What Is Expression Coaching? Understanding Facial Expressions In Headshot Photography.
Stepping in front of a camera can feel a bit intimidating—I get it, especially when we're up close and personal for a headshot.
I hear it all the time: "I'm not a model, and I don't know how to pose!" or from clients who aren't familiar with what I actually do: "You're going to tell me what to do, right?"
Most of the stress around being photographed centers on what to do with your hands or how to pose your body. But for traditional headshot photography—especially during a professional photoshoot in Oakville—this doesn't actually apply. Instead, what really matters is what we're going to do with your face.
Not many people are accustomed to controlling their facial expressions on demand, and that's perfectly okay. As one of the only headshot photographers in Oakville specializing in facial expression coaching, I'm here to guide you through the process, making it enjoyable and enlightening. In fact, people come from as far as Toronto—or have me travel to them all over Ontario—for the work I do in helping people express themselves naturally in front of the camera.
What Is Facial Expression Coaching?
Facial expression coaching is a technique in headshot photography that goes beyond simply making someone feel at ease in front of the camera—that’s just a byproduct. The real goal is to ensure that the onlooker believes the subject is confident and comfortable through their expressions. It’s about guiding subtle micro-expressions that evoke genuine emotions like trust, warmth, or authority. By reading facial cues and body language, the photographer helps the subject convey these emotions, creating a headshot that connects instantly with viewers.
This process results in images that feel authentic, allowing the subject's true personality to shine through in a way that is believable and relatable. It’s not about the subject feeling comfortable—it’s about looking comfortable and confident to anyone who sees the image.
Why Expressions Matter in Headshot Photography
It only takes a fraction of a second for someone to form a first impression based on your photo. Research published in Psychological Science found that people judge a person's trustworthiness, competence, and likability within 100 milliseconds of seeing their face. Your headshot is often the first thing potential clients or employers see, so what your face is doing matters more than you think.
A genuine smile can convey warmth and approachability, while a more serious expression might communicate confidence and professionalism. However, the "right" expression depends on your industry and the message you want to send.
Studies have shown that subtle changes in facial expressions can dramatically affect how others perceive us. For instance:
Perceptions of Trustworthiness: Research indicates that slight variations in your expression can influence whether others see you as trustworthy and capable.
Nonverbal Communication: Facial expressions play a crucial role in nonverbal cues, affecting judgments in professional contexts more than we might realize.
Tailoring Expressions to Your Professional Goals
Imagine you're a young professional entering the finance or wealth management industry. You might naturally be a very smiley person, but in this field, an overly eager grin may not convey the maturity and experience clients look for when entrusting someone with their life savings. Even if you're new to the field, projecting confidence and competence can make a significant difference.
That's not to say you shouldn't smile at all. Instead, we aim for a warm, subtle smile—one that exudes confidence without appearing unapproachable or smug. It's a delicate balance, but with coaching, we can achieve an expression that aligns with your professional objectives.
Tailoring Expressions to Your Industry
Different industries have different expectations when it comes to professional images. For example:
Legal Professionals
Clients often look for someone who appears confident and assertive. A serious expression with direct eye contact can convey authority.
Healthcare Providers
Patients want to feel at ease. A gentle smile can convey empathy and warmth.
Creative Fields
In industries like design or advertising, a more relaxed and approachable expression can showcase your creativity and openness to new ideas.
As part of our professional photoshoot at my Oakville studio, we'll discuss your industry norms and personal branding to tailor your headshots accordingly.
Understanding Micro-Expressions: Why Some Headshots Miss the Mark
Have you ever looked at a headshot and felt that something was off, even if you couldn't pinpoint why? It might be perfectly lit and composed, yet it feels stiff, uncomfortable, or forced. The secret often lies in the subtlety of micro-expressions.
The Science Behind Genuine Expressions
Our faces are super expressive. According to Dr. Paul Ekman, a pioneering psychologist studying emotions and facial expressions, humans can produce over 10,000 facial expressions. He identified seven universal micro-expressions—happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, surprise, and contempt—that are recognized across all cultures.
Micro-expressions are involuntary facial expressions that occur within a fraction of a second. They reveal genuine emotions that people might be trying to hide or are unaware of displaying. In photography, these fleeting expressions can make or break the authenticity of a headshot.
The Role of Dr. Ekman's Research
Dr. Paul Ekman's research on facial expressions has been used in fields like psychology, law enforcement, business, and healthcare, providing tools for emotion assessment, deception detection, and emotion recognition in technology.
Conscious suppression vs. Unconscious Repression
Conscious suppression occurs when you actively try to control or hide your emotions. For example, you will instinctively hold a smile in front of the camera. But it results in an unnatural expression that doesn't truly reflect who you are. It feels stiff because you’re working too hard for the camera.
Unconscious repression, on the other hand, is when emotions sneak through involuntarily. This can manifest as a brief moment of joy, surprise, or even curiosity. These moments are the golden nuggets in our session that I want.
Fear and Unconscious Repression
Fear and Conscious Suppression
Joy and Unconscious Repression
The Duchenne Smile
The Duchenne smile, named after French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne, involves activating the muscles around your mouth and your eyes. Research shows that people perceive Duchenne smiles as more genuine and attractive. We'll aim to capture these genuine smiles during our session.
Why Some Headshots Look Uncomfortable
I remember a client who came to me after a frustrating headshot experience. During a corporate headshot day at their office, the process felt more like an assembly line than a personalized photo experience.
As she described it, "The photographer took three shots—left side, right side, and centred with my arms crossed—and counted to three each time before pressing the shutter."
The photos looked stiff and didn't capture her true personality. Even with perfect lighting and composition, some headshots can still appear stiff or insincere. This often comes down to three key factors:
Conscious Effort Leads to Unnatural Expressions
When people focus too much on presenting themselves in a certain way—what psychologists call "conscious suppression"—they can unintentionally mask their natural expressions. This leads to rigid facial muscles, forced smiles, or blank stares. Instead of "unconscious repression," which happens without intention, these unnatural expressions result from actively trying to control how you appear. The disconnect between how you think you should look and how you actually feel shows up in the final image, making it seem stiff or strained.
Genuine Discomfort or Nervousness
Feelings of anxiety or unease during a photoshoot can manifest as micro-expressions of discomfort. These subtle cues can make your headshot appear awkward or stiff if you're not at ease in front of the camera. Creating a relaxed environment is crucial for allowing your authentic self to shine through.
Lack of Rapport with the Photographer
The relationship between you and the photographer plays a significant role in capturing genuine expressions. If there's a lack of connection or trust, it can be challenging to relax and express yourself naturally. A photographer who focuses solely on technical aspects without engaging with you may inadvertently contribute to stiff or uncomfortable-looking headshots.
The Expression Coaching Process
Creating a standout headshot is much more than beautiful lighting and composition. My goal is to help you feel comfortable and have fun so you can really let your personality shine through.
I want you to know that it's perfectly normal if things don't feel natural right away. Learning any new skill takes a bit of time and patience. We'll experiment with different techniques, review shots together, and adjust as we go.
This is a safe space to explore, make funny faces, laugh at ourselves, and ultimately discover expressions that feel authentic.
The coaching process involves working with you to bring out your authentic self while ensuring your professional goals are met in the final images. Here’s how we’ll work together to get those natural, genuine shots that make a lasting impression:
Understanding Your Industry and Role
Our journey begins with an in-depth conversation where I learn about your industry, role, and career stage. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging actor, understanding your unique context allows us to tailor the session to your needs. This foundational step ensures that your headshots resonate with your target audience and reflect your brand.
Body Positioning, Posture, and Language
Your body language significantly impacts the effectiveness of your facial expressions. We’ll explore various body positions and postures that enhance the potency of your expressions. Proper alignment and relaxed posture improve the overall composition and help convey the right message through your facial cues.
Prompting & Facial Posing
Effective prompting is key to capturing authentic emotions. I use two types of prompts to achieve this:
Moments of Perplexity, Novelty & Introspection: These prompts create surprising or new scenarios that elicit genuine joy and smiles. By introducing unexpected elements, we can capture spontaneous and heartfelt expressions.
Targeted Muscle Activation: Fine-tuned guidance on activating specific facial muscles helps achieve confident, serious, or subtly smiling expressions. We focus on areas like the eyes, mouth, and eyebrows to refine your look.
Image Review
Throughout the photoshoot, we review images tethered to a larger screen in real time. This allows us to refine poses, hone in on subtle details, and make immediate adjustments. Collaborative feedback ensures each shot aligns with your vision and captures the desired expression.
Image Selection
Near the end of your session, we select and discuss the best images that align with your goals and brand. I offer a variety of options to ensure you have a versatile collection for different platforms and uses. My commitment is only to sell images that serve a purpose, sometimes even advising clients against purchasing shots that don’t meet our shared standards.
It’s More Than a “Just A Headshot”, It’s A Journey of Self-Discovery
By the end of your session, you will leave with more than just great headshots—you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your own brand and how to present yourself with confidence. What's truly exciting is that this experience transcends the photos themselves.
You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how your expressions communicate with others, an awareness that extends into everyday interactions. Imagine feeling more confident not just in front of the camera, but in meetings, presentations, or social gatherings.
FAQ
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It’s all about reading the subtle cues in facial muscles and body language. I work with you in real-time, guiding the session until we capture that fleeting moment where your expression feels natural and resonates. It’s about connection, not just a mechanical shot.
When reviewing images, I go through the shots very quickly. While this may frustrate some people (and it has, trust me), it’s about finding the images that instantly connect. People make judgments in fractions of a second, so we have to view images with that same idea in mind. The shots that truly stand out will stick out like a sore thumb—those are the ones that immediately evoke a genuine emotional response.
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Yes, expression coaching is adaptable. Even in fast-paced environments, however we will still need to spend more time in front of the camera than you might expect from previous experiences with each individual.
A typical corporate headshot on location may last about 1-2 minutes per individual, with expression coaching you will want to plan for at least 10.
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Absolutely. Many people believe their natural expression may look too neutral or stern, but expression coaching helps find the right balance between authentic and approachable. The goal isn’t to force a constant smile but to bring out subtle, natural expressions that work for you.
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Cosmetic treatments like Botox can reduce the range of certain facial movements, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t able to be coached. I’ll focus more on your eyes, posture, and other expressions that still convey emotion, making the session adaptable to any situation.
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Feeling nervous is normal, and expression coaching actually thrives in these situations. Instead of relying on stiff poses, I help you relax through guided interactions, focusing on real emotions and micro-expressions that surface when you're feeling more at ease.
About Art Commisso
Art Commisso is a professional headshot photographer based in Oakville, specializing in facial expression coaching to capture authentic, impactful images. Known for his unique approach that makes every session both productive and fun, Art helps clients feel comfortable in front of the camera and discover how to present themselves confidently. Clients come from all over Ontario—from Oakville to Toronto—not only for Art's expertise in creating stunning headshots but also for the experience he provides.
