What ia a professional headshot?
01/28/2010
While there are several different types of headshots, the intent of the headshot is similar and that is to portray the subject to the viewer in an honest but in away that will entice the viewer to examine the subject just a little more. To actors their headshot is their business card and the casting director or decision maker will make a decision to pursue the client in less than a second. Perhaps a professional headshot of a realty specialist or lawyer would get more than two seconds of thought by the potential client. So a well done headshot is essential for almost all professions.
Normally a headshot is a image or photograph that the subject's face is the primary focus of the image. In most cases the image is cropped displaying the head, face and some of the shoulders. There are times when a "headshot" will be cropped to the arms or even lower but a full length photo would only be utilized in a full portfolio.
There are two basic types of headshots, business and theatrical. Most people are in need of a business headshot in which a smiling or at least a pleasant expression is used. A theatrical headshot is normally used to show a dramatic expression and pose that captures a character and/or mood. Theatrical headshots are normally used for actors trying out for a particular role or production.
What should I Wear?
02/09/2010
What to wear is the most asked question regarding a headshot photo session. The simple answer is something that looks great on you!
Now seriously, solid colors are generally much better than prints. Stripes even small ones will detract from face or the main point of the headshot. After all the headshot is to sell you or the subject. If you want to sell a blouse or jacket than a more commercial setting is in order where the lighting and background is more important.
Try and choose a color that is complimentary to your particular skin color or skin type. Your top should not be the same shade and color as the background but should compliment it.
For men a professional headshot is pretty simple, a white shirt, tie and black or navy blazer is a great standby. This selection will make the wearer to be autocratic and in charge. Perhaps that is not what you want to convey then a solid color shirt should convey approachability and trust. If a tie is worn then the color should be complimentary to your skin tone.
Most people are cool colors but a list is provided below that was taken from Wikipedia.
Carole Jackson, Color Me Beautiful (1980)
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Winter
Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Very white", "White with delicate pink tone", "Beige (no cheek color, may be sallow)", "Gray-beige or brown", "Rosy beige", "Olive", "Black" (blue undertone)", "Black (sallow)". Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 47.
Many African Americans and Asians fall into this category.
Winters should wear colors that are sharp, stark and clear. White, black, navy blue, red and shocking pink all go well with winter complexions. For lighter colors, wear icy tones rather than pastels. Avoid subdued tones like beige, orange and gold. ehow -
Summer
Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Pale beige with delicate pink cheeks", "Pale beige with no cheek color (even sallow)", "Rosy beige", "Very pink", "Gray-brown", "Rosy brown". Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 49.
Summers should choose pastels and soft neutrals with rose and blue undertones. Lavender, plum, rose-brown and soft blue suit summers well while black and orange do not.
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Spring
Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Creamy ivory", "Ivory with pale golden freckles", "Peach", "Peach/pink (may have pink/purple knuckles)", "Golden beige", "Rosy cheeks (may blush easily)", "Golden brown." Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 53.
Springs can wear warm colors like camel, peach, golden yellow and golden brown. Avoid dark, dull colors. -
Autumn
Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Ivory", "Ivory with freckles (usually redhead)", "Peach", "Peach with freckles (usually golden blonde, brown)", "Golden beige (no cheek color, needs blush)", "dark beige, coppery", "Golden brown." Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 51.
Autumns should select colors with golden undertones, like camel, beige, orange, gold and dark brown. Avoid colors with blue tones, like navy.
We will always provide a consultation to all clients who wish to use our services.
Color or Black & White Headshot
Well it all depends. Remember that a headshot is a close up from arm pose or three quarters all the way to the extreme close up. Actors used to have to submit only black & white headshots but that has changed somewhat, but a good black and white is still good to submit along with a color. A black & white photo is almost always more dramatic, elegant and thoughtful.
Many folks try to get both color and black & white from the same photo session which is ok, but perhaps not ideal. Makeup is the big difference. Less is more with black & white and more is better with color.
For black & white photos contrast is everything and too much contrast is a killer and the result will be very poor. In a black & white portrait lighter areas appear more prominent while darker regions recede into the photo. Basically the makeup should be applied to even out the face tone as much as possible. Add highlighter to darken areas of the face like under the eyes. Foundation should be even and smooth. The biggest no no is eyeliner which can make a black & white headshot ghoulish or real goth looking unless that is what you want. So normally you will use just a little eyeliner. Lips should be soft but not shiny for black and white while in color a little lip shine is real nice. I think lip liner is probably the most important because the lips can almost disappear without it.
The background for black & white headshots should not be white or black because that gives too much contrast. An off-white, gray or light blue is best as this will a gentle gray tone to the finished product.
Ideally I think a three quarter pose or even an arm pose probably is best in color but a close up is so much more dramatic in black & white. Now if you are using the image for a corporate website then follow the basic guidelines as to what other images are. If you want both I suggest to shoot for the black 7 white first, then apply more makeup and wardrobe and do the color photo shoot.
Lighting for a black & white headshot for actors and professionals trying to get work should be even and simple. A main light, fill light and maybe a back light and no dramatic lighting. Probably a more dramatic lighting like mine on top is not a good idea not to mention the black shirt and charcoal backdrop.