I finally got them done after the whole amatuer headshot debacle and here are the results. I just can't understand why I waited so long to get them done! Well after a couple days of narrowing down the choices, I'm still quite undecided. These are some of the proofs that I'm choosing from. Tell me which ones you think.

Commercial:














Theatrical:

These are GOOD!! Who took them? I love the top two for commercial. What a great warm smile- good for you!!!

The others- you look very different and it's harder since you look so good smiling. But I know I am not liking the tank top- something about the look there just screams young male hustler or house boy- but then, that may work for some roles!! All in all, some interesting, good shots. Well done. You should be thrilled.

Thanks Miss Stone! Dennis Kwan took them for me two weeks ago and I've been mulling over all of the proofs ever since. It was a really great experience but I'm kicking myself a little for not getting them done sooner.

Ah, no wonder. He does solid work. Don't kick yourself- you have them NOW.

Notice that your commercial shots all have neutral backgrounds that do not interfere with your intention. They do not take "center stage."

It's vitally important that the background compliment your face, not compete with it. Those distracting balls of light in the other photos totally take the focus off your face, and are in my opinion better suited for editorial looks than for acting headshots-- however, this is the photographer's prerogative and an integral part of his style.

I would not use ANY of the final four photos. All of your expressions are "tentative" at best, "worried and strained" at worst.

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:

I would not use ANY of the final four photos. All of your expressions are "tentative" at best, "worried and strained" at worst.

That is what I was thinking.

I like second the best.

I hate the last one. Your lips look chapped and your face looks painful. Also a lot of them are landscape, which some preach against. But I've seen the work before, so.

I'd go with the first theatrical.

Robert I really appreciate the advice. After taking another look the backgrounds do seem distracting and and my expressions feel weak. I took another look at the proofs and these are additional options I've come up with for the theatrical shots. Let me know if they're any better.











Oh and FaithLove, I don't know why my lips look so chapped. Maybe it's a combination me scrunching my face and the lighting. I gotta buy some ChapStick!

Also, what do you guys think about the last one? I don't know but it seems the shirt/sweater color combo is somewhat distracting. That's why I didn't really pick from that group of pictures.

Everything in a headshot has WEIGHT.

From the lighting, to the foreground, to the background, and everything in between.

The last shot's wardrobe isn't distracting, it is what it is-- "preppy." If a conservative, 'college boy' look is what you were seeking, this is entirely appropriate.

Your strength is clearly in your smile. All of your non-smiling shots pale in comparison. You were either distracted and uncomfortable doing them or simply weren't given sufficient direction to pull any of them off effectively.