I recently had some new headshots taken...I would greatly appreciate any feedback (whether positive or negative). Thanks! Also, please take note that these pictures have not been retouched or cropped yet.

http://i1012.photobucket.com/a...ephngab/_DSC0060.jpg

http://i1012.photobucket.com/a...ephngab/_DSC0020.jpg

http://i1012.photobucket.com/a...ephngab/_DSC0022.jpg

http://i1012.photobucket.com/a...ephngab/_DSC0026.jpg

http://i1012.photobucket.com/a...ephngab/_DSC0023.jpg

http://i1012.photobucket.com/a...ephngab/_DSC0014.jpg

they look like slightly better than your average high school yearbook photo. again, another classic case of a "shot of a head" as opposed to a "headshot"

you're in NY. i don't know if you are in the city or not, but surely you can find a real headshot photographer, no?

Agreed. You're a pretty woman, but these shots look posed, like "Okay, now smile for the camera!"

A headshot is supposed to bring out your personality: the smile should look natural and real and have a lot of energy, the eyes should be really connecting with the camera. A good headshot photographer will chat with you while working, put you at ease so you feel comfortable and relaxed, even make jokes to get you to laugh so you'll have natural smiles, and they're shooting constantly, so it's not a case of "one, two, three...smile! Okay, got it."

Definitely go to Reproductions.com and look at the portfolios of headshots photographers. You need someone who specializes in headshots, not just a regular photographer.

You have such a lovely face, and I think these pictures capture your essence to an extent. What makes these pictures seem "high school yearbook" is partly the background and the composition.

Perhaps you could find someone who could touch up the background and crop the shots creatively so that you have something to use until you have the money to shoot with a headshot photographer.

That said, of these I like the first and third for a smiling shot and the fourth for a dramatic shot.

Break legs!

You're gorgeous, but in addition to what everyone else has said, it was a stupid move of the photographer to put a brown background while you're wearing brown.

Thank you everyone for your comments. I felt the same way about the "high school yearbook" vibe from the shots, especially because of the background. Does anyone know who I should get in touch with about possibly photoshopping the background to make it look better? Would that even help? I paid a decent amount of money for these shots and unfortunately do not have the money right now to get new ones.

YOU look good.

To make them look more PRO, I'd photoshop and play with the lighting.

I don't know how to do it though.
ANyone wanna pitch an idea?

I've been really impressed by Colorworks (www.colorworksnyc.com).

Reproductions.com also has a retouch department, but I don't know much about them.

For the love of GOD!!! WHY oh WHY oh WHY do people keep getting their subjects to pose in front of a backdrop the same color as their clothing so they blend right in????


STOP THE INSANITY!!!

I am aggravated as hell as this is about the fifth lot of headshots in the last few weeks alone where somone has posted photos with this very beginner photographer mistake.


Shit, that does it. I am gonna be a photographer. If these clueless hacks can get cash for this, why can't I? I know I can do better than this!

OP- you are sexy as hell- you just need new shots.

I don't know what I would do without these message boards!! Okay so I guess the final question is...do you guys think it's honestly possible to save them if I get them photoshopped?? I don't want to waste even more time and money if it is.

Also, I chose this photographer because I really liked his portfolio...which my pictures don't look anything like. I'm pretty annoyed.

Have you tried asking for a re-shoot?

Well, I agree with the comments above, but I think #5 is your best shot for looking the most natural. Maybe when it's cropped and the background brightened up a bit in photoshop it will look better.
It looks to me like this photographer doesn't shoot headshots, but is more a family portrait type photographer. Next time, I'd suggest you do some research before shooting. I'd also suggest looking at Argentum.com for photographers.

I do my own retouching in photoshop when I shoot, and could perhaps do something with your photos. If you're interested, please let me know.

suzannephotography@sbcglobal.net

quote:

Originally posted by TRUTHTELLER59:
Have you tried asking for a re-shoot?

This or get a refund. I have successfully done that before.

Kudos to you for being able to take constructive criticism well. That will get you everywhere.

I do hope it all works out for you.

I didn't even know I could ask for a refund! Maybe I should do that. I'm only 20 years old...I don't have a lot of money to my name.

quote:

Originally posted by stephanie_02:
I didn't even know I could ask for a refund! Maybe I should do that. I'm only 20 years old...I don't have a lot of money to my name.

That's the case with most aspiring actors of all ages.

That's why it's important to guard your cash well and speak up if something is amiss to get reimbursed.

Write him/her an email, state your case and be firm, but polite. Be consise and to the point.