OK, so we are now at shoot #3, which I think has turned out much better than the previous two. I have one example, it is not yet retouched so I don't want to hear anything about the circles under my eyes (apparently, my body needs more than 8 hours of sleep, but I don't quite have the time). I think the lighting is much, much better. My question is, would you think this kind of cropping in a picture such as this is OK?

This cropping is much too severe and off-center. Come in tighter.

The hair and makeup is a vast improvement. If only this photographer knew how to light, you'd have a dynamite headshot.

Hopefully, Photoshop can produce something not so blown-out.

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

thanks. it is quite hard, even with pro photographers that have never done actors headshots. but I think it is much, much better.
robert, what do you mean by blown-out?

here is another one... will post my final ones, once they are retouched and chosen.

"Blown-out" is an annoying problem that happens when shooting in daylight.

It occurs when the skin is overexposed, making the face look white and washed-out.

Many photographers like this effect because it wipes out all skin imperfections, giving the face a perfect, pristine look.

But unfortunately, it also wipes out your natural skin tones, utterly destroys the cheek bones, and usually makes the nose completely disappear. If only you knew how many so-called "professional" headshot photographers rely on this technique to overcome their lack of skill, you'd be amazed. I think it's a mockery of good lighting, a deconstruction of the human face.

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