The Eyes Have It
posted on 26th of march, 2008
|
|
|
|
Facial expressions and body language can either make or break a photo. Again and again we see images that would be successful if only there was emotion in the image instead of a subject with a bored look or a blank stare. How can you get your models more engaged with your camera to get more positive results? First of all stop falling in love with the dark and depressing look. Sure it’s dramatic and has it place but think about how images are used. With the exception of pitiful children and animals used by charities to solicit funds (all worthy, don’t get me wrong), the majority of images that are used depict positive emotions such as empathy, understanding, relaxation, peace, thoughtfulness or satisfaction. I’ve heard it said that you should be thinking of keywords as you shoot as a test that the image would be marketable.
Step up and engage your model(s), getting them to sometimes make eye contact with the camera. You know the old saying, “The eyes are windows to the soul” so don’t leave your model’s eyes looking like the blinds are shut or the curtains are closed’. (Closed eyes, on the other hand, create a feeling of peace and relaxation). As an exercise, attempt to get as many expressions and emotions from a model focusing only on the eyes as the key element in the image as you can. Have you ever felt a hateful stare? How to capture that as well as looks of caring and compassion? Focus on the eyes.
Next look at the body language. Is the head tilted down, perhaps indicating sadness or depression? Is the model slouching, a position that also often gives a negative feeling to an image?
Notice that when you ask a model to smile, the result is sometimes a silly grin? Models mugging for the camera might generate a winning image but the money shot is more likely to be an authentic facial expression. The best way to achieve natural expressions is not to ask the model to say ‘Cheese’ but to spend time with the model, get to know him/her. Engage in conversation and once they are relaxed, steer the model to talk about things that are pleasant; ask him/her to think of situations that make them happy or make them laugh or think. Positive emotions can also be elicited by serious facial expressions as in the image of the woman soldier.
As you talk to the subject of your image, try to elicit the full range of emotions not just an image of a smiling face, grinning at the camera.. As the Strobist so wisely says in this article a variety of more subtle expressions will expand the versatility of the images in a shoot. For centuries there has been speculation about the meaning of the expression on the face of Mona Lisa. The reason for the intrigue is that the smile is so subtle. No laughing out loud for Ms Lisa; no frowns either.
What is good advice in regard capturing the emotions expressed by a human face often also applies to portraits of animals, especially cats and dogs. Animal faces that appear to be showing an emotion or are humorous because of the expression are the most downloaded. While snarling and teeth baring portraits are not the most popular images of the human face, we like to see the snarling, growling animal faces. To see the work of a master of dog and cat photography, check out Gary Parker's fine photography and here. And as a cautionary note in case you have the opportunity to shoot inside a lion’s cage look at this
Finally why do so many photographers suggest that their subjects say ‘Cheese’? For a humorous and even possibly true story go here and for a very interesting article about how facial expressions are 'read' in Japan, for example, as opposed to the west read this.
|
Tags: emotion expression eyes facial portrait
|
|
|
|
Comments (9)
|
 |
Great advise as always and after all we speak and use our body language 90% more than we actually verbalise! Just think mmm of how many people have looked at you today!!!
- posted by
Gofer
on May 13, 2008 |
 |
oops sorry.I probably missed the joke because I was deep into writing THIS week's blog!
- posted by
Ellenboughn
on April 01, 2008 |
 |
Actually I have so many blogs because I write for Dreamstime as the Director of Content. Glad you find the information useful. Thanks for the compliment!
I know... I was actually trying to make a joke there. Thats why I added the wink ;)
Joke failed, hehe :)
Keep up the blogs, they are always fun to read and full of usefull information! Thanks
- posted by
Motadacruz
on April 01, 2008 |
|
Actually I have so many blogs because I write for Dreamstime as the Director of Content. Glad you find the information useful. Thanks for the compliment!
- posted by
Ellenboughn
on March 31, 2008 |
|
lovely article again!
You have so many blogs... you probably have loads of credits on dreamstime now ;)
- posted by
Motadacruz
on March 31, 2008 |
 |
Great article, Ellen! And thanks for the lion link... wow.
- posted by
Amyemilia
on March 27, 2008 |
 |
Excellent article. The same concepts also applies to digital models which can easily fall victim to lack of emotion despite being perfectly polished. Even the slightest adjustment in body components, colour and pose can turn a visually stunning model into a statement with meaning and impact that connects with the viewer.
- posted by
Madartists
on March 26, 2008 |
 |
Poor kitten ... but I love this article! It's interesting how we can read from the eyes of people how they are feeling, are they fake or truthful. Not always, but ... that's very interesting. I admire very much those photographers who can make their models feel comfortable, enjoy shooting and even express those feelings they didn't have naturally at the moment, but imagine, put yourself into situation, what they remember or have felt, and do it so, that you don't feel it's fake when you look at picture. Of course a model should be a great actor too, but everyone has felt happiness or grief and sorrow and we have learned since birth how to express it, so a good photographer can make its models to remind it at the right time. That's a pure art. And very admirable.
- posted by
Maigi
on March 26, 2008 |
 |
Not to mention that a 'blunt' portrait is so hard to keyword. You type "woman,portrait,...." and no words come to your mind while looking at such a shot. Good advice, Ellen. Everyone - try to think of keywords for your portrait, if U can find some, you're on your way.
- posted by
Sebcz
on March 26, 2008 |
Comments (9) |
This article has been read 3157 times. 6 readers have found this article useful.
Photo credits: Franz Pfluegl, Iryna Shpulak, Raisa Kanareva, Victoria Alexandrova, Galina Barskaya, Kurhan, Phartisan, Michael Pettigrew. |
|
|
|
| Search the blogs! |
 |
|
|
|
| Stock Photography that SELLS! |
|
|
Ellen Boughn, a veteran of the stock photography industry with over 30 years
of experience gives expertise tips on successful stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ellen Boughn
(Ellenboughn)
Bainbridge Island, US
>I am a writer and my book about microstock photography will be released in 2010. I was the Director of Content at Dreamstime for two years ending in Feb, 2009. You can order from amazon via my website at www.ellenboughn.com/blog
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Email us | Phone: +1 615-771-5611
