A recent US study showed that 'subtle differences' or what we call micro expressions of the same face can evoke different perceptions about the person on the photo (http://www.itbdigital.com/opinion/2014/08/01/is-your-headshot-making-the-wrong-impression). Our experience with headshots certainly follows the findings of this article. Those tiny changes in the facial muscles, a few degrees of a head tilt, or even the slight movement of the chin may not sound significant but it creates a big difference on the photo.
The photographer should be able to bring these out and he or she should have the eye to see what looks good. The right micro expressions may take some time to bring out but with a bit of patience and proper rapport towards the client, a good photo can turn out to be better than the client has ever imagined. The photos you will see below were a result of a deliberate action to draw out those micro expressions.
Let's take the photo below. Some photographers will probably stop and feel that the photo on the left is already fine. But notice that a few degrees of a head tilt, a slight squint on the eyes and a showing more of a smile, the photo went from good to great.
The next photo does not show much of a change. But note the brow action on the right side. Again, the photo went from something ok to something more engaging with just a slight raise of the eyebrows.
Those micro expressions will not come automatically. It takes skill, patience and the eye for those slight changes that brings the headshot expression to a whole new level.
Note: Identity Headshots was formerly called Fotojorno.
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