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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Are there industry standards for submitting headshots?

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RustyB
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Jan 26, 2007, 5:39 PM

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Are there industry standards for submitting headshots?	Can't Post

I've been doing lots of googling, and trying to figure out if there are any standard sizes/poses/formats/etc for headshots sent to modelling agencies. Any ideas/resources I could check out?

I just got a call from someone in my building wanting some updated headshots ASAP, for him and a friend(s), top send to their agency. I was pretty upfront about my limited experience, and that I would do it for rights to use the images in my portfolio (free). He was okay with that, and wants to do it anyways. (Free "sells". Laugh

)

I have decent 35mm gear, but lack in studio lighting, backdrops, and confidence. Crazy

I really need to invest in another DSLR for when these professional gigs come up; I'm just not confident yet in shooting indoors with a manual film camera and manual flash, not to mention it's a PITA handling tons of negatives. I miss my Olympus E-500. Frown

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Colvin ADTR
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Jan 26, 2007, 11:53 PM

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Re: [RustyB] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Check out strobist for tips on getting good shots with 1 flash and a wall or reflector. Look at the model sites like modelmayhem or OMP they have some tips hidden in the forums. There are rules of what should be included, I will look for the link.

DarrenS
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Jan 27, 2007, 4:53 AM

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Re: [RustyB] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes. Basically there should be very little background visible. That takes care of the 'no backdrops' problem (not that this is a problem anyhow...even a bed sheet will work fine). Usually 8x10's are in order, so leave space at top/bottom for crop. Pose should be straight-on, camera eye level. This is no time for creativity. Lighting should be even. Again, no time for creativity there either. You can use any lights, you don't need 'studio lights'. Get a couple table lamps, put a thin white sheet or drapes in front of them for diffusion (making sure not to burn your place down Laugh

) and shoot! There's no movement so you don't need high shutter speeds. Even better, shoot outside on a cloudy day, or under a shady tree or beside your building where the shadow is cast by the building. All you need is a kitchen chair.

When dealing with agencies keep in mind the art director won't hesitate to pull out her loupe to inspect the prints. This means no cheap inkjet prints, no dust on your sensor and no scratches on your glass. Get them processed at a pro lab.

I find the lack of confidence thing really surprising. You're way more talented than you think you are dude. Way more. Get past that pronto. For what it's worth, I would not hesitate to lend you my gear (and I do not lend my gear). If you can swing it, you could get a cheap polariod instant camera and do a test shot with that. Will let you check your lighting before shooting film. This is what some of the big-time pros do, actually. Way cheaper than getting another dslr.

RustyB
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Jan 27, 2007, 6:04 AM

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Re: [DarrenS] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks! Some things I was kinda considering...

Shooting with a shallow DOF, I should be able to get by with a crappy background. I was thinking of a sheet, or even the bumpy white wall of my apartment, if the DOF is shallow enough. For more interesting backgrounds, great lighting, etc, it's just an elevator ride down to infinite possibilities.

I got a brand new Sunpack 383 flash on Monday, which seems to be working better than all my old POS flashes, especially the ancient Vivitar 283 I'd been using with unpredictable results, which some dude included for free with a $20 eBay camera. Laugh

Using the DEMB (flipit) flash diffuser and bounce card system with my Olympus DSLR proved amazing results...looked like studio lighting. I'm hoping to pull off the same thing with the Sunpack 383, with it's swivel head.

The workflow when using film for pro jobs troubles me. With fun stuff, I just take pictures, take them to the drug store or a pro lab if I feel like driving a few extra minutes. I go drink a few beers, then pick up my prints and put them in an album. No worries of proofs or enlargements...or sitting in front of the fuggin' computer in PhotoShop...that's as fun as making wedding videos. Laugh

But, with a small job like this, I can scan the negatives at 4800ppi on my flatbed, and get great results...but dust and cat hair is a problem. But then I have to send them to the drugstore for printing, if I don't have time to go to the pro lab, or print them off my online pro gallery.

My Zuiko (Olympus) 85mm f2 lens (35mm OM System) just came in tonight...just in time. Out of all the shitloads of photo and video gear I've bought in my lifetime, it stands out as a glorious piece of gear. I've been wearing out the shutter on my Olympus all night, with no film loaded, since I can't put this lens down...it's awesome.

I guess I should just focus on getting properly exposed headshots, and not worry about getting any crazy angles/backdrops. It's just the gay dude that works downstairs in the office and some friends of his. Not originally what I had intended for "Rusty's Casting Couch", as Howard called it, but it's probably a good thing. I'm sure I'll be less nervous around dudes than young girls...at least when it comes to working. Tongue

(He works in the leasing office, and I once commented in the elevator that we were wearing the same shirt from Target...I hope he didn't look me up in the apartment records and make up an excuse to come in my apartment. Shocked

Being sexy like me is a curse sometimes!!! Laugh

)

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Colvin ADTR
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Jan 27, 2007, 6:22 AM

Post #5 of 51 (2322 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

This link will give you examples - http://www.emodelcomps.com/index.htm

Toogy
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Jan 27, 2007, 12:34 PM

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Re: [Colvin ADTR] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Checkout this guys site, really creative head shots. All where done in his garage with only light from the open garage door and a reflector.

http://www.headshot-photography.com/portfolio.htm
------------------------->
Jeff Toogood
Digital ISO

http://www.digitaliso.ca/blog
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

(This post was edited by Toogy on Jan 27, 2007, 12:35 PM)

Scott Brooks
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Jan 27, 2007, 1:41 PM

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Re: [Toogy] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jeff ... that was the link I was looking for to pass along. Buried in there is a video that I've watched many times. It was done by the TLC Discovery Channel.

Who needs a studio!!

http://www.headshot-photography.com/discovery.htm

DarrenS
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Jan 27, 2007, 11:15 PM

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Yea I saw that guy work on television a few years ago. In fact he's my inspiration for all natural light shooting, and why I said to Rusty 'even better' when mentioning shooting outside. What a coincidence you posted that.

Cool to see his website.

RustyB
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Jan 27, 2007, 11:28 PM

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Re: [Toogy] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

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Checkout this guys site, really creative head shots. All where done in his garage with only light from the open garage door and a reflector.

http://www.headshot-photography.com/portfolio.htm

Nice stuff, thanks for the link! That helps seeing what pass-able for headshots, as far as poses, framing, etc.

Later this year, if I start doing more outdoor portrait stuff for fun, I'm finally going to get that Photoflex disc that's been sitting in one of my many B&H wishlists for so long. Laugh

There's so many awesome photo opportunities here in the city...I'll just have to bring a trained monkey to carry the reflector for me. Tongue

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RustyB
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Jan 27, 2007, 11:55 PM

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Re: [DarrenS] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

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You posted some corporate headshots a while back..those three women. Were you using fill flash, or lights/softboxes on stands? I'm debating on which to get.

With fill flashes, I guess I'd have to get a flash meter, and learn to use by trial and error. It's awefully expensive "practicing" with real film. Crazy

But with a light kit/softboxes/umbrellas, it's WYSIWYG, so I'll know exactly what I'm putting on film with each shot, and I can use my regular cheap incident meter.

I'm diggin' my new 85mm/f2 lens....just took about 20 pictures of a box of teabags around my apartment, testing my new flash as well. Can't wait to get them to the Uncle Rusty's Picturetaking Service - Film Processing Lab (i.e. the drugstore) in the morning. So much for the rent money this month.

I even rearranged my apartment a few months ago, so that I have a whole wall of my living room/office/studio available for portraits. I'm gonna screw some little white hooks in the wall to hang some Wal-Mart bedsheets or fabric from for different color backgrounds. I'm cheap, if anything. Laugh

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DarrenS
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Jan 28, 2007, 12:28 AM

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Re: [RustyB] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Those photoflex reflectors are great, I've used a friends a few times. If you get one get the 5-in-1 unit. But I'm cheap with certain things...if I can get by with something else, I will. Purchased a big roll of Mylar off ebay for twenty bucks and stuck it to a piece of cardboard. That's my reflector. Laugh

I also stuck some of it on an old drafting table, you know the ones that can tilt up? Perfect for lighting headshots, reflecting the hair light back up under her chin. Still have lots of Mylar left. There's commercial stuff to do this of course, but why spend the bread if the pictures look great with makeshift stuff? All that matters is the pictures. How you get there is irrelevant as far as I'm concerned.

Outdoor work is my favorite, but when you live where I do it's not always possible. Either too cold or too wet. Where you live outdoor work would be feesable. I assume you have good weather down there most of the year.

RustyB
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Jan 28, 2007, 1:00 AM

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...Either too cold or too wet. Where you live outdoor work would be feesable. I assume you have good weather down there most of the year.

Down here the problem is heat, and the insanely high humidity. Most of the year, you're going to start sweating as soon as you step foot outside. It's always a big problem at weddings...the bride or photog wants all these pictures outside of some fancy venue, yet it's 100 degrees outside with crazy high humidity. The bridesmaids are all shiny, and the groomsmen are sweating there balls off and stinking like pigs in their tuxedos. Another reason I don't follow photogs around like a monkey to "shoot the formals", like many videogs apparently do. Laugh

With the heat, I don't spend much time outside. I can't stand the heat. I can actually go a couple of weeks and only spend a few seconds in direct Sunlight. I park in the garage, the grocery store has a garage, and I do most stuff at night anyways. My eyes have become really sensitive to Sunlight, but I like to go out for a walk when it's cool and really cloudy, plus I like the way pictures come out in that kind of weather.

In winter, we do get some awesome weather for pictures. It's those few days a year where you can actually pull the top down on the Jeep, and not burst into flames while out for a cruise. I think the lower humidity, and cooler temps, would be great for portrait stuff. The models wouldn't be all greasy, or sweating like pigs.

I have this vision of Canada as being in a perpetual gray, gloomy, hazy, Sunless state, covered in snow much of the year, and the masses huddled in the pubs at night drinking beer, listening to Rush, and having some smokes, to stay safe from the roaming Sasquatches outside. I'd like to live there. Laugh

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Brackish
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Jan 28, 2007, 1:01 AM

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DarrenS
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Jan 28, 2007, 1:10 AM

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Re: [RustyB] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I never use a handheld meter anymore now that I'm digital. With RAW you can screwup like 2 stops either direction and still get a perfect exposure using only the reflective spot meter in the camera. I just meter off both sides of the face and make sure it's about 1.5 stops different to get that 3-d look.

Those headshots you saw were made in the tinyiest little corner of their store. You can't tell by the images but you'd be surprised how cramped it was. Key light is about 2 inches out of frame. I used an extra large Photoflex softbox and a couple floods. No flash. I rarely use flash. Some shooters prefer stobes but I prefer continuous light so I can see what I'm getting (modeling full-time). Only drawback to continuous light is the heat, and the only way to combat that is to spend the big bucks on kinoflo-type units. The girls were way too close to the key but there was no other way. They didn't have time to visit my studio plus we had to wait till the store closed. By that time it was 8pm and they wanted to go eat. Everything was rushed big time. Still, they turned out not too bad.

Good catch on that 85/2. It's going to help make some gorgeous images of people. Practice like crazy getting the eyes sharp @ f2...it ain't easy. But when you nail it, fuggedaboudit. It will look 'pro' and no 3.5/4.5 consumer glass can touch it. And I don't think anyone needs a bunch of fancy lights to do a great job.

Here's one of my ex I shot with her own crappy 3mp point-n-shoot in her bedroom, a window and a table lamp. Black beach towel for background. It looks not too bad. Not pro, but not bad for a snapshot. Ugly shadow on her neck but then again I didn't get paid a damn thing. lol

BTW, Angie is 45 in this pic. I was 35 Angelic

RustyB
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Jan 28, 2007, 1:18 AM

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Re: [Brackish] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

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I've had my eye on these light kits - for video work, actually, such as interviews:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...dedTroughType=search

A VUer who got one of these told me that the light stands are of a

good sturdy quality.

Yeah, I've been looking at the same ones, and have one of them in my many B&H wish lists. Laugh

At the price, they're always out of stock, they must sell tons of them. It's something I don't want to spend a lot of money on, since I can't do photo full time anytime soon, so it'll just stay a hobby. Like Darren says, with photo it's really not about the expensive gear, but creating what you need to get the shot.

I'm also looking at this Smith Victor kit, which is $294 (in cart price), as it's a simpler 2-light kit, and in a smaller more portable kit...which is important to me since it's a PITA carrying gear in/out of my building if I need to use it someplace else, and I work alone. Not to mention I'm just doing simple stuff...no major productions, and have a small apartment/studio.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...sku=48828&is=REG Smith-Victor K22U-A Location Tungsten Light Kit - consists of: 2 700-SG Quartz Lights 600W, 2 Stands, 2 Umbrellas and Attache Case - 1200 Total Watts

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DarrenS
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Jan 28, 2007, 1:21 AM

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Yea the humidity would be an issue. I can't stand humid weather either. I guess you'd have to carry a little face powder in your kit to beat the shiny faces if doing portraits. No big deal, just don't double-dip the disposable applicator.

Laughed out loud at that last paragraph. Too funny. Laugh

You're just about right-on except for the snow and the roaming BigFeet. We get snow for two or three months and that's about it (thank gawd). Just got our first snow last week here, actually. It's been an awesome winter so far. Global warming rules. j/k

RustyB
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Jan 28, 2007, 1:42 AM

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...Practice like crazy getting the eyes sharp @ f2...it ain't easy. But when you nail it, fuggedaboudit. It will look 'pro' and no 3.5/4.5 consumer glass can touch it. ...

Do you actually shoot portraits/headshots at f2? I was worried about the DOF being way too shallow.

I was test shooting with my new flash, and with natural light tonight. With the flash, and ISO 160 film, f2 just seemed to fast, even with the flash turned way down. Like I say, it's tough "practicing" with film...you have no idea what the flash did until you see the prints, if you don't have a flash meter. I'm gonna pick up a load of ISO100 film tomorrow, for the headshots, so hopefully I can use f2 and a flash with the DEMB Flash Diffuser Pro, with no real lighting kit.

Funny, I only had a DSLR for a few months, and I'm still "chimping" with my 35mm's. Laugh

It's like flying blind in comparison. But, as always, it's so exciting to have to wait nervously for the fuggin' idiot at the drugstore to process your film, and give you those little envelopes of prints, and then hurry back to your car to check them out. The anticipation is half the fun...and I don't have to touch PhotoShop to make an album. But, for actual paying jobs, there's no question I need to get another DSLR.

In the meantime, I take pride in scanning my dusty, cat hair covered, scratched up, drug-store processed, negatives. Laugh

Women do not pose like this for a video camera....

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DarrenS
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Jan 28, 2007, 2:25 AM

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Re: [RustyB] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Do you actually shoot portraits/headshots at f2? I was worried about the DOF being way too shallow.

yes, 1.4 even. It's very nice...if you nail focus correctly (easier said than done).

This one was wide open with the 85/1.4. Your distance to subject makes a big difference too. The closer you are the more shallow the dof is. I was about seven feet away from her, standing on a chair shooting down. The background is the sofa she's sitting on. This is cropped for 8x10 but not retouched. The blue catchlights need to be removed (along with some stray hairs) which is from the window to my right. Lit with one medium photoflex whitebox on a boom, camera left. Color temp is for tungsten, so the window looks blue. This picture took 10 seconds...it was not scheduled. I shot a family group and she kept bugging me to take her picture solo, so I did quickly just before leaving. Would have been better if I had her body turned toward the camera a bit more (provide a better base for the head).

That shot of the food is a perfect example of why I was surprised to hear your confidence comment yesterday. That is an excellent photograph imo (all things considered); not many peopel can make images like that. It may seem easy but that's because you (I suppose) don't know what you have in terms of eye...yet.

I can't stop looking at Dawn. What a gorgeous woman! My goodness. Killer cheekbones, cats eyes and skin. They're both really pretty but Dawn is an ultrakitten. Smile

(This post was edited by DarrenS on Jan 28, 2007, 2:33 AM)

RustyB
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Jan 28, 2007, 2:45 AM

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....I can't stop looking at Dawn. What a gorgeous woman! My goodness. Killer cheekbones, cats eyes and skin. They're both really pretty but Dawn is an ultrakitten. Smile

For some reason, I have multiple pictures of her. Laugh

(This one I shot on the fly; has a damned dufus head in the background with shadow. Sucks shooting in total darkness...not to mention manually focusing. I kept the DOF wide all night because I knew I was going to botch the focus in a big way. Even with the stock f1.8 50mm, you couldn't see squat through the viewfinder. I mostly just used the distance markings on the lens.)

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(This post was edited by RustyB on Jan 28, 2007, 2:47 AM)

RustyB
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Jan 28, 2007, 4:07 AM

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...Here's one of my ex I shot with her own crappy 3mp point-n-shoot in her bedroom, a window and a table lamp. ....

When it comes to fun, it's not about megapixels. My only digital camera is my trusty rusty Sony Mavica "interpolated megapixel" floppy disc camera, which most of my VU shots are taken with for convenience.

Self gratification through open absurd personal expression knows no technological boundaries. That's the RustyB drunken philosophosizin' for the day. Wink

interpolated megapixel, kitchen lighting, getting the most from your box...

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Shadow
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Jan 30, 2007, 7:12 AM

Post #21 of 51 (2165 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

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With fill flashes, I guess I'd have to get a flash meter, and learn to use by trial and error. It's awefully expensive "practicing" with real film. Crazy

Light meters are fun and really easy to use. I got mine used for about $120. It's all digital, not like the crazy dial kind that I had to use in school (I think those kind go for about $10 on e-bay).

RustyB
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Jan 30, 2007, 7:28 AM

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Re: [Shadow] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

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With fill flashes, I guess I'd have to get a flash meter, and learn to use by trial and error. It's awefully expensive "practicing" with real film. Crazy

Light meters are fun and really easy to use. I got mine used for about $120. It's all digital, not like the crazy dial kind that I had to use in school (I think those kind go for about $10 on e-bay).

Does it meter flash as well? I have a cheap Sekonic, but it only does incident & reflective. I think I'm gonna stick with my hot shoe flash right now to save money...no big hot lights. I got my video camera light on a stand, to give me some extra light for focusing, since I don't have an autofocus SLR.

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Shadow
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Jan 30, 2007, 7:41 AM

Post #23 of 51 (2158 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes, this one does do flash metering, although I have never tried it.
Good idea about the light for focusing.

Have fun with it!

templarpictures
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Feb 1, 2007, 9:51 AM

Post #24 of 51 (2126 views)
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Re: [Shadow] Are there industry standards for submitting headshots? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Rusty - I started out acting here in Chicago and am still doing some work here and there. Could you tell me if this is for an actor or a model first off? That will tell you what type of headshot the person will need. Secondly, if he will be working (if actor) towards theater, commercial, film or other - if model, will it be for print, runway, etc. This will tell you how your headshot will need to be treated and how the person should "look" in the final headshot.

If you want some examples of mine, I have both acting and modeling styles I can show you, I can e-mail them if you'd like.

If you let me know what the guy is looking for exactly I can dig up some information you may need, and I think I can send you some other people that could help you out as well with how to set up the camera gear.

Smile

Erica

Shadow
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Feb 1, 2007, 11:02 AM

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I like your avatar! Laugh

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