Sometimes, when I’m retouching a photo, I have to make a decision: do I remove something that can possibly alter the way a person really looks, or do I leave it (even though the actor or performer has specifically asked for it to be removed). It’s a conundrum.
A photographer is only as successful as his recommendations… if other actors like your headshot, you might send them my way. The same goes for agents, managers, and other industry pros. A lot rides on how you look… for you and for the photographer. So of course I want your photos to look great, but removing something from the picture that truly exists in life makes me look bad, and ultimately, it makes you look bad too–your reputation, anyway. Look at the flap caused when Katie Couric had too much retouching done on a publicity shot. Or when Jennifer Lopez had her rump altered.
In a headshot session, the goal is to get a truthful representation of who you are… not on the best day of your life ever, but as you will look going into auditions or on set. When I’m retouching, I remind performers that I am mostly looking to correct what I call “temporary flaws”. Things like blemishes, zits, hairs, fuzz stuck to a sweater, redness in the eyes, puffiness or sleepiness under the eyes, a wrinkle on the neck from an awkward position… things that could be gone tomorrow in real life.
Keep that in mind when you’re getting your final shots made–should you really remove that scar? Or take out those age wrinkles? For headshots, personally, I think no. The only time you should manipulate something that permanent is when the situation of the photo (lighting, shadows, makeup, etc) exaggerated the element. If the light made your scar look more prominent than it actually is, then by all means adjust it–but don’t take it out completely. Or risk looking like a dolt when a casting director called you in off your flawless headshot, only to ask “Oh my God what happened to your FACE?” when you come in for the audition.
Want to see some celebrities pre-airbrushing? Check here…
-N-
/// Coleman Photo/Graphix ///
Nick Coleman – Photography | Design | Graphics
nick[at]colemanphotographix.com
www.colemanphotographix.com