A Few Inches can make a huge difference in a Headshot

I’m often directing clients to position their bodies and heads in different directions, angles, and looks to create looks that draw the viewer into the image, and creates the impression my client wants. Sometimes a turn of the body, or the face can make a significant difference. And often it’s the slightest of movements that create the best look.

If you’ve ever seen actors pose for photographers, you’ll immediately notice they look directly into the camera and angle their heads down – and the photographers often are shooting at around the level of the subject’s chin. The resulting look is more engaging and powerful (sometimes referred to as a hero look).

In the example below, the image on the left has Daniel’s head tilted slightly higher vs. the image on the right (yes the expressions are slightly different as well). The image on the left feels as if he’s looking just slightly over the viewers head. On the other hand the image on the right feels like he’s looking directly at you (as the viewer), with an engaging look. The difference in head position is only an inch or two, but the look is very different. It’s just a matter of inches!