Musician headshot

JimW

She needed some photos for publicity. When we looked over the clothes she’d brought, the red dress was my choice for the main shot. It came down to these two shots, numbers 1 and 2. The first photo might be a prettier picture, but the second photo showed more confidence, so we chose #2 as her main publicity shot. Posture is important and it made the difference here.

The black top was for more formal needs. She also submits applications to schools to be a visiting music teacher, and she wanted a shot that said she could communicate with children. So we made the happier, more accessible expression in the one with the blue top.

After we were done, I asked her if she would pose for one more, just for my portfolio. That’s when we got the last one.

The main shots are all a three light setup (main, hair & background). The last shot was one light only.

All comments are welcome.
Jim


#1



#2



#3




#4




#5

divamum

Really nice set of classic, classical musician portraits.

Number 2 is nice, but IMO for programs/publicity she should absolutely use #5, which is the keeper of the set for me (make sure you give her a good BW conversion on her publicity choices as well, since programs usually still print headshots in BW).

Personally, I find 3 a more accessible look than the great-big-smile even though I don't like the orchestra-blacks top as much, but ymmv.

Nicely done all round!

adbsgicom

I don't know the rules for headshots, but #5 is wonderful as an image. It has real mood to it!!

D'Buggs

divamum wrote:

Number 2 is nice, but IMO for programs/publicity she should absolutely use #5, which is the keeper of the set for me

Hands down; AGREED!
5 captivates me and I waana hear her play. This is a very nice photo.

aktse

I always loved your images, and still remember your jigsaw puzzle project.

#5 -- that's the winner...

Wil Davis

They're all pretty good, except #4 which (IMNSHO) looks a bit forced. The only other comment is that I can't see her hands (even less so in #2), and so it looks like someone has just leaned the flute up against her 'cos they can't think of anything else to do with it…

Great lighting in #5, BTW
…although I'm not sure I like her pose in #5; she looks as if she's fixating on the flute, fascinated by the embouchure plate I dare say…

- Wil

Morris On Location

great job.. 5 def my fav for its artist measure..however, for when she's applying for visits they are pretty strict about receiving your typical forward front head shot and you did a great job of capturing her in those as well.. love the idea of having a seperate one that seems more open for the kids..

adbsgicom

Wil Davis wrote:

fascinated by the embouchure plate I dare say…

Thanks for the new word!!! I'm surprised it hasn't shown up in a Times crossword that I can recall....

Wil Davis

adbsgicom wrote:

Thanks for the new word!!! I'm surprised it hasn't shown up in a Times crossword that I can recall....

That could depend on which "Times" you're talking about…

London, New York, Asia, Washington, Windy City…



- Wil

JimW

Diva – thanks for the reminder on b&w!

Adbsgicom and DBuggs – Thanks a lot.
April – tank you
Wil – yeah … what to do with the flute? Well, I researched quite a bit. Many of the flutists photos have them holding it like a weapon. I didn’t like that. They can’t be playing it in a headshot, as the format has to be kept narrow. So, this was my favorite pose. But I understand your point. Thanks.
Morris – Yes, thanks.


Jim

gmonkeh

I really like the last one. The previous ones imo could have used a little more fill. Skin tone seems a little splotchy as well, might be able to even it out in PS. But overall I like em

Ed911

Done.

JimW

Thank you for your comments. I'm sorry, but Ed, would you do me a favor please. Would you mind taking that down? Thank you kindly. Sorry.