• Relax and be natural: Start by relaxing your facial muscles and adopting a natural posture. Tension and stiffness can negatively affect your expression. Take a few deep breaths before the shoot to help you relax.

• Smile with your eyes: A genuine smile can make your headshot look approachable and friendly. Focus on smiling with your eyes, known as the "Duchenne smile." It involves engaging the muscles around your eyes, creating a warm and authentic expression.

• Consider the purpose and context: Different professions and settings may require specific expressions. For example, a corporate headshot may call for a more serious and professional expression, while a headshot for an actor or artist might allow for a broader range of emotions. Understand the purpose of the headshot and the image you want to project.

• Practice in front of a mirror: Spend some time in front of a mirror practicing various expressions. Experiment with different smiles, slight variations in eyebrow positioning, and eye contact. Observe how different facial movements convey different emotions and select the one that suits your desired look.

• Pay attention to your body language: Your facial expression should be complemented by your body language. Keep your posture upright and confident. Avoid slouching or crossing your arms, as this can convey a negative or closed-off impression.

• Work with a professional photographer: A skilled photographer experienced in capturing headshots can provide valuable guidance and feedback. They can help you relax, suggest poses and expressions, and capture your best features. Collaborating with a professional can significantly enhance the outcome of your headshot.

• Review and adjust: During the photoshoot, review the images periodically. Discuss with the photographer to see if any adjustments are needed in your expression or pose. This iterative process allows you to fine-tune your headshot and ensure you're conveying the desired message.

1. The Nose

In professional headshot photography, the nose can make a big difference in how a subject's face is perceived.

• Angle Awareness: The angle of the nose in relation to the camera can significantly influence the overall look of the photo. A straight-on shot may flatten the nose, while a side shot can accentuate it.

• Focus and Lighting: Applying soft lighting to reduce harsh shadows can create a more pleasing and natural look, especially for subjects with prominent noses. Also, focusing on the eyes rather than the nose can create a sense of depth.

2. The Eyes

Eyes are often called the windows to the soul, and for good reason.

They are the most expressive part of the face.

• Eye Contact: Direct eye contact with the camera can create a powerful connection with the viewer. This can make the subject seem more approachable and trustworthy.

• Catchlights: The tiny reflections of light in your subject's eyes, known as catchlights, can add life and sparkle. Ensure the light source creates a flattering catchlight.

3. The Lips

Lips can express subtle emotions that can significantly enhance a photo.

• Natural Expression: Encourage a relaxed, natural expression. A forced smile can create tension around the lips making the image look contrived.

• Highlighting and Shadowing: You can use light and shadow to accentuate the shape of the lips. A soft light source can help bring out the texture and color of the lips, creating a more engaging photo.

5. Facial Structure

The overall structure of the face - including the shape of the face, cheekbones, and jawline - plays a crucial role in capturing the perfect headshot.

• Highlighting Features: Use lighting and angle adjustments to highlight and accentuate strong features. For instance, a side-lighting setup can help emphasize strong cheekbones or a defined jawline.

• Downplaying Features: Similarly, you can use lighting and angles to downplay any features that the subject might be self-conscious about.

6. Face Shape

Face shape is essential in professional headshot photography. It affects light, shadows, and the overall balance of the image. Identify your subject's face shape - round, square, oval, heart, diamond, or rectangle - to determine the best framing and lighting techniques.

• Round Faces: For round faces, it's best to create some angles with lighting and pose. Positioning the light source to the side can introduce some shadows that add depth and make the face appear slightly slimmer. Additionally, a three-quarter pose can help create a more elongated appearance.

• Square Faces: Square faces typically have a strong jawline and equally broad forehead. Using a lower camera angle can help soften the jawline, and side lighting can create some appealing shadows and highlights.

• Oval Faces: Oval faces are balanced and proportionate, and often work well with most angles and lighting setups. However, beware of shooting from a high angle, as it can make the face appear longer.

• Heart Faces: Heart-shaped faces are characterized by a wider forehead and cheekbones, and a narrow chin. A straight-on pose usually works best for this face shape to highlight the symmetry. You can use a soft, even light to avoid creating shadows that might over-emphasize the width of the forehead or the narrowness of the chin.

• Diamond and Rectangle Faces: Both these face shapes benefit from lighting that softens the angles and doesn't over-emphasize the length. A butterfly lighting setup, where the main light is placed in front of the subject and slightly above their eye level, can be an excellent option.