What do you think?

Or the black and white?

This photographer has excellent technique.

It's perfectly lit, but it's leaning more toward the stylized end of the headshot spectrum that would lend itself to more fashion-oriented work, but certainly useful for some theatrical applications. For acting, I'd like to see him in a far less formalized situation as well, and in less constrictive wardrobe befitting his age.

Your son's long hair places him in a very specific category. Long hair is always a "two-edged sword" -- it can help him land hipper, edgier parts, but leave him out of contention for more mainstream roles. Anytime you go to extremes, this is will be the inevitable result. In the "plus" column however, your son looks great with long hair, and whenever a CD is specifically looking for his type, he's a shoo-in. It works both ways.

Black-and-White headshots are no longer used.

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647/

Thank you. I'll be getting the rest of our pics back from the photographer within the next week and there are a couple that are more relaxed and casual.

It looks like Brian also has a great commercial look. With that lovely hair, you might want to try and get a super-smiling, "I wanna buy something from that guy," shot.

I think these are terrible. Did his manager approve these? Your son is adorable, but both his long hair and the style of these pix age him, and I'd think you want to be able to focus on 18 tpy. That ain't gonna happen with these shots. Seriously--did your manager like these? And what photographer dare even give you a b/w print? is this from that photographer that makes everyone look like a soap star/barbie doll with a ton of makeup?

quote:

Originally posted by AnitaLoos1:
I think these are terrible. Did his manager approve these? Your son is adorable, but both his long hair and the style of these pix age him, and I'd think you want to be able to focus on 18 tpy. That ain't gonna happen with these shots. Seriously--did your manager like these? And what photographer dare even give you a b/w print? is this from that photographer that makes everyone look like a soap star/barbie doll with a ton of makeup?

"TERRIBLE"?

That's a strong word. Strictly from a professional lighting standpoint, "AnitaLoos1," I'd like to hear your reasons for posting such a damning review of this photograph. I already requested "bcoleman" to show us other, younger choices from this shoot, which she has already agreed to provide. But using the word "terrible" doesn't quite describe this photograph. There's a huge difference between, "terrible" and "inappropriate." I don't think you know the difference. For certain applications, this headshot is quite good.

I await your reply, and please leave out the drama and negative histrionics this time -- just stick to the technical, objective problems you've observed in this young man's headshot. Be specific.

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647

my immediate reaction to this shot was "vampire" hehe I know i know, he's not a vampire, but it immediately made me think of lestat and a very young vampire brad pitt. maybe a character in jekyll and hyde. maybe even little women, but even those men had short hair.

i think it's the pose combined with the lighting, the expression, the "made up" look (he could just have perfect skin?), the not young looking jacket and white collar, the long hair very finely combed and coiffed... there's nothing here that to me says modern or cool or even bad boy... it almost even says like early-mid nineties (late 80s?) pretty boy.

i personally think this will put him in a very specific category that well, really doesn't have much work, when i see what's being produced right now.

but this is just my opinion. it's a lovely shot, but i'm not sure what it could be used for unless he is only submitted on period pieces pre 1900.

but it's just my opinion.

btw, no black and white, hasn't been used for years.

Still awaiting your reply, "AnitaLoos1."

What makes Brian's photograph so, "TERRIBLE"?

Robert, what is your thought on multiple catchlights? I thought it was a nono. Something like multiple suns and to be avoided and cloned out.

I just went to your website, "Dadin Winchester."

Apparently, you're a professional photographer, like me. Shouldn't you already know the answer to that question?

STILL waiting patiently for your reply, "AnitaLoos1." Forgive me if I don't like to see even a competitor's work criticized so harshly without sufficient justification.

www.robertkim.com

Okay, so this is not a headshot we'll be using regularly. However, Brian is very interested in the "vampire" (which by the way, this black and white reminded of as well) and period movies so in those cases, this shot might work well. I do have other shots I could use for more everyday submissions and am waiting to get those back from the photographer. But I'm gathering this shot is more for period work or more art than a headshot. That's okay. I picked it and I was wrong. As far as Brian's "manager" is concerned, they are no longer in the picture. I do appreciate everyone's opinion and will post a more, hopefully, appropriate headshot when I receive them.

Dear bcoleman,

I also liked jactressk’s allusion to Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire” suggestion. He has that "brooding" quality.

Your son’s photo may be limiting, but “terrible”? Not hardly. It would be appropriate for specific applications. Any good photograph must have good lighting, and this headshot certainly qualifies (if you’ve seen the hundreds of headshots routinely posted on this board for criticism, I’m sure you already realize that).

I’d still be interested in what other looks your photographer provided for Brian.


“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647/

I really like this shot for period submissions but you can't use it for everyday stuff. Do you have something else that looks more current?

Good grief that kid is gorgeous. I expect he'll be embraced by NY and LA. my only concern not already mentioned is the top of the photo is a bit too cropped it makes me wonder about the hairline.