📸✨ It’s fascinating how something as simple as a look can evolve into a worldwide phenomenon. For years, I worked as a model, and I quickly realized that the typical “wide-eyed look” just didn’t cut it. It lacked the confidence and intrigue that a powerful photograph demanded. Yet, in the bustling photography studios of New York, photographers rarely coached their subjects on this crucial detail. I knew there was something missing, something that could transform an ordinary shot into an extraordinary one. And that’s when the magic word entered my life: “squinch.”

🌟 The Birth of the Squinch

It all started with a desire to make my subjects look confident, a quality I knew was rooted in the eyes. I would constantly tell people to squint, but it was never quite right. Some would overdo it, while others wouldn’t grasp the concept at all. I found myself repeatedly saying, “squint, squint, squint!”—a word that echoed more than any other in my studio. The intention was clear: I wanted to capture that elusive look of confidence, the kind that radiates from within.

Then, in 2012, my young daughter, who was just nine at the time, unknowingly coined a term that would change everything. She playfully said, “Dad, it’s not a squint; it’s a squinch!” And just like that, the word stuck. It was perfect. Unlike a squint, which is often an involuntary reaction to bright light or discomfort, a squinch is a subtle, intentional narrowing of the lower eyelids that conveys thoughtfulness and confidence. It’s that look we give when we’re deep in conversation, fully engaged, and truly present.

🌍 A Global Phenomenon

The impact of the squinch was immediate. Once I started coaching my clients on this technique, my work began to stand out in ways I had never imagined. It wasn’t long before the buzz around the squinch caught the attention of major media outlets. In what seemed like a whirlwind, I found myself featured on Good Morning America, a defining moment in my career.

The experience was surreal. The correspondent sent to cover the story was none other than Sarah Haynes, a client whose headshot I had taken years earlier. Sarah, a prominent figure in American morning shows, was a joy to work with, and having her cover my story felt like a full-circle moment. The feature brought the squinch into the spotlight, and from there, things took off.

The recognition didn’t stop there. My work began to gain traction not just nationally, but internationally. As more and more photographers adopted the squinch, it became a global trend. My studios in New York and LA were thriving, and the world of photography was buzzing with excitement. It was incredible to see how a simple concept, born from a desire to capture confidence, had resonated with so many.

🎞️ A Journey Through Old Negatives

Reflecting on this journey, I often find myself thinking about the early days, back when I first fell in love with photography. I remember the exact moment I decided to become a photographer—it was the year 2000. I had been dabbling with cameras since 1998, but it wasn’t until I bought my first serious camera that I knew I was ready to start a business.

The memories of those days are preserved in countless negatives, some of which I’ve only recently rediscovered. One of my favorite finds is a negative of a selfie my wife and I took in our first apartment. The apartment was tiny, with a southern-facing window that provided the perfect light for shooting. I processed all my own black and white film in that small space and would spend weekends in New Jersey, printing in a darkroom I had set up in my mom’s basement. Those were magical times, filled with creativity and passion.

Rediscovering these old negatives has been like opening a time capsule. Each one is a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown as an artist. From that first apartment to opening studios in New York and LA, to gaining worldwide recognition for a simple look—it’s been an incredible journey. The squinch might have started as a word my daughter casually invented, but it became the key to unlocking a new level of expression in photography. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.