3 - C
No question, it just looks like a person, not a person trying to be something. The lighting in group 2 is crap, casting people want to see you, not dramatic photography.
Group 1: B
Group 2: C
Group 3: C – didn’t really like this group at all
In general, yeah, the hair looks wrong, trying to look all macho and serious makes you look like a stalker, and for god’s sake smile!
Group 2. Definitely Group 2. Makes you look mysterious, with a touch of evil. The insidious, scheming-mastermind type of evil, though, not the crazy terrorist sort. The subdued lighting helps, too.
Groups 1 and 3 make you look really really happy. Goofily happy, one might say. And goofiness is probably not what you’re going for.
Disclaimer: don’t listen to me. I think things are cool that most people just think are odd. You did ask, though.
2C is a nice shot. I don’t like the shirts you’re wearing in groups A and C. Good luck to you!
Wow! Thanks everybody for the great feedback, it’s been very helpful. It’s exactly like bittersweet said:
so very true- glad I have you folks!
Gotcha! I am aware of this, when I made mention of it I only meant that if there was one that we liked but was too dark or had some bad shadows or something then maybe we’d take care of that, also we might choose a photo but decide it ought to be cropped. It’s a good point for you to make, though. I’ve seen many headshots of actors that look nothing like the actors they are meant to represent.
Anna Nimity, I’d love it if you could clarify this. In the second sentence you mention “B” twice- is this a typo? It seems like you might have intended to draw a comparison of A and B. These are two of my favorites and I’m having a hard time deciding between the two. Which did you feel was “more interesting, more rich in character”?
This is s great idea in theory, but take my word for it- it really doesn’t work. I just don’t have a face that “smiles” very well. The smile in Group 1 Photo B is about as pronounced a smile as your gonna get.
Nope.
Yeah, this one was never really in the running as my primary headshot, but I do think it captures something wacky and fun. I’m just thinking of getting a few of these printed to have the option of sending it out for very specific parts where a wacky look might benefit me.
A bit surprised to see multiple comments criticizing the hair. In real life I actually get very positive feedback and unsolicited compliments on a pretty regular basis. It could be that it just doesn’t work in the photos. This is interesting. I’m gonna have to think on this. I do think I stand to benefit from standing out with a unique look- when my career takes off it will definitely be launched by quirky character roles, not conventional leading man stuff. But if what I got ain’t coming across in these pictures, if there’s a problem with how the hairstyle looks, I need to be able to review and rethink. Thanks for mentioning it.
I think you should ask your friends which one looks most like you.
When I got my actor’s headshot done, I was being really vain, and out of the 72 pictures the photographer took, I chose the only one that, just for that one tiny instant - that look, that lighting, that angle - made me look just amazing. I mean really seriously good-looking, movie-star, male model beautiful.
It looked nothing like the real me.
That damn picture plagued me when it went into the casting books - I got a stream of lonely middle-aged female directors calling me all the time, wanting to “audition” me in their houses, and commercial directors and casting agents wanting to cast me as a studly, charismatic loner. And then, if I did turn up to an audition, they’d be disappointed with the reality, and it would be a huge waste of everyone’s time. So go for the one that most reflects yourself, as people who know you see you.
Also, just an opinion, but I highly recommend you change that hair.
Dear Penthouse, I never thought I would be writing you…
Group 1:
C- I like this one, but I wish it was a bit wider, as you look like you’re trying to hide big ears or something.
B- I like how mischevious you look in this one.
Group 2:
B- Scary stalker suspicous one. Good look, though.
Group 3:
I didn’t really like any of these.
A- HEY! Look at my sideburn!
G- was the best, but shows how unruly your hair can be (think Hugh Grant in Four Weddings unruly), not good if the director wants to move fast (thinking movies here)
1-D, definitely. (I prefer Group 1 as a whole.)
And both Mtgman and jjimm are right, you definitely want your headshot to look like YOU. If you show up looking nothing like your headshot, a lot of times you don’t get the job. Example: one of our friends showed up at an audition with straight hair when her headshot showed wavy hair, and the powers that be were very disappointed. Needless to say, she didn’t get hired.
So keep that in mind if you’re going to be getting a haircut, glasses, anything that might significantly alter your appearance, you’re gonna need new headshots.
That being said, I definitely think you’re cute and wish you the best of luck. 
I vote for Group 1, Photo B as the most overall appealing, although I think we need just a tad more straight on, full-face angle to get a good look at you.
Group 2, Photo A looks like a Horror Movie of the Week TV promo shot. Not at all bad in itself, but not good unless you want those kinds of roles.
Stay away from the head-tilt poses as in 2-C. Too “yearbook,” I think.
You have a nice face.
Not sure where I come down on the “hairstyle” question, but the sideburns should definitely go.
I like 1-B best, but I’d like to see a little more space around the edges of the photo. You have an adorable smile in that one, but it’s a little too “in-your-face”, y’know?
I agree that you need to get a haircut. I think you’d look best if you clipped your hair really short, like maybe an inch or so long, and kept the sideburns. The bone structure of your face is nice and well-defined, and you’d do well not to hide it behind all that hair that’s getting in your face in most of the photos.
1-B
2-C
3-C
I’m not sure I would change the hair. I understand what everyone means with that advice, but I also think you want to look unique, individual…you know, like you. Plus I think any casting folks and/or directors will be able to “see” another style on you if they want you to go that way. I’m not an actor but it seems like the more you feel like yourself the more confidence you will show.
Nice pics!
Don’t listen to these guys, keep the hair and the sideburns, they’re [very cute on you. 1B is my favorite, 1A a close second.
Damn you! Beat me to it!
Headshots are done in black and white.
I don’t think I ever saw a color photo in any theater or film submissions.
Also, it is always good to have a few different shots. If you are an actor, casting likes to have various shots to chose from, depending on the role.
Despite what others have said, don’t worry about your hairstyle. Once cast, they are going to do it over anyway.
The best choice in headshot is the one that looks most like you. As jjimm mentioned, there is nothing worse than walking into an audition not looking at all like you do in the photo. That is why they called you, and you are really wasting everyone’s time if you don’t look like the photo you submitted.
Sorry, but go back to the drawing board and get those black and white photos, in the standard 8x10 glossy format. Anything else is the equivalent of pink resume paper. Also known as loser/unprofessional submission.
:eek:
I can see from your “Location” slot that you’ve lived in L.A., but how long ago? Black and Whites are still the “traditional” look but I’d say that use of color headshots is fast approaching if not already over 60% of actors’ submissons. Casting Directors that I have talked to generally say they have no preference or that they prefer color headshots.
I haven’t conducted any kind of scientific study and have no cites to offer, but color headshots have definitely shed any kind of “pink resume paper” stigma they may have once had. There are color headshots all over this town, ain’t they aren’t keeping anyone out of work.
But thanks for sharing some feedback! It’s best to hear from lots of people!
OK…been six years.
Maybe things have changed, but worked at a large, legit theater and for a major film studio. Color photos were certainly possible even then. However…never saw them in any of those places…and I am talking major stars.
Maybe I am wrong now.
But I think a black and white photo today will still show a certain level of class.
BTW…just so you don’t think I am some old fogey…DVD’s are the current standard for audition “tapes”, although video is still accepted.
Do as you will.
bienville
Yes, that was a typo. I meant to say that you looked great in picture B but much more interesting in picture A. I previewed but still missed that.
Group 3 Photo C is definitely your best over all and Group 2 Photo A is a great shot also for if you were going for parts as a villian, Group 1 A and D are also pretty good burn the rest of them. Good look Joe or Joel.