I had the pleasure of working with ▫️VADIM DAVYDOV. Vadim asked me if I would allow him to coach me on my expressions during a headshot photo shoot.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into. After having my hair and makeup done professionally, I arrived wearing a tank top, jeans, and flip flops.
I thought I would change into one of my outfits before he started snapping pictures. Nope.
He asked me to sit and do what I would normally do in front of the camera… he started shooting (bottom right).
Next, he asked me to SCREAM. “You want me to do what? I can’t do that.” “SCREAM. Yes you can!” I tried, nothing came out. I was afraid to let go. “SCREAM.” I mustered a tiny yelp. “LOUDER”… “LOUDER”… “LIKE YOU MEAN IT!” (Me laughing, bottom left).
Then he went through the process of deconstructing my faux smile… the one I had perfected over decades. The one I was very attached to and wanted the world to see, but wasn’t coming from a genuine place.
“From the inside, think of excitement. Only allow your eyes to show it. Relax your mouth. Open your left eye, squint your right.” (Bottom middle).
Top picture, one of the final headshot images. Much more natural.
Great experience! Thank you, Vadim!
