Great video. Don't discount the retouching options with sliders (Portrait Professional Pro, Evoto, etc). The sliders are there for a reason so it's possible to do difficult retouching quickly, easily, and subtly.
Importance of understanding light is problaby the most important thing for beginner photographer. No matter what kind of portraits he create. I started by shoting years with natural avaliable light. Now i use set of 3x 50$ cheap LED panels and im able to deliver high end photos. Knowledge always won over gear. :D Getting better gear gave you ability to work faster and they are way more reliable that cheap ones. Also easier to replace if they finnaly fail.
Hey Jakub you are so right! It's all about understanding light. The more people you photograph, the better you will get at seeing what the light is doing. Good point about the gear as well. It's similar to being a musician. I can make a $100 bass sound great, but it's much easier and more enjoyable too when I use my handmade bass. But gear does not make the artist as we know.
There are "corporate" headshots, and headshots taken for social media, and headshots that actors bring with them to auditions. Are there essential differences between them? I'm trying to help a young actor by providing him with something he can take with him to an audition. If I should be approaching it differently than a corporate headshot, I'd really appreciate your take on it. I appreciate the consistently positive approach you take in your videos, and look forward especially to your discussions of technique. Thanks.
Thanks for this kind comment! Yes, there is a difference between these kinds of headshots, and I think this is a great idea for a video so keep an eye out for that. Essentially, you can use the same kind of lighting for corporate and actor headshots, but actors need a variety of "looks," meaning different clothing and also expressions. When I work with an acting client, I also use a variety of lighting from a very clean commercial look to a very dramatic portrait look. One key look is a simple v or t shirt that does not distract from the actor's face. Hope this helps!
Hey Joshua, I have a bunch of videos about the photography business. Here is the playlist - check them out, I think it will be helpful! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r-BzWWWykyM.html
Pete, I love your videos. I joined Peter Huley's Headshot Crew, and I've watched many of his videos, and love his style. However, I feel as though the Headshot crew is very focused on his particular. 'flex lighting' kit. To the point where I don't feel comfortable even uploading my own headshot, because I don't have this expensive set up, and it seems if anyone doesn't use it, they are 'repremanded' for not getting with the program. What are your thoughts here. Can I get anything out of the program without committing to spending the $6000 on the recomended lighting kit. Doesn't seem right if you ask me. Especially since he always talks about how he started with natural lighting, etc.
Following. Keen to read the feedback before I subscribe to ANOTHER programme. I already have good equipment so don't want to feel like I need to invest in the Hurley kit just to be included. I was hoping for more technical support / advice, discussions and real time constructive feedback. Glad you pointed out your concerns here.
Hi Hank and MJ, thanks for this feedback and for checking out my videos! Regarding the Headshot Crew, you definitely do not need, nor does anyone require you to purchase, a Flex Kit, or any other particular lighting kit. In fact, I learned all of Peter's lighting techniques using my 3 Alien Bees flashes with 1x3 strip boxes, and many people in the crew use strobes and don't own a flex kit. In my journey learning about lighting, no one in the crew ever told me I needed a flex kit, but I once I got to a certain level I decided it was a good investment. The crew is focused on learning Peter's style, but his style can be done with everything from small flashes, to strobes, to continuous lights. Hank, you can get SO much out of the Crew without buying any expensive gear. And, the crew is full of people who are kind and encouraging, and who will offer you advice without judging you regardless of where you are in your journey as a photographer. It is, without a doubt, the best online community for photographers, and as I say all the time, I learned everything I know about headshot photography in the crew. So I encourage both of you to check out the crew, sign up and go to some of the zoom crew casts to see how Peter's critiques work. It's just an awesome place all around. And, I will add, that although I'm an Associate in the crew, I am not sponsored by Peter in any way. I just love giving credit where it is due. Hope this helps and feel free to let me know if you have other questions. Thanks!
@@PeteCocoPhoto Pete, I thank you for your quick and honest response. I will stick around in the crew and dive in a little deeper. It was just kind of a vibe I was getting from some of the comments I was reading. Thanks again, and if you are ever considering doing any one on one mentoring, I'd be interested to talk to you.
@@hankjonkman Definitely stick around, and I would also suggest posting a photo for critique.The first is always the hardest to post but that's the fastest way to learn. People are going to be constructive and honest in the comments, and if they are not, Peter will address it. Regarding mentoring, I do 1:1 coaching over zoom so feel free to email me if you are interested in doing a session! pete@petecocophoto.com
Trying to offer creative criticism here. I watched about 45 seconds of your video and clicked off because of the horrible framing of your talking head shot. Why are you so close to the right hand side with a bunch of empty space on the left? Then you punch in and cut off the top of your head, rather than reframing slightly higher on the punch in. The poor framing doesn’t inspire confidence in the photography information you are providing. Don’t take this as a personal attack, perhaps just an opportunity to improve. I generally try to leave positive comments, but after watching another video, I came back in hopes of helping you get better retention in the future. Sorry if it comes of harsh, happy RU-vid’n.
I shoved myself in the corner because I am showing images on the other side. Haha don't worry no offense is taken I think your comment is fine and even got a chuckle out of it. Go back and watch the rest and it might not look so weird to you when you see why I did it. Having said that I'm much more centered in the later videos LOL.
