Hello --

First post for a lurker I have looked at lots of other people's headshot critiques on here and you guys give great advice. I'm wondering if you would check out my new headshot -- I set it up on the homepage of my website (which I just set up, so it's very under construction):
www.erikaheidewald.com

A caveat -- I live in Indiana and therefore didn't have access to a professional headshot photographer, and just used a local photographer. I am moving to LA in January but I needed something to get me started. I have to admit, I don't have a great eye for what makes a photo look professional or not, as you guys have ripped on photos that I thought looked OK. I would love to hear how I can better ascertain the professionalism of a headshot. I also didn't use any retouching because I figured that I have pretty good skin and didn't see a reason to cover anything up -- would others agree with this? Should I retouch something?

I'm also wondering how much my type comes through in the photo -- how my personal qualities are coming through and not just the qualities of the photograph.

Thank you, I really appreciate any comments or critiques!

-- Erika

i know a portrait photographer isn't the same as a headshot photog, but surely you could find one of those, no?

i mean, as usual, this is a classic case of "a shot of a head" instead of "a headshot"

if you're really moving here in 3 months, don't spend the money doing another shoot. just get new shots when you get here. but honestly, i wouldn't submit this one out to anyone, not in NYC or LA, anyway.

I appreciate the comment, I'd just like a little more detail for my own edification, if possible. What differentiates "shot of a head" from "headshot"? I've read lots of articles on headshots and looked at lots of examples and I still don't seem to get it (maybe I'm not very observant). I will get professional shots as soon as I get to LA, I just would like to understand the difference for my own good.

You're a gorgeous gal, but this headshot is no good for the following reasons:

1. You're wearing dark eyemakeup. You want your makeup to be as natural as possible.

2. Your hair and that turtle neck sweater are hiding your body. NEVER wear a turtle neck. It's important for casting directors and agents to be able to see the upper part of your torso clearly so they can get a good idea of what you look like physically.

3. I also saw your other full body photos. That sweater pattern is too distracting and takes away from your face.

4. No to fancy earrings either (as seen in your full body shots)

Study this before you find an LA photographer:
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/f.../8011031/m/110106342

its poor lighting, the brick wall is distracting (it can work sometimes, but not here), there's nothing going on in your face you're just looking at the camera, and then everything truthteller added.

it's just a shot of your head, not a headshot.

Erika, I won't beat a dead horse, but this shot is un-useable.

The lighting is flat, the angle is not good, etc.

The simple solution to your problem is before moving to LA, go to reproductions.com or argentum.com and look through the headshot photographers directory and start narrowing down the photographers who's work speaks to you and meet with them to make sure you jive and no one is creepy. That way you'll know you are shooting with a pro and whether or not you know what to look for, more than likely your photographer will!

My advice, invest and don't try to cut corners by going to Craigslist to find someone you deem capable, go to someone the industry already trusts!

My main thing was the turtle-neck. Also I don't think the low angle that was used was very flattering for you.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I want to understand the headshot process as much as possible as I'm not actually the most visual person; I understand explanations in words much better!

I can't wait to get my professional shots done in LA =)