Squinting is a GOOD thing
When reviewing photos with clients smiling during their session, a very common reaction that I get when showing them a genuine smile photo is, “oh, my eyes look closed - I need to open them up!”
Granted, at first glance, squinting eyes may seem like a problem - they could be perceived as a sign of discomfort, or they’re being blinded by the lights in their face.
However, when you look past what appears to be a bad thing, we realize that squinting can add an element of authenticity to photographs.
You see, when you fake smile in front of the camera - and I know we’ve all been there more than once - your facial muscles stretch across your face, leaving your eyes unengaged and wide open.
When inspired to present the camera with a genuine smile, more facial muscles are engaged because your mouth is moving upwards, which pushes the cheeks towards your eyes.
It’s this movement of the cheeks upwards that appears to close your eyes and gives them that squinted look.
It’s a more genuine expression, and for business owners who are in the business of building relationships with those they serve, it’s also a more flattering one, too.
I mean, think about it.
When you see a photo of someone smiling while clearly forcing their eyes open at the same time, what is the impression that you receive from that shot?
I don’t know about you, but it makes me feel uncomfortable looking at that. It’s not a great representation of the confident, approach, likable and trustworthy you.
When you allow yourself to naturally smile and squint in the process, that connects with people more deeply, and is a more appealing visual than when you plaster a fake smile across your face in front of the camera.
So next time you find yourself squinting in a photo, remember it’s not a mistake to be corrected but an opportunity - an opportunity to be real, to connect with your audience, and to tell a more compelling visual story.
After all, in order to be yourself, you need to look like yourself in your photos, squints and all.