I’ve been photographing people for over 20 years, and there’s one thing I see over and over again, something that 80% of your portrait clients do the moment you raise your camera to their face…
They lift their heads up.
It’s instinctual. As soon as they’re in front of a lens, they tilt their chin slightly upward. And while they may think it makes them look more confident or avoid a double chin, what it actually does is break the connection with the camera and ultimately, the viewer. Sometimes the chin angled up too much, can project slight arrogance and lack connection to the viewer.
Why This Happens
Most people are worried about having a double chin. Of course no one wants that, but there are techniques such as the emu stretched out neck that will avoid the double chin, while still maintaining a downward angle toward the camera. Or if the photographer is shooting from a slightly’above’ higher angle this will also help the double chin disappear.
The In-camera Fix: Directing the Chin Down
One of the most effective and subtle ways to create more connection in a portrait is by directing your client to bring their chin slightly down. When their head is tilted even just a few degrees downward, their eyes naturally align with the lens, drawing the viewer in. This small adjustment makes all the difference in creating an engaging, compelling image. Even if you need to continually remind your client to angle down, its worth it to have the collection of images that are more engaging. Not everyone will get it the first time.
The Impact of Eye Contact
When the subject’s gaze meets the lens directly, it establishes an immediate emotional connection with the viewer. The portrait feels more personal, engaging, and intentional. This is especially important in branding and corporate photography, where eye contact conveys confidence and approachability.
How to Coach Your Clients
Since this is such a common habit, I find myself reminding clients of this adjustment multiple times throughout a session. Here’s how I guide them:
- Set the expectation early – Before you even start shooting, let them know that keeping their chin slightly down will create a stronger portrait.
- Demonstrate it – Show them the difference between a chin-up vs. chin-down posture so they can see how it changes the feel of the image.
- Use verbal cues – Instead of just saying, “Chin down,” guide them with softer cues like, “Bring your gaze toward me” or “Lower your head just a little.” Push your chin out and lean slightly toward the camera.
- Check in frequently – Throughout the session, gently remind them as needed. Most people will revert to old habits, so it’s all about continuous, natural corrections.
Lighting Set up
A simple starting point for corporate headshots that will get you 80% good result is placing one large or medium softbox (whatever you own) higher than the subject. So above the client’s nose so that the shadow lightly falls under the chin, creating a flattering shadow and therefore giving the illusion of a sculptured jawline.
You can have a second light on the opposite side of the first light- to use as a “fill light” and fill in any of the shadows. Set the power of the second light lower power so it’s just filling in the shadows and allowing for not completely flat light, we still want “modelling” around the face to give it shape. If you want access to my full gear list grab it free here.
If you don’t have multiple light set up, an alternative would be to use a large reflector close to the client’s body to fill in the light. You can find a whole range of reflectors here on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Great portraits are about more than just lighting and posing they’re about connection. By training your clients to bring their chin slightly down, you ensure that their portraits feel engaging and authentic. It’s a simple but powerful tweak that will instantly elevate your photography.
So next time you’re behind the camera, keep an eye out for that instinctual chin lift and guide your clients into a more connected, compelling pose.
