The Psychology of Headshots: How Facial Expressions Impact Perceptions
Remember walking into rooms filled with strangers, each wearing a mask that perfectly conceals their facial expressions? How did we navigate this sea of faces, unable to read the emotions hidden behind those masks? Now that masks are removed, suddenly, we see the joy, fear, anger, or surprise that each person is feeling. Everyone seems different, and facial expressions' power is more apparent than ever. They offer essential cues that guide our interactions and help us form impressions of others.
Whether you're a business professional, an actor, or someone looking to create a good impression, presenting yourself in a headshot can significantly impact how others perceive you. In this post, we'll explore the psychology of headshots and provide tips on projecting confidence and competence through your facial expressions.
A photograph cannot capture the voice of people, which is why it doesn't convey what they're saying. What they say can also reflect what they're thinking and feeling. However, some people use verbalization to alter, filter, or censor their expressions. According to psychologists, non-verbal communication is more revealing than verbal communication. This includes people's physical appearance, such as how they move and position themselves. In most cases, body language is unconscious, and people's actions can convey their feelings unconsciously, even when not verbalizing them. However, with a bit of practice, one can utilize the psychology of photography to create strong headshots that convey confidence, so it can help you make a great first impression, even online.
The Importance of Headshots
Your body language and facial expressions can be vital in creating a professional-looking headshot. A suitable composition and facial expression can help you capture the essence of the person you're working with. Getting a professional photo taken is very important for various reasons. An experienced photographer can help you bring out your natural expressions and make your photos look more appealing. He or she can also help you figure out how to pose correctly and create a relaxing environment. Your headshot is more than just a picture; it represents your identity, which can affect your life. Therefore, choosing a photographer who can accurately capture our body language and facial expressions is crucial.
For example, people tend to lean forward and backwards when thinking about the future and the past. The body doesn't know how to lie. Although a photograph can't capture every movement of an individual, it can still capture their essence through their body language. This allows them to reveal their feelings and thoughts at a specific moment.
First impressions are crucial when it comes to headshots. Studies have shown that people form an image of someone within seconds of meeting them. Unfortunately, that impression can be challenging to change. This is why making a good impression in your headshot is essential. You can create a lasting positive first impression by projecting confidence and competence through your facial expressions.
How people's faces are portrayed in photographs is incredibly complex and reflects their emotions. Portrait photography is popular because it allows us to see how people feel. According to psychologist Paul Ekman, people can perceive seven basic emotions using facial expressions.
Emotions on the face; examples of facial expressions
Although it's widely believed that faces can express various emotions, it still needs to be clarified if they can do more than the seven basic emotions. Even though it is difficult to ignore the complexity of facial expressions, similar to other forms of communication, the intensity of facial expressions can vary, and the seven basic patterns can be combined or matched. The seven basic emotions are the follows:
Sadness
The eyes are drooping, the inner corners of the eyebrows are rising, and the lips are pulling down.
Disgust
The nose wrinkles, the upper lip raises, and the lower lip protrudes.
Surprise
The eyebrows and upper eyelids appear to be rising. The jaw also drops open.
Happiness
The corners of one's mouth appear to lift as the corners of one's eyelids tighten. The cheeks also rise, and the brows pull back.
Fear
The eyes widen, and the upper lids rise as if surprised. The brows then draw even as the lips stretch.
Anger
Striking anger causes the upper eyelids to rise. The jaw thrusts forward, and the lips press together.
Contempt
Contempt is expressed through an asymmetrical lip curl (like a half-smirk), a dismissive or cold gaze, slight tilting back of the head, and may include dismissive gestures or rigid posture.
Portrait photography explores the nuanced emotions that people exhibit as they react to various situations. By accurately capturing these subtle facial features, you can create fascinating portraits. Full-face and 3x4 view shots are ideal for capturing these details.
Projecting Confidence Through Your Facial Expressions
Confidence is critical when it comes to headshots. You want to project confidence and competence to make others feel at ease and trust your abilities. One way to do this is through your facial expressions. A slight smile, direct eye contact, and good posture can all help to convey confidence and competence. The low confidence signals may include changes in one's gaze, eyebrow and forehead movements, and posture. On the other hand, high-confidence signals may involve direct eye contact and an upright posture.
Smiling
Smiling is one of the most effective ways to convey confidence and approachability. However, balancing a genuine smile and an overly forced one is important. A simple smile will involve the muscles around the eyes and more effectively convey positive emotions. On the other hand, a forced smile will only involve the muscles around the mouth and can come across as insincere.
Eye Contact
Direct eye contact is another essential element of projecting confidence. When you make eye contact with someone, you demonstrate that you're engaged and interested in what they say. This helps build trust and create a positive impression. Additionally, good posture can help to convey confidence and competence. For example, stand up straight with your shoulders back and your chin up to convey confidence and poise.
Head Position
A series of studies revealed that people photographed with their heads tilted downward were likelier to be leaders. They also said that these individuals were more likely to use intimidation and aggression to get their way. For the study, the researchers asked 190 participants to rate the leadership qualities of individuals who had tilted their heads. They then digitally altered the photos to remove their eyebrows. The results revealed that the angle at which the individuals' eyebrows arched was associated with perceived dominance. The tilt of the head creates a V shape with the eyebrows. This facial action unit is considered threatening, high-ranking, and influential even when an individual exhibits a neutral expression.
According to the authors of the study, the head movement of people changes the appearance of their faces in a systematic manner. They also stated that neutral faces may be less inhibited than they perceived to be. In other words, your face is likely doing much of the talking in the conference room, even if you're not saying anything.
Creating a Good Image of Yourself
When it comes to headshots, you want to create an image of yourself that is professional and approachable. This can be a delicate balance, but it's possible to achieve with the correct facial expressions. For example, a slight smile can make you appear friendly and approachable. In contrast, direct eye contact can make you appear confident and trustworthy.
It's also important to dress appropriately for the occasion. If you're taking a headshot for a job interview or professional setting, wear something appropriate for the job and industry. If you're taking a headshot for an acting portfolio, consider wearing something simple that won't detract from your face. Additionally, choose a neutral background that won't distract from your face.
The Power of Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in how we perceive others. In fact, studies have shown that up to 93% of communication is non-verbal. This means that how you present yourself in your headshot is just as important as what you say. You can convey confidence, competence, and approachability by using the right facial expressions and body language.
In addition to facial expressions, body language can also convey confidence and competence. For example, leaning forward slightly can convey interest and engagement, while crossing your arms can make you appear closed off and defensive. Be aware of your body language when taking your headshot and ensure it conveys the right facial expressions and body language; you can convey confidence, competence, and approachability.
Perfecting Your Headshot: Tips and tricks
Now that you understand the psychology behind headshots, let's look at some tips for creating a great one. First, choose a neutral background that won't distract from your face. Second, dress appropriately for the occasion. Third, practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror to see what looks best. Finally, ensure you're well-rested and relaxed before your photo shoot. This will help you project the right emotions in your facial expressions.
In conclusion, headshots are important for creating a positive first impression. By understanding the psychology behind facial expressions and non-verbal communication, you can create a professional and approachable image of yourself. So next time you need a headshot, remember to smile, make direct eye contact, and project confidence and competence through your facial expressions.
References:
https://www.bookyourheadshot.net/the-power-of-perception-why-your-headshot-matters-more-than-you-think/
Pichel, B. (2016). From facial expressions to bodily gestures: Passions, photography and movement in French 19th-century sciences. History of the Human Sciences, 29(1), 27-48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4748540/
Duchenne, G. B., & de Boulogne, G. B. D. (1990). The mechanism of human facial expression. Cambridge university press.
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/how-facial-features-influence-perceptions-of-professional-dominance.html
https://truecenterpublishing.com/photopsy/body_language.htm
