Microexpressions – understanding facial expressions of emotion

microexpressions

When one picks up a camera and decides to photograph another human being, it becomes a very personal process. Depending on the mood of the person on the other side of the lens, the results will be affected. No matter whether she is photographing adults or children, portrait photographer, Marike Herselman, is very aware of microexpressions.

This is what she has to say about understanding facial expressions of emotion …

It is my job, as a portrait photographer, to read people.  And while I don’t claim to be a profiler, I have learnt over the years the emotions portrayed through the face.

Facial Expressions

Studies have been undertaken all over the world on whether our facial expressions are culture-specific – using the same methodology that certain cultures or races will have facial and even body features which are their trademark, so would they have facial expressions native to their kind.

The likes of Darwin and a few other scientists haven’t fully qualified that theory.  However, I believe there is merit in it.

Essentially, according to studies and research, there are 7 emotions that we can express on our face.

The 7 Emotions

Anger

Contempt

Disgust

Fear

Joy

Sadness

Surprise

The study continues to compare humans with primates, and how the same facial musculature exists, therefore producing the same expressions.  (bring on Darwin’s theory of evolution)

Microexpressions

This brings me to microexpressions.  But, to explain what these are, I will start with macroexpressions.

Macroexpressions are those facial expressions we express with emotions we are not worried about revealing.  Generally we express these facial emotions easily when we are with people that we are comfortable with and they take over our entire face.  Think about laughing at a joke, expressing sadness over a movie you are watching, or that feeling of pride watching your kid ride their bike for the first time.

Microexpressions are, on the other side, harder to see.  They are the result of an emotion we generally don’t wish to have others privy to.  They last for milliseconds and it is only those with a keen eye who will see and recognise them.

Without getting into the nitty-gritty of Darwin’s thoughts on the matter, I can see the merit in knowing how to recognise and read those microexpressions.  In the case of a poker game, it would be very handy, given that everyone has a tell-tale sign when they lie.  When a wife says, “Nothings wrong” to a question from her husband, it would be very helpful if he could read her microexpression.

With photography, it can mean the difference between a successful shoot and a real mess up.  People rarely give all of themselves to strangers and for some, even to those closest to them.  When I sit with a new client, I take the time to talk to them first, and try to notice the microexpressions that flash over their face when I say certain things.

Without appearing too nosy or rude, I attempt to gather the emotional state of the subject before we begin.  It is and isn’t an exact science, and there are times when I don’t get it 100% right.  Some folk are just very good at hiding their emotions.

I do believe, though, that learning to read microexpressions in others, can help us in our everyday lives, from the office to the home, from our kids to our colleagues.  

I know it helps me to produce amazing photos and it is in those snapshot moments that I often capture those microexpressions, which really can bring out the true essence of the person.

To engage and chat about your next portrait shoot, reach out today to Marike Herselman Photography.

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Kids Connection was successfully launched in March 2006 by Wendy Beaufort for distribution to parents and teachers in the local Port Elizabeth market. The comprehensive directory for young families from newborn to 12 years, was born because, Wendy, a mom of three, understood the importance of having detailed information related to children that is aimed at assisting young families spend less time PLANNING and more time PLAYING….READ MORE

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