Most of us don’t like being in front of the camera because the self-conscious side of us says we’re not attractive enough to be in photos. Well, portrait photographer Peter Hurley tells us that we are all beautiful people but the secret to looking really photogenic is through something he dubbed the “Squinch,” which all his models use.
The reason why people don’t look photogenic, according to Hurley, is that they immediately put on a “deer in the headlights” look when a camera is pointed at them. That wide-eyed look is caused by fear and uncertainty, he says. So he developed a method called the Squinch, which is kind of like squinting but not. We have no proof that he invented this, but let’s just take his word for it.
So, how do you make a Squinch? First, you have to relax the muscles around your eyes; tightening them would make a squint. Next, lightly lower the top eyelid ever so slightly. But the key to a good Squinch is learning to use the ligaments to push up the bottom lid, which is the harder part to achieve. It’ll take some practice in front of the mirror, but Hurley says doing will make a difference in how you look in photos. Combine this with his method for the perfect jawbone, and you’ll look like any supermodel. Well, sort of.
It’s easier to see it demonstrated than reading about it, so check out Hurley’s video below.
(Images via Peter Hurley Photography)
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