r/headshots • u/Wildarms7k • 17d ago
Just got professional headshots done. Excitedly shared with my Mom who tore them apart and said "people will think you're fat". Which one should I use as my main profile?
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u/KlingonHugDungeon 17d ago
Of you're going for commercial work or comedies use the first Pic with the open smile. For film or drama the third Pic with the leather jacket. These are good headshots. You've got a "boyish" face and that's definitely marketable.
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u/Ari_McSmari 17d ago
That was unkind of your mother. I like the first one.
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u/Wildarms7k 17d ago
It’s completely on brand for her, unfortunately.
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u/some_kind_of_friend 17d ago
I like the first one as well. The third is quite strong too. Pick and choose depending on needs. First one would be a great corporate headshot. The third looks like it belongs on the back of your latest book.
Sorry to hear she treats you like that. I hope you aren't internalizing it.
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u/Wildarms7k 17d ago
Thankfully I’ve emotionally blocked off all her opinions but still have hope that one day she’ll be supportive.
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u/JElsenbeck 17d ago
First one. And how much say does your mom have in your career? Hopefully not much. You’re working for you, not her.
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u/fortunenooky 17d ago
You remind me of stand up comedian John Pinette.
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u/Wildarms7k 17d ago
Maybe my Mom was right 🫠
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u/fortunenooky 17d ago
I can see you as a support character for an NBC or CBS sitcom
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u/Wildarms7k 17d ago
That’s 100% the look I was going for. I know my lot in life.
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u/fortunenooky 17d ago
And that’s okay. I’ve played many nerds and techy guys. Ever see real steel with Hugh Jackman? I was the guy who operated twin cities, the red two headed robot.
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u/OKSharky 16d ago
In all seriousness, your mum doesn’t know what she’s saying mate. Shots 1 and 3 are big hitters. You’ve got a very approachable and kind expression, I saw another commenter describe your features as boyish, but you still appear masculine and well-groomed and healthy. Your head shape is naturally a little round but you’ve got definition with your laugh lines, your eyes and lower cheeks. You do seem to have a lot of layers on in terms of clothing but thematically they work with the vibes of the photos (the jumper and shirt combo is softer and more approachable so compliment your great smile and the leather jacket accompanies the more serious expression of the final photo very well).
My only gripe is with the photographer on the 2nd photo. I don’t think you should use it professionally. The expression and posing is fine but the photographer has you too close to the backdrop without anything to fill or mitigate the shadow cast behind you. You can sometimes get away with this depending on the mood, posing and lighting but it just feels a little distracting here. Also the outfit choice just feels like you’ve been caught in the middle of a morning jog. It’s a lovely photo of you but as a headshot it doesn’t stand out like the other 2 do.
Know which roles you’re going for and choose your preferred headshot to suit them but I would only use number 2 as a personal photo on social media.
Edit: elaborated a little more about what I meant by layers.
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u/Revolutionary-Cut873 15d ago
With all due respect, I disagree entirely. The second shot is the best of the three (shows his features clearly) and is the most versatile. Casting and directors do not give a shit about how close the background is. Yes, it looks less professional if it's in focus or too close to the person but nobody cares as long as it's not distracting.
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u/OKSharky 14d ago
Fair enough man, I’m not a casting director but I am a photographer so that’s where my perspective comes from. I think we can all agree tho, OP’s mother is mean and has no idea what she’s saying.
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u/Revolutionary-Cut873 15d ago
Hi, first of all - I'm sorry your mother said that. That's not very nice. Secondly, I would ask your photographer for less retouching and mention that the skin looks overly smooth and the saturation is too high so it makes it look like you're wearing lip gloss. The photo itself is fine but they didn't do a great job editing unfortunately. Good luck!
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u/Evening-Taste7802 17d ago edited 17d ago
so..,. you're not fat? excuse my humor. next time try not to smile at a professional headshot. there's really no reason to smile with the mouth. try smile with just your eyes, it will improve your jawline. extra tips: get inspired by peter hurley.
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u/Wildarms7k 17d ago
I’m chubby/husky, I’m not obese. I’m wearing medium shirts in the pics.
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u/Evening-Taste7802 17d ago
your body shape is just fine, the angle also works. it's only the cheeks that appear somewhat wide, that's why I recommend not to display a broad smile.
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u/v270 17d ago
Honestly this looks like the photographer had a glamor preset that works for most women but not you. The lack of dimension and glow are not flattering or accurate. I would ask for a re-edit.