Facial Expressions: Beyond the Smile

Introduction

A smile is nice. But a smile doesn't always sell luxury. It doesn't always sell grit. To be a top-tier model in 2025, your face needs to be an instrument capable of playing more than one note.

We are seeing a massive trend towards "Cinematic Emotion"—expressions that look like a still frame from a movie, filled with thought and intent.

Pro Tip: "Don't look 'at' the camera. Look 'through' the lens. Imagine you are making eye contact with a specific person standing behind the photographer."

1. The "Smize" & The "Squinch"

Tyra taught us to smile with our eyes. Peter Hurley taught us to squinch. Both are crucial.

• The Technique: Lift your lower eyelids slightly without squinting the top ones. This creates intensity and confidence.
• Deer in Headlights: Wide-open eyes convey fear or shock. A slight squinch conveys control and engagement.

2. Relaxing the Jaw (The Mouth Gape)

Tension in the jaw kills a photo. We want "slack."

• The Breath: Breathe in and out through your mouth. Leave your lips parted just enough to slide a credit card between them.
• The Tongue: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth (behind your teeth). This tightens the area under your chin (bye-bye double chin) while keeping the lips relaxed.

3. The "Sultry Stare" (The Chin Down)

• Chin Down: Drop your chin an inch.
• Eyes Up: Look up through your lashes. This makes the eyes appear larger and more dominant. It creates an immediate sense of intimacy and power.

4. Micro-Movements

In the age of 4K and 8K cameras, you don't need to make massive changes.

• Tilt: A 1-inch tilt of the head changes the light on your cheekbones.
• Glance: Look away from the lens, then snap your eyes back to it. This captures the fresh energy of "connection."
• Eyebrows: Lift one slightly. Furrow them for intensity. Relax them for softness.

5. Catching the Light

Your face is a landscape of shadows and highlights. You need to know where the light is.

• Chin Up: If the light is above you (common in studios), lifting your chin reduces shadows under the eyes and nose.
• Profile: Turning to the side highlights the jawline and nose profile. Ensure your eye on the far side is still visible (or fully hidden) — avoid the "cyclops" look where the nose cuts off the eye.

Exercises for the Mirror

1. The Compass: Look North, South, East, West without moving your head.
2. The Vowels: Silently mouth A, E, I, O, U to stretch and relax facial muscles.
3. The Zombie: Let your face go completely dead/slack, then slowly introduce emotion into just the eyes.

Conclusion

Your face tells the story. If you're thinking about your grocery list, the camera will see it. If you're thinking about ruling the world, the camera will see that too.

Capture your best angles with Mayhem. Check our portfolio to see these techniques in action.