Hi there, I just booked and shot a pretty big commercial through a small agency I'm freelancing with. I sent out headshot/resumes awhile ago to all the big agencies but didn't get any bites. Now that I have a pretty big commercial under my belt, I am going to send out postcards to all the top agencies. I recently had new, more natural headshots taken because my last headshots were actually too "model-y." This is the commercial headshot I picked from these new headshots to send out, any input? Don't want to have 50 printed and sent out if I'm completely off-base on thinking this a good shot!! thanks everyone in advance!

ps this shot has NOT been retouched yet.

ISomething about it seems "off" to me - your expression doesn't seem relaxed and happy, even though you're smiling. Also, the wall behind you is too distracting. Do you have any other shots from the session you could show us?

I think its just that she was putting her entire spine against the wall (a straight surface) that pushed her head/neck forward a little bit.

Thats what looks off to me. Although, I think there should be more depth to this picture to sorta 'surround' you, and make it more captivating.

Well there's these one:

and this one:

to give you an idea of the two other looks (just grabbed these two, they're not necessarily the best, but representative of the two other looks). But I really liked the first one, hmm! Thanks for the input - I have to think about this now!

I also found this one which is similar to my favorite but might be a little more relaxed looking:

Hi jenchance207,

You are really pretty. In fact you're too pretty to use these shots.I'm positive that you look better in person than you do in these photos.

Next time you shoot I'd consider hiring a pro make up/hair artist that specializes in headshots to finish you off for the camera.

The lighting in these is really poor as well, you need a photographer that can (gently) control your head.

The first one you posted feels awkward mainly because your head is too high. Notice how the shape of your face is a lot more flattering in the shot in the green top. That's because your head is a little lower in this one than the others.

I hope this helps a little.

good luck,

rod

Girlfriend. I've got 2 words for you.

Make.

and Up.

I really hate the styling of your shots. Hate. Sorry. "Natural" looks more like Saturday AM vegetation. Rolled out of bed and threw on a sweater. People on this board will argue to do your own make up and "look like yourself". Bull. I just took a look at your old shots. Model-y my ass!!!! That blush on your cheeks was a nice pop of color!!

That green sweater is lovely on you. It fits you well and that shade is a lovely complement to your cool complexion. And look what it does for your fabulous eye color!! If it wasn't for your tired looking skin and fly away hair I could really get into it.

Your expression in these is much better. Much more relaxed and natural. Your wardrobe choices are flattering and eye pleasing. You actually get what colors look good on you. This could have been a really good session, but the hair and makeup is killing it. Whoever told you "too model-y" was an idiot.

Jen

You've already gotten some very useful feedback on these. As others have said, while a more natural look is nice, you seem too under-styled in these photos.

While ideally you might decide to reshoot, I certainly understand your desire to seize the opportunity your recent commercial booking has provided. If you're going with one of these, I would use the one in the green sweater. I agree with Rod that this shot, of the ones you posted, is the most flattering to your face. I also think the green sweater makes your lovely eyes pop.

Best of luck!

-Andrew

The color is way off. Also in the initial picture you took your head is tilted back and not engaging the camera. In this last shot you took your head is tilted forward and it is much more engaging. You have a great smile and commercial look, this last shot is by far the best of the ones you've posted but I'm sure you can do better.

I don't mind the one against the mossy-wall. I think it's natural and pretty.

Are the colors a great choice...no...is the lighting great...no...could there have been a little makeup and hair...yes.

But it's still not bad.

Thank you so much for all your opinions. I agree that the last shot is the best one out of these options and now I just have to decide whether to do a postcard mailing with this picture or wait and take new headshots. While I don't want to half-ass the postcard mailing, I don't want the window of opportunity to close - i.e. I'd like to get the postcards out while this commercial is relevant. In any case, I have some thinking to do and thank you everyone for your words of advice.

And just one question, is the color/lighting issue something that could be taken care of by a retoucher? Because it's important to remember these were taken in natural lighting and have no had absolutely no retouching which could make a big difference in lighting and cleaning up the shot in general.