When is comes to headshot photography, one thing that can truly make your portraits pop is jawline definition. I'm talking about that sharp, confident look that grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression. Throughout my career I have honed in a few techniques that help in achieving a defined jawline in my headshot photography and in this post I'll share some of my secrets.
Years ago, I shared a video on YouTube detailing my approach, which garnered a lot of attention. While the principles from that video remain relevant and are still integral to my work today, I've since refined and expanded upon them, drawing from my extensive experience teaching workshops worldwide.
You can view the original video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe3oJnFtA_k
Understanding the Importance of the Jawline
Let's get one thing straight – jawline definition matters in any type of portraiture, especially headshots. It's not just about looking good; it's about exuding confidence and professionalism in your headshots. When you nail that jawline, your subject commands attention and makes a statement that says, "I mean business."
Techniques for Jawline Definition
Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how to achieve that jawline perfection.
Posture: Stand tall, shoulders back, and chin up – that's the mantra. Imagine you're being pulled up by a string from the top of your head. This elongates the neck and sets the stage for that jawline to shine.
Chin Positioning: Push that chin forward and slightly down. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but trust me, it's worth it. This subtle adjustment minimizes any pesky double chins and accentuates the jawline like nothing else.
Lighting: Soft, diffused lighting is your best friend. It minimizes harsh shadows and highlights those facial contours, making your jawline pop like never before. Pay attention to your angles too – shooting upward slightly below eye level, around shoulder height, elongates the neck and really makes that jawline stand out.
Practical Application
Now, let's talk about putting these techniques into action. When you're working with clients, giving direction is key. Don't be afraid to show how them what you're looking for with visual examples and get hands-on to adjust their posture and chin positioning. Trust me, they'll thank you when they see the final result.
Bonus Tips
The video below contains a few more tips that I've come up with over the years that expand on the concepts in the original jawline video. Most importantly, you need to pay attention to details such as those pesky sternocleidomastoid tendons.
https://vimeo.com/117696772
Overcoming Challenges
Mastering jawline definition isn't always a walk in the park. Sometimes, clients might struggle to maintain the right posture or positioning. That's where patience and humor come in. Keep things light, give them some encouragement, and before you know it, they'll be striking that perfect pose like a pro.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks – a few of my secrets to unlocking jawline definition mastery in headshot photography. With the right techniques and a little bit of practice, you'll be capturing head-turning portraits that demand attention and leave a lasting impression. So go ahead, rock your headshot game like never before, and let's see those jawlines pop!
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