Location Business headshot

Hello,

I wanted to post this photo up for some critique/feedback as this is the first location/business type headshot I have done. We wanted to capture that "business" feel so we headed to downtown Denver and quickly found many places are "off limits" for photoshoots.

I want to hear what you think about this as the client says his head tilt looks too "sorority-ish" and that the widows peak hairline makes him look as though he's balding and that he may look cross-eyed in this picture? To me, I think it looks pretty good, I wanted to know if you all notice this as well?

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DJCronin28 wrote in post #12444272
Hello,

I wanted to know if you all notice this as well?

I do now that you pointed it out.

Just makes me miss my 1DsII. It's a solid shot. Clients are rarely happy. Shoot it with his idea of a good pose. Then let him compare.

Is he secretly a woman? Because... seriously? Come on, man! Haha kids have it so easy nowadays...

I shoot corporate portraits and his stance, facial expression, sloppy wardrobe is off. His look doesn't really show confidence, seriousness, and integrity. Research on portaits of CEOs and Government leaders.

I agree with Phil. This picture looks like casual Friday right before knocking off for the weekend. I'd tidy up his tie, hide the belt buckle, get the hand out of the pocket, etc. and put him in a power stance.

Thanks for the comments everyone!

I see what you are saying Phil and Seamus, now that you pointed it out it does look much more casual than I intended- We wanted to go for the more "approachable" business look, as "business" around our area is much more laid-back than what you'd typically expect.

I love the location for a business portrait, but I agree with the others about the details, the belt, the tie etc. As for his assessment of the head tilt, balding etc, I don't agree. I think the one detail that wrecks the entire shot is the placement of his hand. It looks very "femmy" and completely inappropriate for any male, corporate or not. I really like the hand in the other pocket personally.

How is this portrait to be used, by the way? It isn't a headshot, so I assume it would be used for a website or report, magazine? If this shot is meant to be put on a business card where it would cover the entire surface, you would want to leave lots of white space between the buildings for the text, moving him over slightly to the right. A headshot would require an entirely different set of requirements.

Again, for me, the things he is complaining about don't have as much to do with your shooting as his "raw material", but you have to capture your client as his best self, and the attention to detail on the tie and hand placement to me, would necessitate a reshoot perhaps?

If he's concerned about his head tilt and his hairline - all these can be changed in photoshop very easily. His expression however is something else. To me he just looks sleezy...

his mouth is "smiling", his eyes are cold.

-Alexdesign, haha! I love it..

-Sue,
Thanks for that detailed critique, this photo was to be used for the bio section on his business website, hence wanting to make him maybe look more approachable/relaxed. Fortunately this was a relatively impromptu and brief session as both of us were extremely busy last week combined with uncooperative weather so we planned in advance to do another session.

You have all been very helpful, I'll post the next version as soon as we can reschedule around this weather!

Sorry that he thinks that he thinks his widow's peak makes him look balding (photoshop hair?) and that he thinks he looks cross-eyed. Frankly, he needs to pay attention to detail. His suit, tie, and general dress speak for themselves. Photo is nicely executed under the circumstances.

agree with suecassidy...try and joke around a bit with him maybe to get his face to brighten up. you can't look approachable and fake at the same time...and make sure you're offering him a variety of poses...hands clasped in front of him...in his pockets..leaning...sta​nding at a 45 deg angle..left..right...h​ead shot (just face) shoulders/head...3/4..​...get on a ladder and shoot down on him maybe that would help with his hair...??

you're probably doing all that...just mentioning it on the off chance you weren't.

Thanks, great ideas!

I actually didn't use a ladder or think about looking down because I thought I had heard/read somewhere that looking down makes the subject appear less powerful? Not sure if I'm correct on that. Personally, it seems to me a lot of people photograph well if you're looking down on them a bit

worth a shot to see if it takes care of the hairline issue..maybe just a step or two above him...or have him sitting leaning in on his knee and just be right above him...it may not be the one he chooses but better to offer him a variety so he can see what works best.

and i would have him angle his body and head just a bit.