I'm planning to get new headshots done sometime next month and I'm wondering if I should nmeet her first and not just looking at her/his work online?
This photographer is suppose to be one of the better ones up here.

ALWAYS meet your photographer first.

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

What harm can it do?

Just introduce yourself, say you like their work, ask if they have any books of their work to really look at their stuff. Get their vibes.

I've never met with the photographer first, just talked to their assistants or whomever on the phone.

>.>
I dunno.

I have to strenuously disagree with you on this one, FaithLove.

The reasons for always meeting the photographer in person are many.

First, do you actually get along? If he smells like beer, owns a cat that you're allergic to, has an uncomfortable, unprofessional studio without A/C in the heat of summer, has two customers standing in line before you waiting to be shot, and has a weak portfolio that just doesn't live up to his impressive website... well, you get the picture.

There are certainly exceptions to this rule, but they are usually few and far between.

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

I did meet my last one because he's a guy. I do know that when she does this special headshot day thing where you only get 1/2 hr instead of the normal 1-2 hr session you don't get to meet with the photographer(s).
Everyone that I talked to says that she's really good and stuff like that.

I know of a very well-known headshot photographer in NYC who also advertises a significant discount if you don't actually meet her.

She's also the worst, most over-priced rip-off artist to ever come down the pike in the last 20 years. Not only is her work the worst I've ever seen, but she's the one I just mentioned who actually has people standing in line, holding their clothes in their arms while they wait to be shot. You get ten minutes. Clearly, not all things are quite as good as they may sound.

"Deals" that don't allow you to actually meet the photographer in advance before your shoot are no 'deals' at all.

It's very important to meet your photographer. Or, at the very least, have a phone consultation. It's your photographer's people skills that will make the biggest difference in your photos (assuming of course the technique is sound). If you have a great rapport with your photographer, you will relax, have a good time, and will get great results.

Good luck.

Ron

quote:

Originally posted by skeeterkitty2004:
I did meet my last one because he's a guy. I do know that when she does this special headshot day thing where you only get 1/2 hr instead of the normal 1-2 hr session you don't get to meet with the photographer(s).
Everyone that I talked to says that she's really good and stuff like that.

I hate that stereotype that women should protect themselves and check the place out just because it's a guy. Even though it's true for some guys. Just a few rotten apples ruin it all.

It gives a bad name to guys in my opinions, and it's horrible that the stereotype has some truth in it. It takes away some of the professionalism that the best male photographers *or any profession* in the world has built, with nasty men.

------on this topic------

Would you get a plastic surgery on your face by a professional cosmetic surgeon that takes a while with evaluations, or a fast job in Brazil by an inexperience cosmetic surgeon who charges cheap and you cannot communicate with them either.

Just because its cheap. That's how I see this as. Your image is what your selling, so let's make it rock. If the Mona Lisa decided to get painted by some Fabio Gaducci *painter* at a pub and is drunk too, you think she would be as famous? I doubt it. She's famous because her face sells, and the painter capture it.

lol, Robert, I wasn't saying she shouldn't.
I was just saying I never have.
I dont know why I never have... they never offered for me to come in, and I never asked to.
*shrugs*

I mean I researched all of them to death.

quote:

Originally posted by FaithLove:
I've never met with the photographer first, just talked to their assistants or whomever on the phone.

Read: *Inference*

Yes, it is very helpful to meet up with the photographer first. The introduction you give to him about yourself will let him grasp an idea of how to bring out the best out of your photographs. That's what I believe in. Meeting up would also give you more space and time to think of better ways to work together. Even though the headshots are about you, it requires team effort and connection. Oh, if you get to check out the studio, it would be great and it gives you some idea rather than going unexpected on the day of the shoot. That's just my personal suggestion. All the best for your photo shoot regardless of your decision!

Sincerely,
Julie
http://www.actorgear.com

Would you buy a car with driving it first?

Would buy a house without going inside?

Would you buy a new shirt without trying it on?

Would you marry someone without dating them first? (Well, Britney's an exception).

Exact same thing with photographers.

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

I set up a meet/greet with her.

I was wondering if reproductions retouches headshots?

Good girl.

Yes, they do.