts: 1000

Asheville, North Carolina, US

Ha! That was actually a pretty helpful link. I actually have an app on my phone that has images of different expressions a model can use. It's called Model Mania.

Feb 06 13 09:17 am Link

Photographer

Jake Garn

Posts: 3958

Salt Lake City, Utah, US

I posted on just this thing once.

http://jakegarn.com/how-to-steal-an-expression/

Feb 06 13 02:39 pm Link

Model

Greeneyed Goddess

Posts: 236

Salt Lake City, Utah, US

Jake Garn wrote:
I posted on just this thing once.

http://jakegarn.com/how-to-steal-an-expression/

I absolutely loved this article and the way you work with a model! I would love to shoot with you some day because of that reason!!!

Feb 08 13 03:32 pm Link

Photographer

T A R I Q

Posts: 1302

Baltimore, Maryland, US

I hope this is helpful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-ulLbpnio8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWkQrHnrRRs

Jul 25 13 09:03 pm Link

Model

Nicholas Record

Posts: 89

West Jordan, Utah, US

Hey thanks for all the links for advice. I'll use whatever I can being a guy. Didn't think about the clenching your jaw no bueno but I always try opening my eyes wide cause I know I have good eyes.

Jul 26 13 01:45 am Link

Model

JamesTawil

Posts: 142

Austin, Texas, US

So there's more than one expression? woops

Jul 26 13 01:50 pm Link

Photographer

Looknsee Photography

Posts: 26342

Portland, Oregon, US

asianbella wrote:
Facial Expressions can make or break a photo.

Besides practicing in front of a mirror or doing a series of test shots for analyzing facial expression what is your best advice on this topic?

I found this link. Great simple tips!
http://www.modelsdirect.com/help-advice … ions-poses

Of course, this is only my opinion, but step away from the mirror.

If you think expressions come from contorting the muscles in your face, you will always look plastic. Lots of people think they can act, and only a few of them are right.

Instead, REACT -- tell jokes, get excited, dance to the music, move, keep your hands occupied & busy. But don't slap an expression on your face -- that always look fake.

Jul 26 13 02:01 pm Link

Photographer

Fotografica Gregor

Posts: 4126

Alexandria, Virginia, US

back in the day when I shot a lot of portraiture - especially legit and beauty headshots for actors - we used to use emotive headshot exercises to get a variety of looks for their books... I wonder if anyone does that anymore - used to be fun after you got to know someone.... it's part of the method school approach...

Jul 26 13 02:22 pm Link

Photographer

Visual Talk

Posts: 15

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Watched a tv show recently where tog got subject to shout the alphabet while 'angry' - lots of varitaion created. I'm planning to use this exercise. COuld also try differing emotions to act out.

Jul 26 13 03:02 pm Link