Getting the best facial expressions from models

[thomasdang]

What's everyone's ways of getting the models to give the best facial expressions?

I've only been shooting for a very short time and have found that some models just struggle to pull off a good smile or just a good facial expression in general.

What are some of the things that everyone does to get 'that look' from each model?

My technique, whether right or wrong is to show the model some examples, explain what I want, then try to explain to her whilst shooting what needs adjusting... It's getting the results sometimes, but certainly not as much as I'd like to - hence the post.

[Mark1]

Most of it is natural. Some people just do not have a very big natural range of expressions. Others have an almost unlimited range. Its not really something they can work on. They can improve but it is never as good as a natural one.

How you get it out of them is an altogether different story. You cant really rely on just telling them.... then... OK lets go shoot... It is a continual coaching thing. You need to constantly be letting her know to make it bigger, or calm it down. Remember they cant see themselves when shooting so you need to be letting them know.

It will feel really odd at first. The continual banter that you have to do to get what you want. But it really is just thinking out loud. If you think it would look better with a bigger smile...then say 'bigger smile'. Think she needs to turn more to the left.... then say'turn to the left". Overly simplistic I know. But that is really all it is. Continual feed back and response.

[Erik_L]

I tried this once when doing some somewhat "formal" shots in a bar (doesn't make sense, I know - long story) and the chick got pissed and stormed away saying "Uhm, this is what I do."

Since then i've had a "heightened awareness" of my coaching and i'm afraid people won't take to it well. It is also very likely that I just got a rotten apple :)

[Mark_Cohran]

I engage the model in small talk during the shoot and include positive feedback on her expressions and poses as she moves from one to another. I have some little catch phrases I use to get them to look a certain way or change a certain pose. After a model has worked with me once or twice, she knows what I'm looking for when I shoot. Also, I give them a little talk and some instructions right before we shoot so they know what I'm expecting.

Sometimes you have the over act - give you more of an expression than you want, then have them ease back while you're shooting so you get the final expression that you need/want.

[isophotostudio]

I've been considering buying a full length mirror so that they can see what they're doing too. I know I have a hard time judging if I'm making the expression that I want without one, so it might help the models as well.

[AxxisPhoto]

You have to be relaxed and have good banter with the model, but be precise and know exactly what you want with the directions. Plus, it also depends on the model. I've shot models that need absolutely no direction at all and know how to give "the" expression, but I've also worked with models that need total direction. In that case, patience is a must.

[Mark_Cohran]

The full length mirror idea can work with some models, but it's been my experience that for others it's more of a distraction and they spend more time looking at the mirror than at the camera.

[isophotostudio]

So it would be better if I got it out, let them arrange there faces and bodies and than flipped it around again.

[mike1187]

The full length mirror idea can work with some models, but it's been my experience that for others it's more of a distraction and they spend more time looking at the mirror than at the camera.


This is the precise reason I prefer to show them a few photos that are looking good... tell them something like "This look is great, but it would be eve better if....."

Keeping them pointed in a positive direction seems to be much more effective than just directing them to do something differently.

Overall, it seems to come down to the model's range of expressions, their desire to get the right look, and how well you are interacting with the model.

A few minutes letting the model talk about herself/himself before starting the shoot always seems to get things rolling in the right direction... that starts things off with something they already feel comfortable with.

[Mark_Cohran]

So it would be better if I got it out, let them arrange there faces and bodies and than flipped it around again.

If you were going to use a mirror (and I'm not recommending it, just commenting on the concept), then I would use it for just a short time at the beginning of the shoot so they can see how their poses look - and then I would put it away for the remainder of the shoot.

[smurffman]

No matter how good a model looks, if she can't show what you are trying to capture then she and you have failed. I view a model as an actor or actress that must convey in one frame what you want to capture.

[Drk Orange]

I am only new at this so am interested in this subject. Most of my models are just starting out themselves and are at the point where they have a "look" they feel natural giving - and it is in every one of their shots.

If you are disappointed with the facial expressions you get from your model, do a few self-portraits and see how *you* go pulling them off. It isn't easy. :p

At the moment, if I get something different from them, then I am happy.

[DreamState]

I engage the model in small talk during the shoot and include positive feedback on her expressions and poses as she moves from one to another. I have some little catch phrases I use to get them to look a certain way or change a certain pose. After a model has worked with me once or twice, she knows what I'm looking for when I shoot. Also, I give them a little talk and some instructions right before we shoot so they know what I'm expecting.

Sometimes you have the over act - give you more of an expression than you want, then have them ease back while you're shooting so you get the final expression that you need/want.

Do shareeeee. What catch phrases ? :D

[FastFred]

With my limited experience, I think all of the advice given in the above posts is great so far. The model's comfort level, the small talk before starting, showing them an image in a book on on a computer screen before the shot to give them an idea what you're trying to achieve...all great ideas.

I do use a full length mirror, but sometimes it can be a distraction. I do find that while directing them, it's better to gently 'ask' them to do something, rather than 'command' them. ie: "can you turn your head to the right just a tad?' is better then "turn your head right". When they do it, give them positive feedback. ie: "That's it! Perfect! Hold it right there. You look great". Use those praise words, even if it isn't exactly true that they look "perfect", and they'll be more receptive the next time you ask them to do something.

[johndoorley]

I work with people and models for portraiture and glamour. Before the shoot the model and I discuss where the shoot is going, I like to ask is there anything in particular you want from this shoot. Listen carefully; you will pick up clues that can help you during the shoot.

During the shoot I talk with the model e.g. “That’s beautiful, can you roll your left shoulder back a bit, great, now bring your chin just a touch toward your shoulder, man – that brings out your eyes!”

As we go along, before doing major pose changes, I ask is there anything you want to try?

Sometimes we peek at the back of the camera to get an idea of what we are getting, other times I will have the model step off of the set and show the pose I am looking for (which is a great icebreaker because I am over 6 feet tall, balding and weigh just under 300 lbs) but it is amazing how well models, male and female respond to this type of coaching.

Sometimes asking a model to try something outside of their “normal” set of poses intimidates them, or brings fear to their mind. I have run into models who are very conscious of their lips (too thin, too thick smile is too big etc) so they have a few facial expressions they are comfortable with. This can be slowly overcome by having them look into the lens and pretend their significant other (remember the listening part mentioned above?) is just beyond the lens, now blow them a kiss, try a wink at them, He just spilled red wine on your new couch!

This will allow you to get some different facial expressions. I also throughout the shoot take a moment tell the model to relax, I am going to take a couple of shots to adjust the lighting, just relax, can you tip your head this way please, I want to see how the light falls on your face.

Not every shot has to have a 10,000 watt smile, there are models that can turn it on at will, but if that is not what you want, try asking them to open their mouth and say oooo, ask them to close their teeth on the end of their glasses, have them yell at the camera, or charge the camera.

Use a prop, like a hat for the model to peek over, guys can do a hat roll. Having something for the model to swing – ladies a dress with pleats or slack, man and women a scarf being tossed over the shoulder can give some unique expressions, having a model with long hair brush it out can also put them at ease and get you some nice expressions.

Have them blow a dandelion, or sip some coffee while peeking over the edge of the cup.

Sorry, too many words, but your job is to capture the image your client needs, they do not care how you get just the right shot. You do, keep it professional, asking a model to step outside of their normal box is part of your job, asking the model to do anything and I mean anything they are not comfortable with (morally, legally, personally) do not push, and do not go there again.

Have fun and build a rapport with the models, so that when you say, let’s try this and you see some doubt from them, you can say trust me, now let’s take a look, if it sucks let the model know it will be deleted and not used – KEEP YOUR WORD, even if you like the shot and no one else should see that shot – ever.

Happy shooting
-John

[bphillips330]

John, that is amazing advice.

[Dix2409]

John, that is amazing advice.

Second!! Just what I needed, thank you.

[kfyount]

John, that is amazing advice.

Second!! Just what I needed, thank you.

I must say...I third that!

On one hand, this is a really hard task - getting the "right" expression. But the tips John give reveal that it is really about making the model feel comfortable and at ease. What also became clear to me is that we, as photographers, should look at what the model is doing and use that instead of only trying to get that expression that we might have in our head. Sometimes, what you get may be better than we had even thought of. Last point...even though this is in the G&N talk forum, it applies to any type of people photography.

Thanks again, John!

[SingingSabre]

I work with people and models for portraiture and glamour. Before the shoot the model and I discuss where the shoot is going, I like to ask is there anything in particular you want from this shoot. Listen carefully; you will pick up clues that can help you during the shoot.

During the shoot I talk with the model e.g. “That’s beautiful, can you roll your left shoulder back a bit, great, now bring your chin just a touch toward your shoulder, man – that brings out your eyes!”

As we go along, before doing major pose changes, I ask is there anything you want to try?

Sometimes we peek at the back of the camera to get an idea of what we are getting, other times I will have the model step off of the set and show the pose I am looking for (which is a great icebreaker because I am over 6 feet tall, balding and weigh just under 300 lbs) but it is amazing how well models, male and female respond to this type of coaching.

Sometimes asking a model to try something outside of their “normal” set of poses intimidates them, or brings fear to their mind. I have run into models who are very conscious of their lips (too thin, too thick smile is too big etc) so they have a few facial expressions they are comfortable with. This can be slowly overcome by having them look into the lens and pretend their significant other (remember the listening part mentioned above?) is just beyond the lens, now blow them a kiss, try a wink at them, He just spilled red wine on your new couch!

This will allow you to get some different facial expressions. I also throughout the shoot take a moment tell the model to relax, I am going to take a couple of shots to adjust the lighting, just relax, can you tip your head this way please, I want to see how the light falls on your face.

Not every shot has to have a 10,000 watt smile, there are models that can turn it on at will, but if that is not what you want, try asking them to open their mouth and say oooo, ask them to close their teeth on the end of their glasses, have them yell at the camera, or charge the camera.

Use a prop, like a hat for the model to peek over, guys can do a hat roll. Having something for the model to swing – ladies a dress with pleats or slack, man and women a scarf being tossed over the shoulder can give some unique expressions, having a model with long hair brush it out can also put them at ease and get you some nice expressions.

Have them blow a dandelion, or sip some coffee while peeking over the edge of the cup.

Sorry, too many words, but your job is to capture the image your client needs, they do not care how you get just the right shot. You do, keep it professional, asking a model to step outside of their normal box is part of your job, asking the model to do anything and I mean anything they are not comfortable with (morally, legally, personally) do not push, and do not go there again.

Have fun and build a rapport with the models, so that when you say, let’s try this and you see some doubt from them, you can say trust me, now let’s take a look, if it sucks let the model know it will be deleted and not used – KEEP YOUR WORD, even if you like the shot and no one else should see that shot – ever.

Happy shooting
-John

Exactly.

From my experience on the other side of the lens, the best instruction I had was from a photographer who would tell me the expression he wanted, then give me a 1-10 rating of how big he wanted it. He'd overshoot it 2-3 notches, then have me dial it back.

I can't post what he did here, but if you mosey to my modeling MM page (here (http://www.modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=1027796)) one of his shots is my avatar, and there are a couple more in the portfolio. It worked really well for me, but I have a theatre background.

[saturnin]

yah what Johndoorley said... exactly

also.. dont be a creep behind the camera... being a photographer its 30% skill and 70% talking to talent

anyone can take a photo but not everyone can talk and get ppl to relax and open up

[KeshaSparks]

In reality models look is different and the snapshot is different as they have got to do so much of makeup in them, So i think with this one will obviously look unique.

[BrodieButler]

I used a big mirror about 6 years ago, i've never allowed one on-set since.

I try to treat my models like actors, and tell them to pretend its video and really get in character. That can be a bit of a mission at times. But if they can do it, I'll snap the shot when the time is right.

[sdsanta]

John, great advise, I'm going to re-read a few times! I've noticed that some models just have a few expressions and sometimes being too specific ("Bigger Smile") doesn't always work. Sometimes I will have a model say words that phonetically will give me a look I want, for instance "how" to get a pouty look.