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Topic: I Need Help Choosing A Head Shot
| Author | Message |
| advicesisterA | Posted – 6/9/2006 11:58:35 AM | show profile | email poster I had a new head shot taken for my web site but I can't choose between black and white, which I think is more dramatic but perhaps, less friendly, and color. And, some of the photos are a bit more staid than the others. I'm looking for professional, but friendly and eye-catching. Obviously, I can't change myself, but I really think the four possibilities I posted on my web site are quite different. I had hoped that my readers could help me choose the best one, since I can't figure out whether any are good enough, but then realized that perhaps other writers, publicists, pr reps would be more accurate critics. So...if anyone would care to help me choose, I'd be grateful. I am always worried about asking for help, given the mediabistro forums' reputation for nasty responses, but I really do need impartial help with this. Please email me off the forums if you have comments? Thanks in advance for your help--perhaps I might be able to do the same or similar for you, some day. Photos are at: http://www.advicesisters.net |
| command Z | Posted – 6/9/2006 12:20:21 PM | show profile either number 2 or 3 definately! |
| HoboWriter | Posted – 6/9/2006 12:28:57 PM | show profile I'm not a publicist or PR rep, but in my writer's/laywoman's opinion, I agree with command Z that numbers 2 and 3 (counting from left to right) are the best. If you're stuck choosing between the two, I'd say decide which image you're trying to project...if it's hip, go with 2...If it's more serious, professional, go with 3. Hope that helps. |
| Janetblueyes | Posted – 6/9/2006 12:34:26 PM | show profile My vote is for number 3. Your smile looks relaxed and genuine and there is a cute sparkle in your eyes. |
| advicesisterA | Posted – 6/9/2006 1:18:24 PM | show profile | email poster thanks so much for the responses, so far. I really appreciate the feedback. Interesting, because I thought perhaps #3 was too unsophisticated and I wonderered also if black and white seemed too "arty" or perhaps, as if I was trying to hide something (I'm not). But so far, it looks like #3 is winning! I originally picked #1, thinking it was a bit more flirty, but so far, no one has liked it....that's why feedback is so great (smile) |
| flipflap | Posted – 6/9/2006 1:27:14 PM | show profile I'd say photo #2 (from left to right) good luck! |
| newyorker | Posted – 6/9/2006 1:38:45 PM | show profile my vote is for #2! |
| Chicklette | Posted – 6/9/2006 3:32:54 PM | show profile Art Director here sez number 2. You look attractive, happy, relaxed, friendly and confident. Your smile invites people, and your forward tilt makes it seem like you're interested in listening to the person that views the photo. Number 3 is not bad, but too tightly cropped. Reserve that one for press releases and magazine contributor pages. Number 1 is great for a nice frame at home or your holiday cards. And I would delete number 4 from my hard drive and never look back. |
| WritingSoul | Posted – 6/9/2006 3:57:28 PM | show profile 3rd one (from left) far 2nd choice is: 2nd from left |
| advicesisterA | Posted – 6/9/2006 4:29:07 PM | show profile wow, I'm blown away by the responses, and so far it is nearly a tie between #2 and #3. I guess I look better in black and white (ha, ha) or is it something else that is intangible that makes people choose one or the other? Guess #4 is out...and no one chose #1 so far either..that was actually my first choice so I'm really curious...and grateful for all the input. |
| globetrotter78 | Posted – 6/9/2006 4:32:05 PM | show profile Third from the left is the best one! www.born2travel.blogspot.com www.travelerspen.blogspot.com |
| JeanMarie | Posted – 6/9/2006 4:45:55 PM | show profile | email poster I'm sorry... Go back to the drawing board. If you don't have the opportunity to get one done professionally (and I don't mean the one-hour studio at the mall), at least email me and I'll give you some rules to follow. You can get a much better image for a little more effort. We're talking about your business here, right? |
| advicesisterA | Posted – 6/9/2006 5:23:17 PM | show profile I appreciate your candor, but these were not done at the local mall, they were done by professional photographer Nancy Konipol! In fairness to Nancy, I had to compress the photos to put so many on the page and not reduce loading time too much, so the quality suffered, but I intend to use higher quality jpegs on the final choice...is there something else in these you don't like? |
| ideefixe | Posted – 6/9/2006 7:29:46 PM | show profile I'm a TV producer and I'd book you from # 2. No offence to your photographer but #4 is not good at all. The B/W ones are okay, but for me, B/W isn't the standard. But you might think of trying one with your hair up, 3/4 profile, and not so much smile. Your eyes in #1 are nice, but I like the covered shoulders/no cleavage in # 3,4. |
| JeanMarie | Posted – 6/9/2006 8:02:43 PM | show profile | email poster I didn't mean they WERE done at the mall. I meant, don't have them done at the mall. And what I'm about to say is not a knock on you or Nancy. You asked for help. I'm trying to help. Please don't take what I say personally. None of the shortcomings of these photos has anything to do with computer resolution or resizing. light: Two of the images (2nd and 3rd) are severly backlit by a window. If the photographer uses that natural light from the proper angle (with a fill) it might be an advantage. As it is right now, it casts a far too harsh light and distracts from what should be the focus of the photo. It also appears that a flash or other direct harsh light was used in #4. This flattens the image (not a good thing) and blows out the white wall behind you. It also gives you red-eye. If your photographer doesn't have a studio light setup (and not everyone does), at least be sure that you balance the natural light with an OFF-CAMERA flash (dialed down) and a fill card of some sort. location: Near a window can be nice if it's a "clean" scene, but up against the wall never works. You also might be sitting on a couch (#4)? You can see the pattern of something over your shoulder. If the location doesn't specifically add to the image, then it should just disappear. Lens: There are a few rules (of course they can always be broken for legitimate reasons) about what the right lens for a portrait job is. If nothing else, at least be sure that you have the depth of field capabilities to separate you from the background material. I'd be happy to help the photog and be more in depth via email. Styling/hair/makeup: You're trying to project a professional, yet approachable persona here, right? Start with the first rule of just about everything: LESS IS MORE. If you can afford a professional for this stuff, all the better. And I mean someone who does this for high-profile clients (again, love the mall, but not for this). They have the tools and products (including makeup foundations for camera) that will make you look better than your best. If you can't afford one of these folks, don't fret. There are some things you can do on your own to kick it up a notch. First, hair - I like #1/2/3. This will work. #4? Not your best day. Keep it smooth, sleek and healthy-looking. Makeup: You approach it different depending on what you're shooting (b/w or color). I don't get to work with great makeup people often, but I know natural is better. I can give you some people to talk to if you want. Styling: here is where YOU can really contribute to this process. The strappy shirt is great for the beach or a picnic, but probably not your best bet for a professional portrait. Start with some safe bets, and then experiment with other things when you have time. A simple, single color (something springy, not flashy) button-down blouse (cotton or linen) will give you a fresh look. An single-color, unembelished sweater (with a modest cut, or v-neck over a blouse) creates a clean line. Jewelry should NOT be the focus, keep it small. If you must wear a big necklace or dangling earrings, then make it one or the other - not both. Your personality should be in the face. You want people to see YOU. I think you have bright, friendly eyes and a great smile. You want this photo (that will represent you) to say: I'm a friendly, approachable professional. I'm what you need. Again, nothing is/was meant as a personal attack. If you need examples of great shots, I'd be happy to surf around and find you some. There are lots of good ones to be found. Thanks for listening.... |
| mag art dir | Posted – 6/9/2006 10:21:28 PM | show profile #2 |
| flipflap | Posted – 6/10/2006 8:56:06 AM | show profile I still say #2 |
| Mirage | Posted – 6/11/2006 12:06:07 AM | show profile #3 |
| Mirage | Posted – 6/11/2006 12:06:51 AM | show profile #3 |
| zinny | Posted – 6/11/2006 12:29:19 AM | show profile #3! |
| vesnaleroux | Posted – 6/11/2006 6:09:01 AM | show profile head shots Number 2 - hands down ! |
| advicesisterA | Posted – 6/12/2006 1:08:58 PM | show profile | email poster Wow! I'm still blown away by these comments...they have really given me a lot to think about. I didn't believe it would be so difficult to replace a head shot. So far, #3 is the winner, at least by a nose over #2. I really am still not sure about using black and white, and I also thought that perhaps, the more modest outfit might make me look unsophisticated --but apparently it's the one that people are responding to most (or maybe it is just the best photo of the bunch). I don't know if anyone else wants to weigh in here, but so far, I think I'll have to post #3 AND #2 (smile) and maybe, go back to the drawing board if I can manage it (sigh)! You've all been fantastic. |
| advicesisterA | Posted – 6/12/2006 1:11:30 PM | show profile | email poster Wow! I'm still blown away by these comments...they have really given me a lot to think about. I didn't believe it would be so difficult to replace a head shot. So far, #3 is the winner, at least by a nose over #2. I really am still not sure about using black and white, and I also thought that perhaps, the more modest outfit might make me look unsophisticated --but apparently it's the one that people are responding to most (or maybe it is just the best photo of the bunch). I don't know if anyone else wants to weigh in here, but so far, I think I'll have to post #3 AND #2 (smile) and maybe, go back to the drawing board if I can manage it (sigh)! You've all been fantastic. |
| advicesisterA | Posted – 6/12/2006 1:11:49 PM | show profile | email poster Wow! I'm still blown away by these comments...they have really given me a lot to think about. I didn't believe it would be so difficult to replace a head shot. So far, #3 is the winner, at least by a nose over #2. I really am still not sure about using black and white, and I also thought that perhaps, the more modest outfit might make me look unsophisticated --but apparently it's the one that people are responding to most (or maybe it is just the best photo of the bunch). I don't know if anyone else wants to weigh in here, but so far, I think I'll have to post #3 AND #2 (smile) and maybe, go back to the drawing board if I can manage it (sigh)! You've all been fantastic. |
| advicesisterA | Posted – 6/12/2006 1:37:46 PM | show profile | email poster #3 is the winner so far...and again...many thanks HI All: I tried to post, but somehow the site must have been down. I just wanted to thank everyone who took the time so far to leave comments--they have given me a LOT to think about! I didn't know it would be so difficult to choose a new photo. So far, #3 is still the winner, but not by much over #2. I am so surprised that the black and white photo which has a much more modest and "homespun" look is the clear winner. I really, truly thought that I would be viewed as unsophisticated and perhaps, even "frumpy" (or is it just that the photo is a better photo, regardless of the subject)? In any case, I really, truly appreciate all the people who took the time to check out the photos and weigh in. If I don't get any more comments, I think I'll probably start with #3, using #2 in other parts of the site if I need a photo. Perhaps, I really need to get more shots, and I'll consider that when resources permit! |
