Kick Your Head Shots Up a Notch

[FrayAdjacent]

I've noticed that shooting UPWARDS at someone can cause some blah under the chin. Personally, my weight fluctuates a few pounds every few days, and I can see it under my chin. Any pictures of me shot from below level with my face makes me look fat. Shooting from slightly higher alleviates that.


(this is just from experience with snapshots. I'm not a pro, and my first dSLR isn't even here yet...will be tomorrow tho!!)

[Nikonfan]

Originally Posted by FrayAdjacent

I've noticed that shooting UPWARDS at someone can cause some blah under the chin. Personally, my weight fluctuates a few pounds every few days, and I can see it under my chin. Any pictures of me shot from below level with my face makes me look fat. Shooting from slightly higher alleviates that.


(this is just from experience with snapshots. I'm not a pro, and my first dSLR isn't even here yet...will be tomorrow tho!!)

Congrats on your new DSLR! You are correct that shooting someone looking up at the camera will reduce the double chin effect. At times this angle can be flattering and at times not so much. For example, if the camera shoots from a low angle up at the subject, it makes the subject look more powerful. You see a lot of CEO shot from a low angle for this reason.

[brad]

Upwards is not right for every subject... the point is you have to have an open mind on the best way to photograph any subject.

I had a girl in years ago that the only good angle for her head was dead square on to the camera... normally you want a slight turn, but anything she did like that and her face became a caricature .. she was full blooded Vietnamese with a very flat face and nose. Turning her head even at a slight angle made her look like a bad Asian cartoon figure from the 50s... but straight on square, she was gorgeous.

[78novacaine]

Originally Posted by Rson

I call it Turtling. Great link

The Master of Disguise - Turtle Club Scene - YouTube

The Master of Disguise - Turtle Club Scene - YouTube

[Ricks Canvas]

Great Info...Thanks Brian.

[Nikonfan]

Originally Posted by brad

Upwards is not right for every subject... the point is you have to have an open mind on the best way to photograph any subject.

I had a girl in years ago that the only good angle for her head was dead square on to the camera... normally you want a slight turn, but anything she did like that and her face became a caricature .. she was full blooded Vietnamese with a very flat face and nose. Turning her head even at a slight angle made her look like a bad Asian cartoon figure from the 50s... but straight on square, she was gorgeous.

Yes. That's the point I was making. What works for some people doesn't work for everyone. So you can't always just shoot from a high angle.

[Mindless]

Awesome tip. The small things you don't think about

[brad]

I've watched the first hour plus of it now (its on while I type this).. and its funny, he's saying a lot of the things I've been saying for a couple years as well.. lighting, posing, interaction with the clients, what agencies and directors are looking for...

He literally just said "If your face doesn't feel weird, you're not doing it right." I've told my clients that forever.

[Betsye]

Loved Peter Hurley's video but what if you have to shoot large groups of headshots as fast as you can. More for documentation for the group so no time for jokes and interaction. Does any one have any tips on how to do this well but extremely quick. I use photogenic strobes on each side of camera and pop up background. Lens either 50mm or 70-200. Need some hlep because I dont really love my work and would love it get better at it..
Oh and the group is older women :-).

[brad]

Betsye.. that's the point... a cattle call like that doesn't really fit in the "Peter Hurley Style." He charges as much as he does because he spends hours with a particular client to get that handful of images that are perfect.

To get good images in cattle call situations, you have to be fast, fun, energetic.. joking and laughing the entire time. Its a natural human reaction, if you are smiling, then they will, too. (Most of the time.) If you are harried or grumpy or seem disorganized, they will pick up on that vibe and it will show in their photos.


I've watched the entire thing now... and while I felt it was really, really light on the business side of things (marketing, sales, pricing), it is a good solid piece about interacting with your clients to get the best out of them.

The short version is that Peter Hurley's style is not about cameras, lighting, equipment... its about the interaction. Its about the experience... which is the same basic thing every boutique photography teacher out there says as well.... Peter's "experience" is just more simple than say.. Lori Nordstrom's.... but it is just as effective.

[tukaniray]

Definitely an awesome link and a great tip.

I remember seeing something on him last year.

-Ray-

[jeffclow]

Excellent advice....thanks for posting this link.

[Betsye]

Thanks Brad for your insight. Your photos are great....

Betsye