Camera-directed gaze

Both eyes and pupils face forward, carrying the gaze to the viewer.

Visual traits

• Forward-facing pupils
• Both eyes readable
• Frontal face

Expected changes

• Pupils are more likely to face forward
• Both eyes are more likely to be visible

Definition

A camera-directed gaze turns the pupils toward the front of the image, making direct eye contact with the viewer. It does not include a smile, expression, body pose, or subject identity.

In more detail

With a frontal face and visible pupils, the subject appears to attend to the viewer outside the frame. This covers gaze only, so intimacy, challenge, sadness, and other meanings are specified separately. It is distinct from profile views, closed eyes, and looking out of frame.

Includes

• Pupils facing the camera
• A person or animal whose eyes are readable from the front

Excludes

• Gaze directed sideways or downward
• Closed eyes
• A subject whose face is obscured

What this does not imply

• A smile or friendliness
• A particular gender or age
• A fully front-facing body

Variability

The head or body may angle slightly as long as the pupils face forward.

Usage

• Keep pupils and both eyes visible

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify expression separately

Typical uses

• Create a subject attending to the viewer
• Make the face a focal point

Possible failure modes

• Pupils turn sideways
• One eye is hidden
• Eyes close