Dallas headshots: to Squinch or not to Squinch
What is a squinch and when you get your headshot taken (for work, for LinkedIN, for modeling or acting, etc.), should squinch you or not?
A squinch is when you KINDA squint, but not really. In a squint you narrow your eyes — both the top and bottom lid. But in a SQUINCH, you just raise the bottom of your eye up a bit. This has a very interesting effect — it makes it look like you are really, intensely looking at the viewer. And that, in turn, makes the casting director or other viewer feel more of a connection with you… or should I say, with your headshot.
And that, in turn — that sense of connection — results in more contacts, call-backs, deals signed, bookings. More success. More money.
This is why, working with a professional headshot photographer, one who knows how to help you squinch, turns your headshot from an expense into an investment.
A squinch is different than a squint. You know how Clint Eastwood has like this perpetual squint. What that does is NARROW the eyes, but (and this is key), a suinch just raises (narrows?) the lower part of they eyes. This way the eye is not all closed. So you can still see the eye with the squinch.
And seeing the eyes is what give the viewer that all-important sense of connection.
In contrast to the squinch are wide-eyed headshots. Again, it is about the eyes, and again, it is about a sense of connection with the viewer. Fully open eyes create a more youthful / innocent type of look. It looks more authentic and vulnerable, whereas the squinch is more intense, and can easily veer into looking mean or even angry — which may or may not be the effect you want.
In both styles, the headshot is looking right at you and both styles deliver a their own kind of connection, and both can be beautiful. But when carefully done, the squinch delivers the more focused and intentional stare, however — making it more emotionally intense.
As a Dallas headshot photographer who helps many models, actors and actresses kickstart their careers, I have decades of refined distinctions around posing you to look your exact best. It may look casual, but I’m exceptional in that what I provide is actually precise and intentional. I’m not about to leave your success to chance!
I consider it my job to show you in your best light. And, in addition to the technicalities of lighting and exposure and lens selection and seeings, yes, I can help you get both “squinch” and regular headshots. There is not one single answer. Yes, some faces are going to lend themselves decidedly more to the side of squinch vs non-squinch attitude. Let’s say the ‘rugged’ male actor with face stubble, for example. Often the squinch works well for this type of image.
But the entire purpose of acting or modeling headshots is NOT to show just one thing (one style, one persona), but to convey to the casting director the RANGE of moods and characters you can convincingly play. So, while the squinch delivers are more intensed and fozused gaze that might even be mean or upset-looking in some instances, that may or may not be the right image to use for your specific professional Dallas headshots.
So now you know (1) what the squinch is, (2) a squinch can be very subtle or dramatic, and (3) how to spot a squinch. Now apply this knowledge, go to your mirror and train yourself to subtly tense your lower eyelid to squinch at will!
I’m more than a savvy photographer; I’m your “image consultant” for a specific audience — the casting directors that determine which roles you get approved for and how much money you make as a result. The wise actor will understand this and choose to invest in the BEST headshots they can possibly get. www.HeadShotPros.com
Credit: the “squinch” was coined by photographer, Peter Hurley.
