Talk:Head shot

I am going to write an article about the photographic technique but leave the redirect at the top until complete.

The external link added is probably the most informative and concise description of headshots Myraedison 01:07, 8 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

And: the accepted spelling for this is one word "Headshot" rather than Head Shot, their are many types of headshots including Commercial, Theatrical, Corporate and Glamour and multiple sub types IE Theatrical headshots can be of the Legitimate type and the LA type etc.. It's a whole word of photography in it's self Myraedison 01:10, 8 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Information or sales pitch?

Well...This page reads like a scrape from a commercial site now. It is also only marginally accurate. So should I write it myself? Myraedison 16:41, 21 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

video game term?

What happen to the video game "headshot" page? Was it deleted? 198.53.51.186 (talk) 01:06, 24 April 2009 (UTC)drN[reply]

Hmmmm

This article was written by some one who has very little knowledge (or quite possibly knows nothing) about headshots, Headshot Photography or the entertainment industry.

Respectfully, Ed Everett C.S.A

Why I have edited this article

I have pared this article down because most of the information is superfluous or incorrect and I have added some simple facts. Some one still needs to write this up, I am no expert in this particular area of the field however I know one. Myraedison (talk) 03:55, 26 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Okay, I have re worked this and included pertinent information regarding entertainment industry headshots. Some information regarding types of headshots (such as New York Legitimate as opposed to L.A. type headshots)I have left out because there seems to be so much contradictory information on the subject.Myraedison (talk) 02:17, 7 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Merge the information Heading with Entertainment industry.

Some good info here in both. Needs to be merged. Evedev (talk) 01:01, 28 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, It's a mess

I suggest it be reverted and we start over. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Myraedison (talk • contribs) 02:20, 22 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia is not a howto

This page reads like a howto page - see Wikipedia:NOT#HOWTO for why it needs rewriting to provide just an encyclopedic entry of what a headshot is, not how they should be taken etc. I have also tagged it as needing reliable sources. Mfield (talk) 23:32, 27 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yes this is true and I will rewrite it as soon as I have the time, I have restored the link because it is a very good explanation of headshots by a very well respected headshot specialist.

69.234.56.152 (talk) 03:32, 7 October 2008 (UTC) E.Everett CSA[reply]

That link has been (correctly) removed again by another editor per policy. See WP:LINKS: it may have a good explanation but that does not overule the fact that it is a commercial site that could benefit from traffic from this article. At any rate, WP is not providing advice and people can google away themselves for it. Mfield (talk) 05:12, 7 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

At any rate the article as it pertains to entertainment industry is grossly off the mark. 69.234.51.201 (talk) 18:36, 7 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I agree (I shoot them myself). I haven't got around to re-writing any of it as really it needs starting from scratch with citations and references which it embarrassingly, and against policy, has none of. Mfield (talk) 19:42, 7 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The reason for the link to http://www.dcolegrovephotography.com/headshot-faqs.html was that this particular photographer is an expert in visual communication and headshot / publicity photography. at the time this Wiki article was sparse in information and the link was on point as to the definition of headshots. I do see that since it's original link that the article has been more "incorporated" into his professional site... It is still a good reference under any circumstances. Myraedison (talk) 22:18, 11 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It is unfortunate that most of the best references I.E. SAG (http://www.sag.org/), IATSE etc... are all sites that require membership. I am looking for other pertinent published information on headshots but so far none are accurate or up to date. E.Everett —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.234.56.219 (talk) 01:59, 12 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Once Again

I have pared down this article (removed inaccurate, self published and excessive information)

It still needs re-writing. Myraedison (talk) 23:08, 11 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

May I add a contribution to this page?

My name is Pascal Molliere, I am a professional theatrical photographer and I specialise in shooting actors headshots..

I'd like to talk about the technique of achieving the perfect headshot - using light/shade, direction, composition, location and camera/lens technique, post-production..

There are many aspects to achieving the prefect headshot and it is one of THE most important aspects of an actors career - before Laurence Olivier became such a star, his headshot which arrived along with hundreds of others, convinced an agent and a casting director to meet him and consider him for the role.

Every headshot is vital in the process of achieving that break that thrusts actors into the spotlight - precisely where every actor wants to be. HIs/her headshot is their most valuable tool at that stage, so it's important to get the very best looking image that will hold the viewers attention and make them react and include it in their consideration.

Once that has been achieved, the next process is down to the actor himself - the headshot has hopefully has achieved it's aim.

The perfect headshot - is an image that is the very best image of that particular person attainable using light, shade, composition etc and will achieve optimum success for that person.

The perfect headshot is achieved by employing several techniques.. It starts with the relationship between the photographer and the subject. The subject needs to feel more than just comfortable with the photographer in order to achieve the right look - they need to feel inspired, enthused and excited even - but they also need to feel comfortable and willing in order to take direction - more than just hair, clothing and style is considered by the photographer - every slightest nuance affects the image - the actors frame of mind, their stance, their feelings and sentiments, their character and spirit, the light, the shade, the background, the angle, the depth of field / aperture, location, expression.. The list goes on -

Among the many different variables are many that can appear to change/alter the subject face altogether. The most important of these is light - light is the single most important factor that influences an actors face and how it comes across in print. Our eyes are only treated to a single source when looking at a printed headshot - as opposed to how we consider a face when it's actually in front of us. The technique for a photographer is to try and capture the face in it's BEST light.

3 crucial light influences are outdoor natural light, indoor natural light and studio light. All three use shade as well as light but all three give vastly different results and can change the look of a face completely. In some cases, the actor can appear as three different people when photographed in the three different lighting set ups. So the question for every actor when considering headshots is - which light is best suited to their face?

View some examples of the different light techniques at http://www.pascalphoto.co.uk/headshots.html -

The 'perfect headshot' considers every aspect in order to achieve perfection. Each aspect is differently approached with each different face/actor. While photographic techniques can employ the best out of cameras and print medium, it is the relationship between the photographer and subject that is the second most important factor.

The relationship before, during and after the shoot have influence on the perfect headshot.. The image is not perfect if the subject's perception of the experience is negative and so it is important that the entire process is positive from start to finish.

The actor must be receptive, positive and responsive - the photographer will need to work with that person and give direction in order for the camera to capture the best angle, expression and light etc - sometimes several factors will be out such as light, position and expression - it is the skill of the photographer to adjust these conditions during the process without upsetting the equilibrium of the photographer/subject relationship but allowing the actors character to shine through and be captured in a shot in the most effective way. This is a skill that is crucial to the actor/photographer relationship and is vital to achieving the perfect headshot.

That empathy is achieved at the start of the consultation and carried throughout the whole process.

Composition is important to make the image appealing - an equal balance of face with eyes occupying the position in the top quarter of the page, some neck should be visible and in some cases shoulders - but the emphasis should always be on the actors eyes - as people make eye contact in order to recognise/distinguish a face. Sharp focus on one eye - usually the closest to the lens is important - a shallow depth of field can be used in order to throw focus beyond the eyes and towards the ears - an interesting technique is to throw focus completely beyond the actors head, bringing the viewers attention solely to the face.

Light and shade play an equally important part - while the source of light can be natural or with the help of studio lighting and other studio items - a light reducer can help with shade, a beauty dish or soft box can help to control the trajectory / intensity of the light. A 'catch light' should be visible in the actors eyes to give depth and subliminal appeal.

Finally, the perfect headshot has to be printed perfectly - this process is called post-production and it also includes any minor adjustments to the image that may be required such as contrast and tone. if the image was shot in colour, it may need to be changed to black & white, it may be necessary to address and mask any blemishes that are not usually apparent on the actors face but were on the day of the shoot such as a spot or a graze. Moles and other permanent features must remain unchanged as they are part of the actors true image. Once the image is ready to be printed, it is vital that a good quality process is employed - using a reputable print facility is paramount. A poor quality home printer can make a professional headshot look very amateur. The best grade of paper, the best ink types and production processes must be used. cropped to 10x8 inch for industry standard - printed as a black & white or colour image.

I have been working as a headshot / portrait / theatre photographer for more than 15 years. My father was also a photographer as was my grandfather and my roots in the acting / theatre profession go back a long way.

Many thanks for reading my contribution.

Pascal Molliere.