“It’s so important to look like you when you turn up for a casting. If you go overboard with photoshop retouches then you will at a disadvantage already! We don’t always want to hire the prettiest.” – Priscilla John Casting
Retouching headshots should be done in a sensitive and subtle way. This is important because I want you and my photos to look as professional as possible when they land on the casting directors desk. They should look like you!
Casting directors
Casting directors would say even beautiful people need retouching. HOWEVER! Retouching work has to be subtle. Don’t kid yourself in thinking the casting director won’t notice! THEY WILL and DO! I’ve seen other photographers be concerned more about beauty and not a character. The casting director wants to see you. Your brand.
Subtle retouching is best for actors
I always advise that subtle retouching is best for actors headshots. Each of the digital files must be customised (retouched, etcetera) whether or not you intend to have them printed, or intend them for use exclusively on the Internet or for email. Simply said: if it´s going to be used for any purpose at all (printed or web-based) itʼs going to have to be customised. To customise a print we Convert it to black and white, Re-size it, Adjust its tonal contrast, carefully retouch it. Background spots on the canvas may distract! Crops are different for Spotlight than for print for example. Please note that I care about my work and the faces on the files. And so should you!
I always use Abode Photoshop C6 for my retouching work. Before any work is started it is a good idea to calibrate your PC for the correct colours.
Retouching work is included in your chosen files
Basic retouching work including spot and blemish removal, stray hairs, chapped lips, colour balancing and cropping is done for Spotlight and any other pro websites.
The great advantage of working with a digital negative file is that images can be skillfully retouched. That spot that always pops the night before you have your head-shots taken can be retouched in an instant. The bags you have acquired from that hectic tour are now gone forever.
Always look like you! Don’t be a banana Mr Cactus!
You’ll want to look your best but, you will also want to look like you when you walk into the casting directors office. Nothing worse than seeing someone who doesn’t look like their headshot! If you don’t look like you in that all-important 10×8 you run the risk of the casting director not calling you in for future castings!
The Proofs
Once your session has ended, I will upload the images on the digital proofs page for you and your agents to view. It’s simple!
