I got these shots taken in December. Out of the 6 I posted here, I am primarily using the 1st two (1 theatrical and 1 commercial). The others I use on occasion... but are mostly here for comparison.

I chose those 2 based on opinions of friends (some actors/directors/models, some not). And out of the friends that are not in the business, I told them what to look for.

The thing is, the more I use these shots, the more I see things about them that I'm not too sure about anymore. So I'm curious to get some input from you all.

Thanks!

Primary Theatrical


Primary Commercial

Not awful, not great- just there. I see a great character actor look, though. I would like to see the glasses shots with brighter colors and some more spark. They all seem a little muted in tone to me and I think there's something in you that needs to POP. Really play up that quirky thing you got going on. But not awful at all, the shots. A little amateur. Are they?

I like the 4th best for theatrical actually, if it wasn't for that darned tattoo..
Noticable tattoos are a bad idea for this game, folks!!!

Hi Pauly,

If you've read my many posts on the importance of lighting, here's another example of it's impact.

I'd like you to to critique your own headshots through the eyes of a professional photographer... ready?

The basic problem with all of these has to do with CONSISTENCY. Or more specifically, the lack of it. This is the most common problem with using natural light. As you scroll down, notice how the lighting on your face changes dramatically-- the first taken in shade, then progressing to window light, all combining to create a diverse selection of looks and moods, but due to the photographer's lack of control of the light source, unfortunately giving all of these an irreparably amateur appearance.

On the subject of tattoos for actors, I've written dozens of posts on the subject, all pretty much on the negative side. Glasses, the same thing. However you're a character type (a la, Seth Green), so for a few looks, I don't see that as a major issue. For use as your primary headshot, not. Just be sure to remove those distracting reflections in Photoshop before using them.

In short, these will do in the short term, but look to get them re-done professionally when you can afford to.

www.robertkim.com

How do you post pictures on your thread it won't let me post more than one and then says my picture is to big????

quote:

Originally posted by miss stone:
...A little amateur. Are they?

Well... as it turns out... kind of(?). The photographer was recommended to me by one of my agencies.

quote:

Originally posted by FaithLove:
Noticable tattoos are a bad idea for this game, folks!!!

No doubt! I don't use those shots all too much at all. And I have several more from the role that are usable as well. In fact, these are probably the most contrasting out of the bunch. I just chose these cause that's what I have on this computer. And all I wanted to show the inconsistencies throughout the same session.

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim:
...

Great input and straight to the point as usual. Thank you!


Here's the thing, I paid $250 for that session. Out of a couple roles, 75 or so were "useable". The photographer was originally going to shoot in a studio, but decided on natural light instead. I'm not sure why. Maybe because it was a nice overcast that day(?). I dunno.

However, I do feel that the angles, distances, and frame sizes are pretty good. Plus, I think the photographer was good at being able to catch my personality.

Now, the headshots I had before this had much better and more consistent lighting. But I looked like a stone and there was very little divergence in the angles. I was a little upset about that too because a couple people (actors) recommended that photographer.

But whatever... it is what it is at this point. As a (primarily) theatre actor, shot #1 is what I use over 80% of the time. So no one really has to witness the inconsistencies in the entire session.

I'm just glad that my concern is not just me being a perfectionist.

quote:

Originally posted by Takeninhislove:
How do you post pictures on your thread it won't let me post more than one and then says my picture is to big?

Firstly, I resized my pictures to 300 pixels wide... so they're much smaller. Then, I uploaded them to Photobucket (or whatever hosting site you prefer). Then I linked them from Photobucket using the linking code Photobucket provides for each picture.

Paul,

Are these headshots getting you called in for auditions? If they are, why fix something that isn't broken?

Ken

Hi Paul
I actually like your theatrical you are using. It seems open and approachable. And it is a very clear view of your face, no weird shadows or things like that.
Why do you use glasses for the commercials but not the theatricals?
Cheers.
b

quote:

Originally posted by PaulyWally:
Now, the headshots I had before this had much better and more consistent lighting. But I looked like a stone and there was very little divergence in the angles. I was a little upset about that too because a couple people (actors) recommended that photographer.

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a taking effective headshots, but certainly not the ONLY aspect.

If your previous photographer didn't provide you with the looks that you needed (and paid for), then he got only HALF of the equation right. A good photographer must be adept at ALL aspects of your headshot session, good lighting being only one of them.

On the issue of going with your agent's or actor friends' recommendations for headshot photographers, that's a little like playing Russian Roulette. If you're lucky and your friends know what they're talking about, you'll get great results. If not, the results can be catastrophic. If you value your money, the next time you research a photographer you'll meet them in person and put in the required homework to insure you don't get burned again. And you can only accomplish the task my comparing as many photographers' work as possible, side-by-side.

I WOULD NOT use picture #1. as your primary headshot, Pauly. It is the equivalent of a bad mug shot and does you no justice. If you're serious about taking your career to the next level, part of that game plan must include getting flattering, professional headshots.

www.robertkim.com
View our “Before & After” Headshots
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647/

Two is really nice. The third one makes you look like Daniel Tammet, a famous autistic savant.

.

quote:

Originally posted by KITTYCAT:
.

You'll have to learn to project better than that if you want to act.

quote:

Originally posted by barbarab:
Why do you use glasses for the commercials but not the theatricals?

I don't like to use the shots with the black rimmed glasses very often because there is too much glare. As for shots #1 and #2, I didn't set out to select one with glasses and one without. The consensus just happened to be that those were the best shots out of the bunch.

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim:
I WOULD NOT use picture #1. as your primary headshot, Pauly. It is the equivalent of a bad mug shot and does you no justice. If you're serious about taking your career to the next level, part of that game plan must include getting flattering, professional headshots.

Wow. I'm kind of surprised that you feel that strongly against it. Not that I necessarily disagree, but I've received a lot of positive (non-technical) feedback on it. i.e. - I displayed a lot of personality with my eyes, a lot of confidence, a positive energy, a bit of mysteriousness, etc.

Things that make me go hmmm...

You don't list your hometown, but in any major market these would not be considered competitive, professional headshots.

btw, I just noticed that you registered on March 25th, my birthday. Kind of syncronistic. .

quote:

The thing is, the more I use these shots, the more I see things about them that I'm not too sure about anymore. So I'm curious to get some input from you all.

Let me help you clear it up. Get new ones. But first, get a good handle on your casting, and make sure you nail it in the shots. I always wonder what people think their casting is when they put up these head shots. I would be curious to hear what you think your casting is. I'm not picking on you, I just think it would be really helpful, and you are a good example.

I mean really, is there anything more important, when getting head shots done, than REALLY understanding what your casting is?