Newbie.........I need to get new headshots for my 11yr old ,can I get some comments please. Also when you have them reproduced do you have them matte or Glossy?

I like this photo overall, but the energy is that of a serious, adult leading man.

Perhaps for a specific role ONLY, but otherwise inappropriate for a young child.

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

Yeah, I agree with Robert. Pretty intense for a kid. But I am guilty of that with my own son. Mainly because my kid doesnt smile very well, so I stuck with the serious ones for him. It works for theatrical. I wouldn't use it for commercial though.
At this age you have to reshoot about every six months since they grow fast. Next time get him to smile, or at least smurk....show a lighter side.

thanks for your honesty...the serious look also concerned me.I think I will keep this one and review his other shots and choose one with a smirk

I'm going to disagree with one point. The word "serious" is being thrown around as if that's a negative. It's all about the role you are looking for. This shot is acceptable for a theatrical shot and could easily find its way into a portfolio, as long as you have other commercial options to choose from. My main concern here is the lighting and the overall cold feeling of this. I would work on the hot-spots on his left cheek and slightly warm up the image. Overall, not bad at all. Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by Zampano:
I'm going to disagree with one point. The word "serious" is being thrown around as if that's a negative. It's all about the role you are looking for.

I never "throw around" headshot critiques on this board, nor do I give inaccurate advice.

The energy level expressed here is clearly not advantageous for most roles a young child would be submitted for.

Rarely, if ever, would a photo of this nature be requested by any casting director-- the rare exception I duly noted.

Photographers often give advice of a strictly technical nature, without regard to proper casting selection.

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

Yikes, I wasn't attacking anyone, relax I simply feel the shot isn't as bad as a few have pointed out. It would fit fine an an acting portfolio as a theatrical shot. I'm not saying it's great, but it's acceptable with the right post-work adjustments. I know several casting directors that would find it okay too. But we can agree to disagree, that's what makes these types of open forums great, the ability for posters to make their own informed decisions based on several suggestions.

Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by Zampano:
Yikes, I wasn't attacking anyone, relax I simply feel the shot isn't as bad as a few have pointed out.

WHO SAID IT WAS BAD??

quote:

Originally posted by socobobo:
thanks for your honesty...the serious look also concerned me.I think I will keep this one and review his other shots and choose one with a smirk

Robert, this comment implies the OP believes the shot is too serious based off the comments made by others. That's all I was pointing out, it's really no big deal. I was simply presenting another opinion. Thanks

There's a world of difference between "BAD" and "SERIOUS."

Not a single poster on this board disliked this photo.

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:
There's a world of difference between "BAD" and "SERIOUS."

Not a single poster on this board disliked this photo.

Very well, arguing over semantics (in context) isn't going to help anyone so I'll just bow out now, thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by socobobo:
Newbie.........I need to get new headshots for my 11yr old ,can I get some comments please. Also when you have them reproduced do you have them matte or Glossy?

Neither matte or glossy. You want to have them use- LUSTRE. That is what most reproductions places use automatically anyway.

If you had to pick though, never glossy- EVER.

And I don't dig the photo BUT I AM NOT SAYING IT IS BAD.

I'm telling you right now, if you make some minor adjustments similar to the ones I did below (using your RAW image for better results) this kid will get auditions all day long. Guaranteed. This is an excellent theatrical shot, it simply needs stronger post work. This is NOT a commercial shot, there's a huge difference. You send this shot to a CD when the right film role comes up, you'll land the audition.

Oh and just to clarify, I'm not negating anyone else's opinions or quoting anyone, apparently I need to insert that caveat so I'm not accused of attacking anyone. Just stating my own opinion. Just trying to help and contribute. Thanks and good luck!

Awww..Thanks Zampano. I can see the difference! I will see what I can do to have the changes done. Landing auditions would be a REAl good thing

quote:

Originally posted by socobobo:
Awww..Thanks Zampano. I can see the difference! I will see what I can do to have the changes done. Landing auditions would be a REAl good thing

Glad I could help! A lot of folks give up on their shots before really giving them the attention they deserve first. Why waste money on another shoot when you have something great to work with right here! Just be sure not to over work the shot, just some subtle sharpening, cropping and warming, bingo!

I also leveled the cheeks out, balanced the light and gave you more skin in that left cheek, just a few notes to pass off to your touch-up guy

Good luck!