Today I was commissioned to shoot the singer Nikki Belle for an editorial being published next month. Nikki is currently working on her solo material and is a renown club singer both in the UK and Ibiza. I had a chance to take a look at her music video sex shooter and I was very impressed. The images look great and I can’t wait to see the editorial in print.
Nikki Belle Singer
Nikki Belle Singer
Wikipedia defines a headshot as: “A headshot is a photographic technique where the focus of the photograph is a person’s face”.Recently I found Marie on Starnow and ive asked her to model for me a few times. She is very natural and photogenic.
This week I had some close-up headshot ideas I wanted to try and arranged a test. Makeup & Hair was by Michelle Proctor. The results look amazing and Marie’s expressions really pop out!
Quite recently I have been approached by photographers for advice and assisting opportunities and I thought I would post a little blurb on the importance of headhshots; and some tips on how to achieve the best results.
Marie Smith
Marie Smith
So here goes….
Headshots are a critical piece of many professionals. A dynamic headshot for models, actors, and other performance professionals will be the difference between acquiring the gig or not. Your clients can be no more excited than if they get a gig based on the power of their headshot – and of course, this means more jobs for you.
Follow these few tips to achieve the perfect headshot.
1. Focus on the eyes.
The eyes are said to be the window of the soul. Therefore, nothing is more important than achieving sharp, crisp eyes in your shot. Capturing the eyes in a powerful way will draw the viewer into the photo, establishing a strong connection that will speak volumes.
2. Watch your angles.
Remember that for close up shots, angles will affect the outcome look and feel. For women, make the eyes appear larger and the face more delicate by shooting down on them. For men, emphasize strength and achievement by shooting slightly up.
3. Use diffused light.
In close up shots, the skin is a central feature. It’s crucial to show the skin without blemishes. Achieve this by using diffused light to gently wrap around the skin, bringing definition along the lines of the face without highlighting blemishes.
4. Add a hair light
Detail is critical in head-shots and are no more dynamic than when created with a hair-light. A hair-light can be placed above or behind the subject [with a flash or the sun] to add depth to the shot, and pull the top of the head out of the background.
5. Use of Lens
Nothing is more disturbing than a near-dynamic headshot that fails simply because of lens distortion. Generally, avoid mid to wide angle lenses for close headshots. Instead, use a lens that will compress your image and slim your subjects face – typically 90mm and above.
6. Guide expression
The final most important element is an expression to match the purpose of the headshot. It’s your job as photographer to pull out the most natural looks from your subjects. Do so by guiding them through complimenting conversation; i.e. asking serious questions to pull out a thoughtful gaze, or cracking a joke to capture a natural smile.
The images from my Stylishly Decadent shoot have now been published in this months GMM Magazine. These screen grabs where taken from ISSUU, I can’t wait to pick up a copy!
GMM June 2010
GMM June 2010
I absolutely adore my latest acquisition a Nikon F/1.8 50mm lens. I couldn’t imagine life without it. Everyone who buys this lens is amazed by the quality and sharpness. I arranged a test shoot recently with Lisa Bostock from Boss and the results are stunning.
The F/1.8’s depth really shows it is the perfect lens for my passion of close up portraiture. It focuses very quickly even in low light and its extremely sharp even at F/1.8.
Lisa Bostock
Lisa Bostock
Malmaison Chefs
Malmaison Chefs
Malmaison Chefs
I spent an enjoyable afternoon in Camden yesterday photographing a new London Girl Punk band. I struck upon shooting the band with a Rebellion theme; Camden was an excellent location.
We shot this in a park behind the girls flat, and found several other areas around the lock. Cyra Alcock did a wonderful job styling the girls as did Amy Richards makeup artist. The band is yet unnamed but I am sure they will do very well in the near future.
Plain Sailing
Plain Sailing
I’m soo excited! My monthly feature in GMM! Magazine is out on stands right now! You can also view the magazine online.
I shot two features for the magazine this month. Quite recently I spotted Angelina’s St John Campaign images and fell in love with them. Looking for a theme for this months fashion feature I decided to shoot something similar.
Seeking out a model I found Claire Leatherbarrow from PHA models who had a little look of Jolie about her. We arranged to shoot at the fabulous Malmaison Hotel in Manchester, the location really gave the shoot some depth.
Styling was by Sara Li -Chou han who included some of the pieces from her own designer collection.
My second feature was a shoot with the gorgeous Amanda Harrington one of the UK’s top models and based right here in Liverpool. GMM interviewed Amanda this month and we decided to shoot some very cheek summer fashion. I was most impressed by the beautiful Jewelry made by Hope & Winkle specially for the photoshoot.
GMM
This afternoon I had a test with Claire from PHA Models. We shot the below image at Posh Pads in Liverpool. When I am photographing a model, or models look for subtle emotional reactions. If your model isn’t giving you anything, then make up a story and put your model in that story, give her or him a character and watch the magic happen!
I knew my model was going through some emotional turmoil. So I bravely brought it up. As I was shooting I was talking to her about the situation. She let me into her soul and THAT is when the electricity runs through my body and through hers and we start making amazing photos.
We are dealing with human beings who all have something going on in their lives. Work your way inside the soul of your model and look for the subtleties!
Claire Leatherbarrow
With the success of my photoshoot with actress Emma Rigby I have been approached by several actors and actresses for shots. My latest was actress Laura Ainsworth. She has recently appeared in Finding Eric and Hollyoakes. We shot at the Malmaison Hotel in Liverpool, makeup and hair was styled by Sonia Brennan.
Laura Ainsworth
With the spring upon us, I decided to organise a published test at Arley Hall and Gardens in Cheshire. The manor house gave us a classical backdrop for our models and Steven Spencer did a wonderful job styling them.
Makeup Artists Ruth and Sam created some fabulous looks on models Claire, Fleur and Marie, the images are due to be published in April so Ill pop the magazine spread up on the blog soon.
Claire Leatherbarrow
Claire Leatherbarrow
Marie & Claire
Marie Smith
roryplewisphotographer 