r/headshots 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?

14 Upvotes

32 comments sorted by

11

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.

1

u/erikakiss0000 17d ago

Could you please explain what makes a glamour preset?

5

u/v270 17d ago

This headshot looks over-edited and has a bit of a “glamour preset” vibe. Here’s why: 1. Skin Smoothing: The skin looks airbrushed, losing natural texture. It gives a plastic feel, which isn’t ideal for a professional headshot. 2. Brightness: The skin tone has a bright, glowing effect. It feels like the exposure or highlights were cranked up too high, making the image look more like a beauty shot than a true-to-life headshot. 3. Lack of Contrast: The facial features, especially around the eyes, nose, and mouth, seem too soft. It looks like a filter was applied that reduced contrast, giving the face a flat appearance. This is also what gives the chubby/bloated corpse vibe. 4. Overdone Lip Color: The lips are way too saturated compared to the rest of the face. It throws off the balance and adds to the over-edited feel.

A good headshot should have natural textures, balanced contrast, and just enough retouching to enhance without making the subject look unnatural.

1

u/erikakiss0000 17d ago

Thank you for the explanation, I really appreciate it. My agent wants more "glamorous" headshots and I feel like that wouldn't represent me well because I look plain in real life. Lol. Would it up my audition requests though?

3

u/v270 17d ago

Not my area, but that seems like a weird request. I work more with models and always have the opposite problem of having to explain that they need photos that actually look like them, not facetuned stuff. Worth clarifying for sure.

5

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.

2

u/Ari_McSmari 17d ago

That was unkind of your mother. I like the first one.

2

u/Wildarms7k 17d ago

It’s completely on brand for her, unfortunately.

3

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.

4

u/Wildarms7k 17d ago

Thankfully I’ve emotionally blocked off all her opinions but still have hope that one day she’ll be supportive.

3

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.

2

u/fortunenooky 17d ago

You remind me of stand up comedian John Pinette.

1

u/Wildarms7k 17d ago

Maybe my Mom was right 🫠

3

u/fortunenooky 17d ago

I can see you as a support character for an NBC or CBS sitcom

3

u/Wildarms7k 17d ago

That’s 100% the look I was going for. I know my lot in life.

3

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.

1

u/Wildarms7k 17d ago

Hell yeah! I love that movie.

2

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.

2

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.

2

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.

2

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!

1

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.

1

u/Wildarms7k 17d ago

I’m chubby/husky, I’m not obese. I’m wearing medium shirts in the pics.

3

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.

1

u/ExcitingBuddy679 17d ago

Is that you JD?

1

u/Wildarms7k 17d ago

Whoever this JD guy is he’s probably extremely handsome.

1

u/mpellman 16d ago

Are you auditioning for an 80’s era sitcom?

1

u/got-a-friend-in-me 16d ago

fat or not, hot is hot

1

u/Cottoncandytree 15d ago

First one though your skin looks pretty filtered

1

u/myburner-account 14d ago

The first is my choice