Hi everyone,

I've been lurking here a while and have always managed to answer my questions with the search function. In fact, I did the search function for this question but I need more help.

My headshots seem blurry after retouching. Is it just the contrast with the non-retouched ones, my monitor or what? I am including the before shots so you can see what I mean. I actually like them better, even with my twice a year chin zit and no sleep eyes (my front left tooth broke the night before the shoot; that's why no sleep. Attached it with crazy glue for the shoot - fun times.)

Yes I read the threads about this and looked at the examples but need objective opinions. To me they look blurry and lose something with the retouching but maybe they are supposed to look like this.

Thanks for you input!

Ok, it only posted one huge photo. I resized it; not sure what went wrong. Will try again.

Ok, just one attachment per post, I guess.

Before

after

before

After Thanks for taking the time to scroll!

Blurry doesn't have anything to do with it. (It doesn't look blurry to me.) The PROBLEM, as I see it, is that it doesn't look like you're looking at the camera lens. It looks like your eyes are focused about a foot BELOW the camera, which is very odd (and it doesn't look like you like what you see.)

Nice looking 'commercial mom' kinda gal, good hair, good outfit, good background. Not a great expression. Bad eyes. Not a good photo. (That's pic #1. Pic #2 I don't care much for either, I'm sorry to say. No life. Especially in your eyes.)

All I can say and I can't get past it is- WHY oh WHY would you not reschedule the shoot after something like that?!?

No tooth, no sleep- how good did you think they would turn out?

The answer is- not very well. You look pissed off and tired and no wonder.

Sorry but it's the truth.

Hi, I have quite a bit of experience with photoshop and at first glance, the after pic of the first shot looks like your retoucher did in fact add a soft blur effect to some areas of your pic to soften some of the hard edges. It is especially apparent in your hair.

However, it is pretty subtle, and probably not really noticible without comparing it to the before shot.

The real issue is your attitude in the shots. You definitely look a bit peeved. Not a bad thing to have that type of pic in your arsenal, but it's not one you should use as your main headshot.

Thank you for taking the time to reply; I’m glad there doesn’t seem to be a problem with the retouching – lol!

B2H, I gotta tell you, I love the expression in #1! That’s actually what I look like in a good mood and about to laugh or make a sarcastic joke. If it helps, it’s not meant to be a commercial shot.

Miss Stone, I know, right? Reasons: would have had to cancel shot on morning of, which is unacceptable unless someone dies or is hospitalized; I knew I’d forget about it once we started and thought the tiredness could be retouched; dentist was on vacation and I’m still in a temporary cap, so I’d still be waiting to get them done; persistence in the face of adversity, the show must go on, pure stubbornness.

Thirdman, You’re right, when I don’t compare the two it’s not that noticeable.

All, It is amazing to hear how pissed off I look! The second one is supposed to be ‘serious’ but I thought the first one looked softer and had some warmth and humor in it. I am not actually pissed off in any of the photos and had to stop laughing and smiling to get some non-commercial stuff. Of course, I do have a rather severe face, but I didn’t realize it was that bad. It’s good to have the feedback and get a more realistic idea of how I look to the world. The one below is my b*&ch look, actually.

Just so you know, a broken tooth is a very acceptable reason to reschedule and I don't know a photographer on this forum who would not understand that.

Tiredness CAN'T be retouched. Lack of sleep always comes through at a shoot. That's why the night before you should drink a ton of water and get your zzzz's.

In looking over the pics again, I think the "attitude" is coming from your mouth... it looks a bit tight.

For what it's worth, I think it looks sexy

The tooth (its root) has so much time before it dies and can't be put back in and the whole thing would need to be replaced.

Broken tooth is a perfectly legitimate reason to reschedule! Dealing with actors on a daily basis, I think most of us understand what an actors schedule entails. Often this involves callbacks and auditions and last minute shoots etc. I think your photographer would have (or should have) been very understanding.