Headshots, advice?

[pakyooh]

I was asked by my cousin's friend to take his headshots. Most of my work have been portraits so I'm I bit hesitant. I do however want to try it to see if it is something I'm able to do correctly.

I mostly shoot outdoors in natural light. Southern California offers enough of that. My gear would be just my dslr, on-camera flash (not pop-up) and a reflector.

Money is involved, another reason I'm hesitant. Since payment is involved, I want to make sure I deliver.

Any advice on how to handle a headshot session? Or is it something I should pass up on?

 

[Grey Beard]

Head shots

With head shots, just make sure you go for a clean kill

KGB

 

[fcortese]

Some I've been told:

1. Focus on the eyes. That's a key element.

2. The eyes, the eyes, the eyes.

3. eyes in one of the crossings in the rule of thirds

4. fill the frame. don't be afraid to cut top of the head off.

5. did I mention the importance of the eyes being tack sharp?

good luck

 

[pakyooh]

Thanks! Got it, eyes!

For actors' headshots. Any specific advice. His agent did not like his current headshot because of the smile. Obviously thats for me to work on getting him to do it naturally.

Is white background necessary? Again I'm hoping to do everything outdoors.

Thanks again...

Some I've been told:

1. Focus on the eyes. That's a key element.

2. The eyes, the eyes, the eyes.

3. eyes in one of the crossings in the rule of thirds

4. fill the frame. don't be afraid to cut top of the head off.

5. did I mention the importance of the eyes being tack sharp?

good luck

 

[fitshaced]

I was asked by my cousin's friend to take his headshots. Most of my work have been portraits so I'm I bit hesitant. I do however want to try it to see if it is something I'm able to do correctly.

I mostly shoot outdoors in natural light. Southern California offers enough of that. My gear would be just my dslr, on-camera flash (not pop-up) and a reflector.

Money is involved, another reason I'm hesitant. Since payment is involved, I want to make sure I deliver.

Any advice on how to handle a headshot session? Or is it something I should pass up on?

I've got relatively no experience with head shots. But perhaps some backlighting pointing directly at the head.

 

[fcortese]

I've got relatively no experience with head shots. But perhaps some backlighting pointing directly at the head.

Agree. Backlighting will give a glow to the hairline. You'll need to have a remote speedlight set up or something along those lines. If you're shooting outdoors-get some greenery in the background and open your aperture to get a bokeh effect. If you are using backdrop screens, I guess the color depends upon what clothes are being worn and the skin coloring. I'm no expert and there are others on this site that do this for a living or at least as a very serious hobby, so it'd be good to hear from them.

 

[pakyooh]

Thanks, I'm planning to do the shoot outdoors and all natural lighting because of my limited equipment.

I've got relatively no experience with head shots. But perhaps some backlighting pointing directly at the head.

 

[MacNut]

Most pro head shots are B&W so soft lighting would be best. Don't use a busy back round.