hi guys, i really need help picking out couple of good headshots (legit/commercial) PLEASE HELP!! Also if you can hint at my age range? thanks so much!!!!!! here is the link:

http://s748.photobucket.com/al.../xx121/monikabalyan/

PH6 & P10 are the best of the lot IMO, however I'm not fully sold on any of these to be honest.

10 could be a really good commercial shot, but you seem a bit hesitant and uncomfortable.

As for the theatrical shots, I am upset at the photographer for shooting you against such a dark background so that your hair blends in and you don't pop out of the photo!!

Also, the retouching is a bit too smooth when you see them up close.

As for age range, late 20's early 30's.

I meant to mention that in the top row of shots, your head is consistently at a weird angle so that it cuts off and hides your neck.

I agree with David. You're gorgeous but the photographer failed you.

I don't like these weird angles and close croppings.

I also think the photographer was stupid for choosing a black background with your black hair.

Who the hell did these? I'll NEVER recommend him or her.

Agreed! Again, the most simple and basic logic this photographer could not grasp. Dark background with dark hair! WHY I ask WHY?

You are stunning so don't take this personally as it's not your fault.

You're an exotic beauty.

You need to bring that out a little more, but the first series will hold for now.

And for God's sake, lose the glasses-and-suit look. It's a little like putting Paris Hilton in a nun's frock (come to think of it, that might be a little kinky!). In a couple of years, it may be more appropriate.

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

ph4 and ph8

12 and 10.

Thank you so much guys for the feedback, you don't know how much I appreciate it.
and about these shots, well.....I just don't know what to do then, I spent close to 2K for both the shoots and the I did a second because I didn't like the first. It's just so confusing, I got these shoots from photographers that were "supposedly" good agency ones(one's recommended by agency!) but now, I don't know who I'm giving my money to and am completely broke because of all this! Please help me with some advise or maybe pointers on something I can do till I can save up to get another headshot shoot.

quote:

Originally posted by monikabalyan:
Thank you so much guys for the feedback, you don't know how much I appreciate it.
and about these shots, well.....I just don't know what to do then, I spent close to 2K for both the shoots and the I did a second because I didn't like the first. It's just so confusing, I got these shoots from photographers that were "supposedly" good agency ones(one's recommended by agency!) but now, I don't know who I'm giving my money to and am completely broke because of all this! Please help me with some advise or maybe pointers on something I can do till I can save up to get another headshot shoot.

This breaks my heart. The agency sent you huh? Sounds like a possible kick-back scheme. The less than stellar people have to resort to those measures to make a buck. I am so sorry this happened and you deserve BETTER!!! Please do come here first in the future before you spend any money and we will do our best to see you don't get hustled again.

Whether the agency is getting a kick-back or not- $2000 is too much for this.

So sorry again.

Can any of you guys here lighten the background on any of these? I think that would help with some of these shots.

This makes me sick! $2000 is absolutely criminal! Agents CANNOT legally recommend a certain photographer!

While you lick your wounds and earn enough money to get new headshots, here are some tips for next time:

I've interviewed top agents (KSR, Commercial Talent, Abrams, CESD), photographers, and top casting directors about headshots and here are some tips that I've gleaned from them:

-When looking for a photographer for YOU, DON'T ask other people who they used (especially if they DON'T look like you) nor use a photographer based solely on name. What might be awesome for other people might suck for you.

Go to http://reproductions.com and find photographers that photograph people like you well ie. Skin tone, hair color, eye color, ethnicity, age range, physical structure, etc. Choose your top 5 and meet with ALL of them! You want to get their philosophies and their personalities. You certainly don't want to work with someone whose personality sucks for you.

-With regards to looks, you DON'T want character shots ie. literally dressing like a cop, doctor, etc. NO PROPS EITHER! This is an insult to the casting directors and will get you laughed out of this business. You want 3-4 GENERAL LOOKS! For example, a business suit look can suggest FBI, detective, secretary, business person,etc. A casual look (jeans and t-shirt) can suggest high school, college, blue collar. An upscale j-crew/Banana Republic look can suggest young parent, preppy, white collar, etc.

-COLOR IS STANDARD!

-For commercial headshots, they usually want to see your smile and brighter colors. For theatrical (film/tv) it's usually a more serious/intense expression and muted colors.

-If you want to be serious, you NEED PROFESSIONAL headshots. For each cheap actor out there, there are a 100 seriously investing in their career.

-It's important that your head and upper torso is clear so agents and casting directors can fairly judge you physically.

-8X10 is standard size. Anything bigger or smaller will be filed in the circular file cabinet(garbage can).

-You should ONLY have your name printed on the front below your photo. Left, center, or right is subjective.

-NEVER print your agency logo on the headshot UNLESS your agency is paying for it. What if you leave or the agency goes under and you printed a bunch with an agency logo? MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN!

-NOTHING should be printed on the back. You should have your resume (that has your email and CELL phone number printed on it) neatly cut to fit your 8X10 headshot and stapled to the back.

-Have either a white or black border surround your photo. The full bleed (no border) is outdated and tacky. You can also neatly hide the staples by stapling where the photo and border meet.

-NO GLOSSY. Get matte finish or pearl finish (non glossy). Most indoor lighting tends to reflect off of glossies making it difficult for the agents/casting directors to see.

-No busy patterns or jewelry that will take away from your face.

Tell your photographer to avoid:
-Landscape cropping. When a landscape photo is posted online on LA Casting or Actors access, it's appears very tiny compared to a photo that was cropped portrait. CDs get submissions as really tiny thumbnails. They might miss your photo if it's smaller than the majority of photos that are cropped portrait.

-Chopping off the top of the head. When too much of your head is chopped off, it makes it a little difficult as to what your really look like. Cropping off a small part of the top of your head is forgivable, but not to the extent where you look like Hannibal Lecter or Sylar from Heroes' victims.

-Too close. Don't get it cropped too close to where people can't see your body. At least your upper torso should be visible in your shots so CDs/Agents have a fair idea of what you look like physically.

-Weird angles

-Silly poses. Headshots are supposed to be as natural as rain. Making stupid poses will just make you look stupider. Such common poses include, but not limited to:
1. Sitting on the toilet. This is where you're sitting down but leaning WAY forward.
2. My head is too heavy. Don't do a headshot where your hand is under your chin or even touching your head.
3. Look at me, I have a sexy back! I've seen some headshots where people are in contorted poses, looking over his or her shoulder. It's not natural.
4. I'm a mermaid! This is where you're laying on your stomach with your feet up.
5. Leading with my shoulder
6. I got sexy legs! This where you're sitting down and your knees are visible.

This is very good info. It's pretty much dead-on.

For once, I agree with Miss Stone. Can someone lighten the Background on one of the black ones? It's not too hard to do in Photoshop, right?

That way maybe you could get something usable for your money. : /

Hang in there girl!
♥

Hi monikabalyan,

Wow, 2k for these. I'm really sorry. I wonder who the agency and photographer are? This would be really good info for any future people who might get involved with them to know.

Aside from the black background, the framing on these photos is odd.

You are gorgeous though so I'm sure the next time you shoot you'll get some killer shots!

good luck,

rod

wow! what a feedback! I'm happy I can come here and get info, I have been in the industry for a few years now and thought I had some things down (i.e. professional vs tfcd headshots) I tried both and after getting in a freelance agency, which suggested about 15 photographers--I went to a couple (named photographers) and as you guys can see, they didn't do any good. $750 and $1150 wasn't enough money for them I guess. As for the background, I know photoshop a little and I tried to lighten the background and it's soooo hard to select myself but my hair makes it almost impossible!! but if anyone is advanced, please HELP!!
Although, I thought I was experienced enough to choose a good photographer, I thought WRONG and had this opportunity to learn (that's what I call it now so I will definately keep the pointers given to me here and move on....this is LIFE! lol Thank you guys!