Is this an acceptable photo for an application?

[rachmaninoff_forever]

So I'm applying to this school and they want a head shot of me

and this is what I got so far



I'd probably need to use another one right?

[dogperson]

I can't provide if this is 'acceptable', but can only provide my preference-- and it is just mine alone.
- A headshot that is less austere:  not a toothy grin, but somewhat of a smile.
- Would prefer a dress shirt, open at the collar,  in either white or a soft color.  The idea is a business-casual attire, in a softer look.

Think the head shot should leave the impression of a 'go-getter' and "I would really like him for a student" impression.

Again, IMHO. 

[piano petals]

I think the photo would be more balanced if you had a bit more space above the top of your head and the bottom of the photo began at the mid/upper chest area. I like that you project an attitude of confidence! Handsome young man, btw.

[dogperson]

I think the photo would be more balanced if you had a bit more space above the top of your head and the bottom of the photo began at the mid/upper chest area. I like that you project an attitude of confidence! Handsome young man, btw.

Agreed about the spacing -- more above top of head and stopping at upper chest. 

[visitor]

for a formal application, I would look for a  studio w a track record of good reviews for taking corporate headshots ie like you see on investor relations and board of executives type websites. Then consider the 'space' you're in. You want to highlight yourself as a performing artist so I would do the standard basic and tasteful tux, white shirt, black botie, black jacket and let the photographer know what you are after . You can look for photos of artists profiles and bring those in for the consultation.


for a std. hard core profile pic ie non professional, it's good photo

[outin]

As a picture of a cute and sexy young guy, it's perfect

For an application maybe something a bit more boring and maybe with a little bit less attitude might do...how are my hands btw?

[visitor]

pro tip, avoid denim, and mullets (rad as they might be, they have no place in your application, you can grow it out after you've made it of course then rock it to your hearts content later  )

no.

no no.

no no no.

exception: submitting this photo is automatic win. this is allowed and actually will win you everything forever /hence forth.

[mjames]

Aren't you a college senior? You want MORE school? Yikes.

[debussychopin]

I find it silly you post a pic of yourself to show us and aak us if acceptable.

[pazzi]

Good looking, huh...

Add a rainbow in the BG, your arc-en-ciel..

[iansinclair]

Other than the spacing -- which several people have mentioned -- I think it's great.  I like it!

[chopinlover01]

If you're applying to grad school, apart from spacing as mentioned above, I'd also go a little dressier; ie, dress shirt with maybe a sport coat on top.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I find it silly you post a pic of yourself to show us and aak us if acceptable.

What's the problem

[Bob]

You may have already done this with this pic as the result.  It might be possible to find a student photographer and have them take pics.  They learn how to take pics and have an actual project.  You get the pics, although not perfect.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

You may have already done this with this pic as the result.  It might be possible to find a student photographer and have them take pics.  They learn how to take pics and have an actual project.  You get the pics, although not perfect.

Actually this is professional 

[rachmaninoff_forever]

As a picture of a cute and sexy young guy, it's perfect

For an application maybe something a bit more boring and maybe with a little bit less attitude might do...how are my hands btw?

Jammed my index finger on Sunday lol

And what the heck man I HATE posing for pictures!  It's so fake

Unless if I'm modeling then I'm cool with it

[outin]

Jammed my index finger on Sunday lol

And what the heck man I HATE posing for pictures!  It's so fake

Well I hate it too... then again I'm not as cute

And stop abusing my hands or I'll send someone after you!

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Well I hate it too... then again I'm not as cute

And stop abusing my hands or I'll send someone after you!

What doesn't kill them makes them stronger

I got it under control

[Bob]

Actually this is professional 

Oh.... Did you save the receipt?

Just google "headshot professional."  90% of those are what you're looking for.  No teeth looks ok.  "Optimistic" is probably the look you're going for.  Probably straight on or ever-so-slightly below the camera.  You're looking down at the view in your pic.  A plain background is simpler too. 

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Oh.... Did you save the receipt?

Just google "headshot professional."  90% of those are what you're looking for.  No teeth looks ok.  "Optimistic" is probably the look you're going for.  Probably straight on or ever-so-slightly below the camera.  You're looking down at the view in your pic.  A plain background is simpler too. 

No I got paid for it actually

[chopinlover01]

Also, just an FYI: your right nipple is poking through your shirt a bit. Not a horrible thing in most cases, but the point of a college app isn't to show off your guns

[iansinclair]

Since this keeps going around... I thought I'd look again.  I still like the photo.  It suggests to me that the individual (that's you, rach!) knows what he is doing, has a good deal of confidence in what he is doing and how and why he does it, and aims to get on with it.

And, of course, I know from reading rach's posts from time to time that that is exactly true of him!

[emill]

Hi rach4 ,

The essential purpose of your photo is met - it shows your face CLEARLY.

However and this might just be cultural difference ....  applications for a job ... for graduate school (which I guess you are applying for - Masters Degree?) should show a more "formal" picture - perhaps a coat and a tie?  or at least shirt with collar and a colored picture, rather than B&W.
The unbuttoned shirt seems to convey a more carefree, easy going rather than a responsible attitude.
Again it depends on what you are applying for in that school.

FIRST TIME I SAW A PHOTO OF YOU.

[outin]

Where I come from a photo in such cases is purely for identification purposes and is not allowed to have any effect on the selection process. I assume there are certain anti-discrimination rules in US as well?

But it's still human to make assumptions based on looks. It can go both ways: Especially if you are applying for performing arts looking personal (in a cute and sexy way) and standing out from the crowd does not necessarily hurt. If uncertain a passport photo will do, but being boring does not really suit R-4...and would he even like to study in a place where he's expected to be something he is not?

Then again a photo of you skating on a concert grand might be a bit too much   Leave that until later when you are building your career...

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Aaaaaye Outin gets me

Emil I have a few more but they're not exactly appropriate for anything really lol