Black background and portraits

[serissolutions]

Is a black background ok to use for professional portraits or headshots?

[soarprod]

Most people want to see more of the actor/person in the portrait/headshot - they want to know who they are hiring/casting

[Croasdail]

You can - but be prepared that it generaly results in a very contrasty (is there is such a word) image that isn't flattering to most people. Done properly - the results can be very eye catching - done wrong it will look rather harsh. Difuse backgrounds generaly work best for most people.

[serissolutions]

Most people want to see more of the actor/person in the portrait/headshot - they want to know who they are hiring/casting

I dont understand. Could you explain?
Do you mean more of the persons body? Or do you mean "no distracting backgrounds"?

[serissolutions]

You can - but be prepared that it generaly results in a very contrasty (is there is such a word) image that isn't flattering to most people. Done properly - the results can be very eye catching - done wrong it will look rather harsh. Difuse backgrounds generaly work best for most people.

What about a white background? Would that work better?

[neil_r]

You are very limited with actors headshots, in the UK they must be B&W on matt paper, dark background and as simple as possibe. there are some good threads on here just search on "headshots"

I have done some for my son that have been used for both his entry in Actors Spotlight and his showcase resume. You can see them here

http://www.neil-rice.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=46

http://www.neil-rice.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=29

good luck

[Skip Souza]

Nice work Neil. Handsom lad.
Although the black backrounds can be quite striking I believe that I prefer the medium to dark grey backrounds in the ones you posted.

[mbze430]

Black or white background is okay, as long it doesn't distract the viewer from the subject. Your main concern is the subject.

[cmM]

I think it looks very nice, but that's just a matter of taste
Here's one I took against a black background:
http://www.cmuntean.net/images/dec02kate/dec02kate3.jpg

[Croasdail]

were you asking specifically for head-shots or as a general practice?

[serissolutions]

Head shots specifically

[Croasdail]

got it.... for actors and models etc - black or white will do depending on the area and what is hot at the time... conversly for professional PR stuff and business related photos I personally would stay away from it. But it trend towards the conservative anyway.