I was passed this link by someone offended by comments within it disparaging amateur photographers. As far as that is concerned I take such comments with a pinch of salt, if someone wants to be snobby about amateurs and semi-pros then that is their problem. There was though quite a good nugget of info for anyone aiming to provide headshots as a service – Some things every model & actor should know
Some photographers work hard at developing a particular “style” of headshots in order to stand out in the very competitive business of headshots. In some cases, this will make no difference one way or the other, provided you like that particular style.However, there is an increasing trend by some headshot photographers to overly crop a photo. This means to cut off or exlude certain features of a subject, such as hair, foreheads, chins, ears, etc. In some cases, this is perfectly acceptable. But in other cases, extreme cropping is a sure sign that your photo will end up in the casting director’s “rejected” pile.
Technorati Tags: head, shot, models, actresses, photography
4 Comments
Indeed, folks who are offended by such comments should definitely take them with a pinch of salt. Obviously anything I write is my opinion. And of course, other peoples’ opinions will vary.
Unfortunately, my impression of amatuer photographers has been tainted by such sites as ModelMayhem which are a breeding ground for totally unprofessional attitudes and GWC’s pretending to be photographers simply so they can take (terrible) pictures of pretty girls.
With that said, I’m not saying there are not highly professional and very skilled photographers on sites like that either, but they are few and far between, IMO.
-Zero Dean
Also, photographers should please keep in mind that this content wasn’t written with them in mind. It is directed at actors and intended as a helpful guide in picking a headshot photographer.
Since I’m the professional photographer writing the content, it certainly makes no sense for me to encourage my potential clients to go hunt down a good amateur photographer somewhere else for a shoot.
It’s useful for semi-pros to see content like this, not just for the headshot tips but also to think about counter-arguments. As far as going to a professional, I think it is good advice providing they can afford it. Sadly most models and actors/actresses I know are at a financial level where they are more likely to be drawn to the “budget” end of the market so there are potential clients for all of us right along the spectrum.
i very much agree with your thoughts on most amatuer photoraphers. many have the fast food complex, i’m here and i want it now. myself be a amatuer have seen this almost 70% of the time when i run into another of the kind. if what you say offends other people, keep it up. all your saying is how the world could be at times. if thats to much to chew, they should spit it out and move on.
devon