zampano, the dad here. I am interested in what you were saying about the post-work .I have a background in art and have been active in this headshot stuff. is there a book , website ???where I could begin to learn more about fix-ing photos as it pertains to headshots

quote:

Originally posted by socobobo:
zampano, the dad here. I am interested in what you were saying about the post-work .I have a background in art and have been active in this headshot stuff. is there a book , website ???where I could begin to learn more about fix-ing photos as it pertains to headshots

Hi Dad!

Well, as much as I'm a DYI type of fellow and want to save you as much money as possible, when it comes to touch-ups, it's best leaving it to the professionals out there. If you really want to do it yourself, start googling photoshop techniques assuming you have Photoshop? There's also countless books out there on the craft, one in particular that I enjoyed when I began was "Skin", a primer on portrait touch-ups.

But like I said, save yourself the headaches and time. Finding a touch-up guy via google isn't very hard and being the market the way it is (poor) you'll find some great deals out there. Be sure to look at several before and after pictures when doing your research. Find someone that understand actor headshots and isn't hell bent on turning your headshot into a fashion headshot!

Remember, he needs to look like the kid in the shot when he walks in that door. A good CD or agent can sniff an overworked headshot a mile away Remember the word subtle As for prices, you'll find touch-ups range anywhere from $5-$50 a shot. In this market if you're paying more than $20 you're paying too much (1 shot).

Good luck!

Zampano- thanks for all the great info!

quote:

Originally posted by socobobo:
Zampano- thanks for all the great info!

My pleasure, I'm glad this thread ended on a positive note.

Question: What effect do these Photoshop improvements have on this little boy's energy level?

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9093/boy1a.jpg

He still looks sad and withdrawn.

Do you have any other looks that you can share, "socobobo"? Something with more energy?

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:

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

Oh boy...here we go.

Actually, this is a pretty freaking good pic. Reminds me of a young River Phoenix. But he was too serious.

COME ON, PEOPLE!!!

To the dad, do not let anyone on this website place LIMITATIONS on what can be accomplished with this headshot or any other. It is dangerous and sickening and WRONG. Any agent worth his salt can probably guess this kid can have a good time. This is a good theatrical shot. Get a good commercial shot to go with it, and go for it.

Mostly, beware the egos on this board, particularly in this specific forum.

Jeez...it never ends.

It's a great theatrical shot of a great looking kid! I wish you the best of luck, although I don't think you'll need it.

I'd love to see his commercial shot, too.

Best,

Ron

so many questions....would you crop the photo up to just a little arm and focus on face or leave it at 3/4?

Dad, take it from another dad, look for the Scott Kelby books on Photoshop and Lightroom. He is a master teacher and writes very well thought out texts. I have enjoyed his classes and they have helped a great deal.
Zampano did a wonderful job with a few simple applications in PS. It is a good theatrical shot that I would use with my own kid.
Don't crop any more than Zampano did. You want to show his body type, ie weight, bone structure. Watch out for aspect ratio so it will fit to 8X10 and any boarders that you wish with room for name at bottom perhaps.
Here is an example of boarders.
http://thepixelpusher.biz/samples/index.html
This is for your own education and enjoyment. Leave your son's future in the hands of a professional.

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:
Question: What effect do these Photoshop improvements have on this little boy's energy level?

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9093/boy1a.jpg

He still looks sad and withdrawn.

Do you have any other looks that you can share, "socobobo"? Something with more energy?

Interesting...

It appears that I'm outnumbered. All of the professional photographers who've chimed agree that this is a "great headshot," "without limitations." For the record, I strenuously disagree. I believe that it IS limiting, and that your son's energy as depicted here is far too somber and "adult" to use for daily submissions as your primary headshot.

Could it still get your child work? Of course. He's a great-looking kid. But in my previous post, I suggested that this headshot would be far more effective for "specific roles only," and I still do.

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

Thank you everyone for your comments...we kept this picture and sent it to Pixel Pushers to fix and reproduce. I stayed with the 3/4. I received my proof and was very pleased. I still will be looking to do a commercial shot in the future.

quote:

Originally posted by socobobo:
Thank you everyone for your comments...we kept this picture and sent it to Pixel Pushers to fix and reproduce. I stayed with the 3/4. I received my proof and was very pleased. I still will be looking to do a commercial shot in the future.

Good luck! It's a solid headshot

for what it's worth, i happen to like it (esp with the retouching!). it wont get him any work with nickelodeon or disney, but holy cow, it's great to see a kid that could do those deeply emotional roles that are out there too. think Law and Order! but definitely get that commercial too so they can see the flip side

I'm with americangirl. It is a bit too serious for my taste but he is adorable!! If only he was a year older (I'm 12), lol.

LOL! MOrgin!

Its so funny that a year matters to kids... cute.