This is my first headshot client. I would love any and all constructive criticism. Do you feel that these are quality images that he should be proud of using for his professional business? While photographing I told him to imagine that ESPN had asked to do a phone interview with him, to cover a local sports story that he had broken. I want these images to be what he would send to them to put on the screen with the caption “Voice of John Doe, Cinci Jungle reporter”. Do these images meet your professional standards?
That shine on the side of his forehead made him look sweaty, in my opinion
Yeah. I need to experiment with different modifiers to get that light onto his cheek and off of his four head. I had to raise the light higher to prevent his collar from casting shadows onto his face, but unfortunately depending on his head tilt, the highlight would move onto his four head at times. It’s something I’m going to have to do better at during the shoot.
I think the first shot is solid. I am not a huge fan of the angle but I can see it working for the line of work he is in. The shots on white look very flat and over retouched IMO. All the shots have the leaned in look and I think a couple confident straight up shots would be good to have in the mix. Overall I would say they are pretty solid. a lot of this comes down to style, purpose/industry and the individual you are shooting.
That’s all very constructive feedback. Thank you.
My client felt he had a definitive “good side”. I gave him the option to select his favorite expressions, but afterwards I sort of regretted it. A lot of these are what I would describe as the shot right before “the shot”. I’m definitely going to edit the ones that have, that I feel are the optimal angle and expression, but how do you handle photo selection with your clients? Are we as the photographers under more of an obligation to direct them to their better expressions? If they insist on having some of the less technically good photos because they like the expression that they’re making, do you deliver those anyways because the customer is always right?
So I shoot tethered, not sure if you do. But I bring them over the laptop every 10-15 shots and show them what we are getting and do some selection. What do we like not like. I am always very forward with my opinions while also giving them freedom to express their. I will make suggestions, let them know what I like don't like and WHY. I will also ask them what they like about certain photos. Sometimes I can just reshoot similar shot that works better technically or that gets a better expression or pose. Most people follow my advice during selection but at the end the day its their money and their image to the world. They make the final decision on things.