Inside the booth
Study one visible gesture across a strip
Build a portrait around a small change.
A raised eyebrow or slight smile can carry a sequence when the framing stays consistent.
Keep the baseline steady
Use a comfortable distance and a simple background. Choose a gesture you can make naturally, then vary it gently. Check that eyes and face remain readable. Avoid turning the exercise into a demand to perform a particular emotion or a claim about the sitter’s personality.
Review at normal size
Look at the completed strip without enlarging every frame separately. If the change disappears at the intended size, try a slightly clearer version or choose another gesture. Keep a sequence that the person likes rather than one selected solely because the helper thinks it looks technically dramatic.