Modelling – Why Eye Contact Matters
In modelling, how effective an image is massively revolves around the model’s ability to connect with the camera. Even models with ideal body types and vast knowledge of poses can fail to make a visual impact if their eye contact is ineffective.
Along with practising posing and working, models should also know how to manipulate their emotions through facial expressions. As practice makes perfect, mastering eye contact increases any model’s chance of producing successful images. New York Fashion has some useful tips for aspiring models perfecting their ideal model gaze. Applying these techniques to the shoot’s mood will aid in capturing powerful images.
Direct Eye Contact
Direct eye contact involves looking directly at the camera. Often times, subjects do this to establish a connection between themselves and the photographer. Direct eye contact can be used for emphasising feelings of anger, sadness, confidence or any type of emotion they wish to intensely convey to the viewers. Looking directly into the camera lens gives onlookers an insight into what the subject is thinking as the subject is aware that he or she is being photographed.
Eye Contact Between Subjects
When the subjects being photographed make eye contact with one another, the message the photo is expressing changes. While viewers are still able to get a feeling for what’s being conveyed, the interaction is no longer between them and the subjects. Instead the subject’s relationship, whether it be that of anger, friendship, love, etc. is depicted and focused on.
It’s important to note that the interaction between a photograph’s subjects does not necessarily mean that both subjects must be human. In fact, this type of eye contact, per se, can take place between a model and a prop, like book or bouquet of flowers.
No Eye Contact
Lack of eye contact, unlike direct eye contact, gives the viewer a sense of voyeurism. As the subject is not looking at the camera, it causes those looking at the image to wonder what he or she is looking at or thinking. Therefore, a sense of mystery or or feeling of longing can be felt. Looking past the camera causes observers to feel as if they’re witnessing a private moment between the model and the unknown subject.
Learning how different eye contact affects an image helps models capture the creative vision they’ve been asked to portray. From commercial to high fashion modelling, the way a model connects with the camera plays an essential role in an photo’s overall effectiveness.