So...I have pretty much already taken a headshot to print at Argentum, but I have an additional one that I'm considering using for certain types of roles. A few of the people that I'm close to really like it and think it's sort of interesting, but most haven't really been in love with it. I'm not sure if they don't think it looks like me, if I have a strange expression, or what...but I kind of like the intense expression...and I keep circling back to this one for some reason. I admit, there is something sort of strange about it.

Anyway, I guess my question is...what is your immediate impression? Maybe ok for certain theatrical roles? Or just too...(fill in the blank)?

Thanks,
Mae



And just for reference, this is the one I'm using right now. It's so strange to me that these two pictures are both me...but they were taken on the same day. Scratching my head.

I like the top one better, actually. I agree that there's a kind of drama and intensity to it. It would be good to submit for a character who's, I don't know, kidnapped maybe, or her husband suddenly walks out on her, or she hears some terrible, life-changing news...you look sort of shocked or traumatized to me, but it's emotional and could work for certain roles. But DEFINITELY crop the bottom of the picture, because the low-cut undone button showing your cleavage is way distracting!

I don't really like the bottom one because your head is tilted SO much. You're very pretty, but I'd love to see a shot from the same series where your head is straight up and you have a real, genuine, happy smile.

I'd also say you look much younger in the bottom photo. Top photo looks 25-30 to me, bottom one looks 18 - 23 to me.

Thanks for the feedback TMR. Chuckling at the cleavage comment...I didn't even know I HAD cleavage. lol. Awesome! Point taken though.

Let me ask you this...is the top shot too (fill in the blank) to send to theatrical agents? Do you think it would inspire curiosity or some other, more negative reaction.


Thanks!
Mae

Yeah, the age difference thing is a huge dilemma. I actually turn 30 in 2 weeks...however, in my acting class, almost every single person THOUGHT I was 18-23 in real life. I just...look young. My teacher is casting me in roles like "young 20's tomboy with some sex appeal AND vulnerability" and "young FBI agent just out of Quantico."

Personality-wise, I feel super young. Life experience-wise, I'm a solid 30. lol. On my second marriage, owned my own business, etc. I'm just learning to not tell anyone I audition for ANYTHING about me.

One more thing, and then I'll stop babbling...

This seems to be a problem on casting websites. I know you can KIND of pick and choose which photos casting people see (the ones you submit too), but they're all on your profile if someone just searches for it. I don't want to submit for a role that's 18-23 and then undermine myself by them seeing a picture of me looking like I'm late 20's. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I personally really like the second one. In the first you do have an interesting expression, but the second has such a nice, easy smile, your hair is beautiful, and you do look early 20's. I'm no expert, but if what I've read is true the first one is more appropriate for theater submissions than the second, so both will be useful.

I like both shots and don't see any downside to showing that you have a wide range of "looks." So long as you can truly play 20-30+, then show that off.

Two comments about the 2nd photo though. I also don't love the head tilt. It's not a deal breaker, but if you have a similar shot with less tilt I'd use it. Also, I'm not in love with the "one shoulder" crop. Yours is not the worst offender I've seen, but it still feels out of balance to me. Finally, I can't tell what that chain is (is it a necklace? doesn't look like it), but it should be retouched out of the photo.

And as a side note, I disagree with TMR: I don't think the crop in the 1st shot is distracting at all. There is nothing wrong or too overtly sexy about the leaving the top button open, and I think a slightly closer crop might look like it's being cut off oddly.

I also really like the first one!

It's a little different, which might help grab attention.

Who was your photog?

Thanks for the feedback guys. Joanna Brooks took these. She was super awesome to work with, just for the record!

P.S. I ended up getting the second one printed (because I sent them to print before I posted), and when I went to the front counter at Argentum, the gal working was like, "wait...don't tell me..." And she knew who I was. And I laughed and asked, "is it because I have kind of an unusual name for a girl?" (Mae is not my name) and she said, "No...it's because you look like your picture and I recognized you. That's a good thing, trust me."

So...that was kind of a huge sigh of relief. It IS a little tilty, but I'm glad it looks like me!

The second one was a good choice.

I like the second one better.

Although the head tilt mayyy be a tiny bit extreme...