It’s all in the eyes.
If you’re in the market for a new job or simply want to build a portfolio of personal branding images to use to promote you and your business, you have to look confident. Here’s one big tip: confidence comes from the eyes.
If you have a wide-eyed, deer-caught-in-the-headlights look, the image won’t work for you. People form opinions in less than a second based on your image. If you look frightened, or if your brow is furrowed so you look angry, they’ll pass you by and not consider you trustworthy.
I’ve worked with countless clients over the years to show them exactly how to work their eyes so it draws in the viewer and instills confidence.
As humans, we don’t naturally walk around our world thinking much about what we do with our eyes, other than see. But when you’re in front of a camera, it’s something that I’ll coach you on. The good news is that it takes very little practice and will pay big dividends.
Here’s the secret sauce: It’s called the Squinch.
The term was trademarked by photographer Peter Hurley. It’s the combination of two words: squint and pinch. In more technical terms, it means slightly raising your palpebral ligament in the lower eyelid toward your pupil. Some folks call it “smizing” because it’s what we naturally do when we’re smiling or laughing. You get that twinkle in your eye.
The eyes show our genuine happiness in that moment. It’s that look that will captivate people and draw them in. More importantly, it will subliminally demonstrate you as someone at the top of your game.
During a headshot session at my Boise portrait photography studio, I’ll coach you throughout. I will be your mirror during the entire session and ensure you are getting captured in a genuine, authentic, inviting way.
Once we’ve nailed down the squinch, I’ll make sure you’re coupling it with a relaxed, natural smile. You don’t want something overly eager. You don’t want a grimace or frown. You’ll have a nice, simple smile that when combined with a squinch provides that powerful combination of confidence and approachability.
I’ve spent years studying this stuff and I’m passionate about it. I want every one of my headshot and portrait clients to leave each session feeling, yes, confident. I want them to feel empowered. And I want them to show the world what rock stars they truly are!
Book a headshot, personal branding or portrait session at my Boise photography studio and see the results for yourself!
