I’ve wanted a good head shot photo for a while, and am having an internal struggle to find which one is the best (or if I should get another one done).
So, first, I had this official picture taken at Walt Disney World when we launched the 2009 Moms Panel.
Wonder why my eyes are squinty? Well, it was sunny…. really, really sunny.
Wonder why I’m smiling like an idiot? The not-too-friendly photographer growled at me “Could you at least smile?”. I thought I was smiling, a lot, but I smiled more. After the photo shoot, Gary politely told me that the photographer was trying to be funny. I was apparently already smiling enough.
Great.
I had intended to take another photo at my parents’ house because I needed a head shot for Traveling Mom, and I didn’t want to use my official Disney headshot. I forgot to bring my Nikon D60, but my mom’s camera did a good job. Here is the untouched photo:
I did a little editing to crop my face and remove the power lines in the background. Then, I got a little aggressive and cut out a few blemishes. Because that worked okay, I decided to edit out some of my gray hair in the hairline. That was the step too far – I ended up with some blurriness in my hairline. Here’s the edited version:
Still squinty, but I think it’s a natural looking smile.
Then, at BlogHer, CPI Corporate was taking complimentary head shots in the lobby of the Chicago Sheraton on Thursday afternoon. I just had that one sent to me…
It’s professional, but something’s missing. My husband asked if I knew the picture was being taken (no, honey, I was just randomly posing in the lobby).
So, I’m turning to you, the internet, for help. Which picture is best? Are there any edits I should make (keeping in mind that my editing skills are limited)? Or should I get another photo taken?
Photo credit: Jen DeCesari
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Even though you feel like you are over smiling in the first one, that’s my pick. It doesn’t look fake to me. The third one is just not good at all, too stiff.
Argh–reason # 647 we should have met up–I had all my camera stuff with me. I actually like the center one best, perhaps if you just crop it less symmetrically?
Yes, I think you should go with the first one as well. You look as friendly and upbeat as you are in real life!
I like one. It is u!
I’m going to say the first one! It looks natural and shows personality!
I’m going to agree with everyone else – the first one is the best. Although, your outfit and hair look really good in the last one. I still need a good head shot too (or a couple for that matter – it’s always good to have choices.) I’ve got a great camera – seriously. Maybe we should plan a photo shoot day.