Hi everyone! I'm new here, but hope to become an active member of the community. I will give advice when I can, although I am pretty new to the game! I have gotten headshots taken twice so far. The first 4 images are from the first session, and the rest are from the most recent session--which have never been retouched (unlike the first session!)

http://www.facebook.com/album....=2166718&id=18904106

Despite the fact that my looks have not changed, should I get pictures taken again? Does anyone have any really good and affordable photogs in the New York area? Also, what about reprinting places? I've been going to CVS or Rite aid for 3.99 a pop! Does anyone know of any 100 for $100 deals?

Thanks all!
Meredith O'Donnell
http://www.youtube.com/user/MeredithOD

Meredith,

The first couple of shots are Way too heavily retouched. There should be some kind of lines around your eyes when you smile and there are none. That will be a red flag to any agent or casting director out there.

The other 3/4 and full body shots are reminiscent of a composite card shoot from the 80's.

Sorry, in my opinion you can do much better. Forget affordable photog's, go to people who are in demand and make the investment if you are serious. Good headshots will only pay you back. May I suggest Dennis Kwan if you are looking in the NY area?!

I agree with David - the retouching on those is extreme, obvious and unnecessary. The other photos simply aren't well done. You should definitely get some new, usable shots done and David's suggestion of Dennis is a good one.

David,

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at the pics and give advice. I agree with you about needing new shots. Thank you also for the referral, I have heard several good things about Mr. Kwan and love the work displayed on his website. Instead of doing the "quick fix" and getting affordable shots sooner, I will have to wait a little longer and save up for a really good, quality shoot. I can't wait for that day...unfortunately it won't be any time soon. Is there one passable pic I can use in the mean time?

Take care,
Meredith O'Donnell
http://www.youtube.com/user/MeredithOD

David Muller: On the website that you suggested a lot of people seem to have one laid back t-shirt look and then one more business look. Do you recommend this or is one look enough for mid to late teens?

David Muller I absolutly love your website! You do wonderful photos. It seems that the people who have different looks go for a laid back look, a business type look, and sometimes have a third look that varies from person to person. Do you recommend this for all actors to do? Also for someone who plays the age range 15-19 would you suggest the business look or something else in it's place? Thanks for any information you are able to share.

Forget the first post I put, I didn't read the link, I just looked at the pictures. My bad.

quote:

It seems that the people who have different looks go for a laid back look, a business type look, and sometimes have a third look that varies from person to person. Do you recommend this for all actors to do? Also for someone who plays the age range 15-19 would you suggest the business look or something else in it's place? Thanks for any information you are able to share.

Amanda, thanks very much for the complimentary words.

Your various looks or changes, should reflect your range as an actor and give a glimpse of the roles that you are prone to or drawn to play. If you are in the 15-19 range, I would not suggest a business look as that isn't something you're likely to be cast as.

Figure out whether your looks and abilities are suited towards the innocent girl next door or the edgy street type, the quirky band camp type, etc, etc. Then, find wardrobe that suggests those things, whatever they may be.

At the end of the day you want to have an appropriate photo for the roles that you wish to submit for, so for that reason it's good to have multiple looks in your arsenal.

quote:

I can't wait for that day...unfortunately it won't be any time soon. Is there one passable pic I can use in the mean time?

Well, in the NY market you definitely should not use any where the hands are on your face, neck, or where the jacket is thrown over your shoulder... It's just too posy. There were two shots on there, one in just the button down and one with the black jacket that are 3/4 shots where you are smiling and they could be passable, but don't have them retouched by whoever did the others.

Good idea to save up and wait, you will do yourself more of a favor to get good shots out there later than get not-so-good ones out there sooner.