Critique the Community: Headshot Photography with Peter Hurley 11a

[@derekclarkstudio]

I always learn the most from critique videos.

[@mchlhth]

I have to agree with Peter on the headshot at 23:06. It would be a much better image if it weren't so over-processed. People are allowed to have pores and skin imperfections. It's what makes them look like real humans.

[@LugiaProphet]

I agree too. Looks like plastic.

[@kyreekoa5808]

Instablaster...

[@jamilgotcher5456]

Yes, the best retouching leaves pores but makes more beautiful transitions between shadow and highlight areas and even their skintones. I think it looks unprofessional on women's headshots when the retoucher didn't make their neck match their face in skin tone. It's so easy to do but it's about having the eye to even see what you need to do.

[@ghanus2009]

Best 44 Minutes and 22 seconds you can spend, right here. So much to think about! Thanks guys!

[@deephotog]

I'm glad that little people can make it in this world, way to go wee man.

[@seltenfotog3115]

Some of these models will probably take Peters comments as a personal attack....nothing could be further from the truth...he is critiquing the photographers work...not the model. This video is AMAZING!! LOVE IT! Thank you Fstoppers!!

[@mariobravo8253]

Loved this critique-insight ... just viewing it some 4+ years later .... hoping to see more of Peter in other critiques

[@jozsefbalatoni]

He is a CAM. compulsive acronym maker

[@robclark4618]

LMAO!

[@freddielyxell3774]

Love that you guys shows how you would crop the image in this episode. Great video.

[@el0mudge]

Your forced perspective is absolutely top notch, it's like watching Frodo and Gandalf reviewing headshots. Seriously though, great video.

[@Faldrian]

I will never be able to look at faces again without critiquing their eyebrows... o.O

[@aerialeyesproductions2258]

I'm trying hard to like Patrick. I'm failing. I'm very grateful for his work ethic and the fstoppers community, and he comes across well sometimes. He kills me with his misplaced arrogance in these critique episodes though. The best headshot guy in the world wants to give an image a 5 that Patrick barely rates a 3? I've seen your work Patrick.

[@sdfth491]

I agree, trying on my end but his personality is tough to like. The big difference is that Peter is offering critique, and Patrick is just pointing out everything that might be wrong. hopefully he'll become humble, and then I'll watch videos with him in it. plus patrick just takes shots of him playing air guitar...

[@heatherboucher1484]

I stopped the video at 3:58 because I had to look at the comments and make sure others felt like me.

[@jametalb]

I'm sure others noticed when Patrick or Peter were giving a 1/2 rating, Patrick always rounds down and Peter always rounds up. That says something to me.

[@KevTCC]

Most helpful, honest, and non "Hurley promotional video" video appearance of Hurley that I've seen since the Art of the Headshot which I own.

[@MattiaRicciOfficial]

Then you randomly watch this video and one of your photos is in it (a pretty bad one actually ahah) thanks a lot! You made me realize i was doing pretty much everything wrong ahah next time you're going to be looking at a better photo!

[@TheDenVamps]

Mattia Ricci great attitude 👍. All of the images were better than a lot of people who comment. Keep up the good work.

[@ioioioiooioioi]

Fstoppers videos are getting better and better

[@SixLeafCloverOFire]

Peter and Patrick, you guys rock. I get so inspired from the Critique's and just want to go out and shoot more. I shot a lot when I lived in San Diego, but now that I have moved back to the Midwest, I feel uninspired. You guys provide so much information and in a really fun way. Keep rock'n it!

[@lizvillegas6603]

Hahaha loved Peter Hurley laying into the overly retouched photo.

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Always great to hear from Peter Hurley, he's truly one of the greats. Hilarious how hung up he got on the eye brows. With these critiques, I'd love to hear more detail on what would make your 4's into a 5. You're very helpful with the 2's and 3's but when you give a 4, you only ever have good things to say...If it's not a five, I'd love to hear detail on what's holding it back. Great work fstoppers team, as always.

[@georgealexb3940]

Maine Mountain Media the way I understand 4, it means you nailed everything right from a technical aspect, a flawless image. To get five seems more like luck, like just everything was PERFECT at the moment you pressed your shutter. The best you’re gonna get is 4, the universe has to step in to get a 5. Lol

[@MDMiller60]

I couldn't stop watching this video. Meaning that I had to watch the whole thing. Like when you "can't put a book down." I happen to like portrait making, particularly what I call "candid portraits", which Mr. Hurley gets by drawing out a subject, while I have to wait and hope to get one as it happens with my fast reflexes. I have learned a lot aout tricking the subject. I have learned a lot about what to watch out for. I have seen Mr. Hurley before online as well. I enjoyed fStoppers here. I don't know who the moderator is, but I think you look better in the portrait you put up, than you would with the full beard. Just my unbiased and un-asked for opinion.

[@davidwebb4116]

It's crazy how much I agree with their critiques! I am and Actor in Salt Lake city that shoots headshots. I speak "actor" which helps with the "Expressions". So much of what Peter, whom I recently discovered his videos, I do instinctively and because of my acting Experience. I am Going to soak in everything you guys do!

[@peterking8665]

Dear Patrick and Peter, If I was to come to a workshop with you both (in real life!!) - essentially this is what it is; I still think there is a very valuable learning experience to be had here. Your critiques are extremely important, like that of any professional. First, I would begin with what I think and then listen to what you both have to say. I like getting critiqued on my opinion, re subject, up against you real professionals.... and not the other way around. I can duplicate every tutorial out there but if I do nothing on my account I am still nothing!!!

[@MichaelJones-yx4zv]

Omg this is the nest critique ever... Peter Hurley is brutal in a good way and Hilarious. I laughed so hard and learned so much. Thanks

[@Drinckx2]

Too much of the conversation about the crops doesn't take into account that these are images with photographer's logos; they are like send-out photographs and, as such, will often be more radically cropped than the same image as delivered to the client or in the portfolio. Peter Hurley is pretty much always spot-on: basing critique on his own preferences but still being open (and honest) to the choices the photographers have made.

[@fluidmindorg]

That was the first thing I thought at 3:15 when his main criticism of the Shallaw Muller photo was the wide crop. This was supposed to be critiques of the photographs and the photographers who shot them. The photo was obviously an advertisement cropped that way by a graphic designer, most likely to fit a particular space (probably at the top or bottom of a website). The photographer in this case had nothing to do with the cropping. So the critique of the size and cropping was pointless. Hurley had good things to say about the photo itself and the photographer. That's all they should have based their critique on. Then when they went to the next one, Peter claims that he tries to consider the genre of the image, yet he obviously did not consider that on the prior image.

[@RayValdezPhotography]

@@fluidmindorg you are assuming. we dont know that unless we research and prove it about that photo. its just best not to assume the use of the photo as a fact.

[@Spawn666949]

I soooo agree with Peter @ 23:25. I swear to god, I hate these types of edits.

[@mrharpman]

The eyebrow part is killer! :D

[@becomingintermediate5390]

Whats "the kick"?

[@Camrographer]

How much does the type of usage impact the lighting/styling of a portrait? For example, would a website page have something that is Hi-Key and less contrasty than something used for social media?

[@sedona3player]

I love these critique the community episodes! Please do more. I'd love to submit some of my work

[@dphotos007]

I give the Peter image 2.5 or a 3.

[@dphotos007]

+jethpub I have been shooting since 1982 and I was educated at the Art Center College of Design Pasadena and I have have shot tons of editorial work. Think photography is subjective. There is not a right and wrong way with eye pupils. For me I know I like to get highlights in the eye area. Remember these guys are out to sell there programs and classes. I agree with some of there ideas but not all of them. For me a plain head shot on a plain background is boring but I will shoot them if a client wants it.

[@Xxrandomk1dxX]

+dphotos I have a Phd in Brad Pitt photography, am the grandson of Mr. Nixon and I disagree with you.

[@dphotos007]

+Luke McShane glad you disagree with me. You are allowed your opinion. His view is just his opinion and there is no right way and wrong way. I was shooting when he was working as a model. He found his niche in the photo business and he is a good salesman. Fstoppers is about selling their products. If I was good at selling like that I would do the same. That is not my niche. I agree with some of the things he's says but not everything..

[@Xxrandomk1dxX]

dphotos It's not that I really disagree with you, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I'm no way near knowledgeable enough on this subject to hold an informed opinion. I was simply humoring myself and playfully mocking your opening sentence to your original comment

[@boycompass]

+dphotos No Shit!! The handsome model right after Peter's is nearly perfect. The lighting is perfect.

[@lamaking1978]

Man I wish I knew about this. Peter has been pivotal in my photography skills. I would love for him to critique what I've done.

[@vertusmatjaz]

I love this critique.peter is a world-class

[@Saltycures]

Man...don’t watch this while editing your own client photos...confidence check!!😂

[@wikedwhich1]

so agree...looking through my headshots ...can find almost zero good ones by this criteria!

[@wellwhatthen10101]

Big heads come to mind. both of them.

[@stevenmarrero9190]

peter hurley and fstoppers ...your work is amazing. thanks for inspiring!!

[@JB-bh7qs]

OMG! PH Is the king of snaps. Love it!

[@mileschun143]

14:22 what does he mean by "the kick's too hot I don't kick that hard anymore"?

[@dru2278]

He’s talking about the “kick light” on the right side of the image is too bright

[@_AandO_]

15:35 YOU GAVE IT A 3?? What a JOKE at least 4 probably a 5. Far Better than Hurley's Own Image.

[@CaribbeanPhotoGuy]

Hello rottie guy

[@imhotepandrewphotography4930]

On Peter’s headshot (85mm 1.8), is there a filter used (i.e warming)?

[@ProgoriPro]

His tutorial video "Peter Hurley: The Art behind the headshot" is amazing! Must-see to everyone who does headshots.

[@TheBluesine]

I love the way these guys suck up too each others work,,, even when its a average picture (Patricks pic in particular)

[@Mr.HarryPotter]

Peter did this with Scott Kelby at The Grid Show: "I've never done this"?!!!

[@FStoppers]

I think he meant our critique. He clearly has given critiques before

[@peter_hurley]

+M Potter I never did it with Fstoppers. Wasn't sure how it worked and Patrick had to do a ton of explaining. Sorry for the confusion there.

[@rydaug79]

+Peter Hurley The guy at 32:50... don't you think his eyes are out of focus?

[@ziggy149]

You're a wonderful human, Peter. You always have fun; which transfers to us having fun. Learning occurs when one is more engaged.

[@aandreiws2]

Peter's reaction is what I expected Pye's reaction to be when you guys were critiquing wedding photos! Awesome! "One! One, one, one. ONE! AND THE BROW!" Hahaha!

[@bartabz2199]

the hair on the next one Peter didn't mind but he noticed that little light hole on the other one? You cray, Peter. LOL

[@RichardBellRookie]

Peter I have not laughed so much at a critique in a long time. Harsh reviews but once you explained it all made sense. Quote of the ep "She is 'Blank'". All in all, insightful episode.

[@LionsElement]

Who is the photographer of the photo at 15:31? +Fstoppers

[@LionsElement]

found it on your website...

[@booradley3146]

Will you guys be doing this again?

[@Titanic8436]

LOL.@27:03 Peter: She is completely out to lunch, I don't even know what to do!!!! I hollered!!! LOL

[@joshuagharis9017]

Peter's attention to detail with pupil size,...WOW

[@yaboioof3229]

Peter's headshot certainly was a 3 at best. Don't be scared to roast the "professionals" when their work isn't up to par sometimes

[@Morbuto]

YaBoiOof I came here to say the same thing. If I was him I would have felt embarrassed to give myself a 4 for that image. Such a weird arrogant looking smirk, the styling of the sweatshirt feels off and then all the other problems they pointed out...

[@notmyname8527]

With most people viewing on mobiles and not bothering to switch of landscape, It makes more sense to be in Portrait mode. I'm a desktop guy and prefer horizontal but have to accept the changes to how people view your photos.

[@thorbirama]

I Love the critiquing videos. Where do I have to send or post a picture to get in?

[@DeirdreRyan]

I agreed with everything that was said on these images. The first "beauty" shot with the arm and hand draped over her head and nails...one of the first things I noticed, was that her foundation didn't match the rest of her skin tones. That's a pet peeve of mine.

[@jamilgotcher5456]

That's a pet peeve of mine too. It looks more professional to make the face skin tone to match the neck skin tone, shoulders and arms.

[@FirstLast-il6ok]

"I could pull a five out of you.." haha that's gold.

[@Colcum]

It's like looking at Flickr 10 years ago.

[@Keyoung44]

I think I learned more from this one and Peter Hurley than the others

[@kwizmon]

Ok, so my take on the image at 15.32: if the light in the model's left eye (as looking at the image, but actually his right eye) was adjusted to match the right eye, it would be an almost flawless photo. Apart from the issue with the stronger jaw line as Peter mentioned.

[@reelmaxphotos3076]

The image at 32:26 the guy with the curly hair - I think the eyes were not in focus or as sharp as they should have been The image at 15:31 is probably the top one from this set, followed by the very first image critiqued. However, I would have tilted the head slightly more to the right, just to make the eyes and head parallel --- instead of with a slight slant / But very good session overall. Love listening to and seeing what Peter Hurley has to say or do. :)

[@user-tv5dt3nm9y]

I’m commenting very belatedly here, but I have always found Peter to be a very positive, self-effacing bloke.

[@kinesis28]

It's like watching a young Gandalf talk to Bilbo... Interesting video 👍

[@reynauldthomas]

How much to join the Head shot crew?

[@628DirtRooster]

Great teaching video.

[@einarbreen7549]

I don't think you guys mentioned colors once. Watched a couple of "critiquing" videos from this channel and same thing. I agree with most being said but to me, 70% are details compared to colors and thats just totally ignored.

[@carlharrison3637]

Just ordered your book Peter, think you're a great teacher

[@daneimp]

The picture at 32min looks very distorted - or is it just me?

[@RobertJohnLora]

Awesome content! I particularly like it when you guys post critiques up with professionals from different genres because it gives depth to the critiques. Plus, Peter Hurley is the shit. There's also that. Thanks guys! 👍🏻

[@matthewcheung5136]

This is quality entertainment! 🤣 5/5

[@pd3924]

so informative, totally a great lesson!

[@4outof10]

Love this vid. Not sure about the brow critique though. Looks like the photographer was a bit to keen with the Liquify filter and the brow was the upshot of it.

[@HarrieWorst]

Great critique!

[@MrCinecine]

love the grade on this video how did you grade ,,,....if you don't mind me asking thanks i love ya guys keep up the great work...

[@phaskellhall]

It's just straight out of camera; shot on a pair of Nikon d750s in the vivid camera profile

[@MrCinecine]

thanks

[@whathappenswhen4767]

is the critique still open for new pics?

[@laynieree4536]

What's it got to do with whether someone is good looking or not?

[@heinzhagenbucher4714]

What a great critique on headshots. Somehow I wish I could get a critique on my images, but at the same time I would be shit scared. 🙈😁

[@DaveyD4419]

love this, thank you. Peter entertained as usual :-)

[@jerrynieves7689]

This was great

[@bealivingmiracle]

Insightful video, with some funny commentary and banter.

[@Cotictimmy]

I think the plastic "1" with the hair up may be the only existing portrait of Siri.

[@fatboystudios08]

Most of the bigger guys critiques are about the physical attributes of the model. I don't think its the photographers fault.

[@HarrieWorst]

I think it's more about getting the most out of a subject. And understanding the weaker points and stronger points of somebody's physics and try to minimize weaker points and emphasis stronger points. And eventually about putting a picture in your portfolio or not based upon the physics. I think the way it's mentioned is very leggit imho and by no means ment to be offensive to the subject or photogs.

[@fatboystudios08]

I've done my research on the other videos with the squinch. I quite agree the photographer has a lot to do with posing and getting the best out of the model. =)

[@nasri]

It definitely isn't the tog's fault. The criticism here seems to be that although you can photograph these people, they shouldn't be used as part of a portfolio, not that he expects them to correct these things in post.

[@stinkleaf]

23:00 Insanely retouched. It looked like a cheap illustration from an airbrush artist.28:00 that angle was wonky and the lips crackling dry.

[@michaelechteld]

Very useful, thanks!

[@InappropriateShorts]

This is good. It has helped me a lot. Thank you.

[@JB-bh7qs]

Had to comment twice.. Hurley's acronyms are killing' it. Keeps me rotfl.

[@Dennis.McConnaughhay]

So weird. I shit you not. I was listening to an old froknows podcast today with peter in it and was thinking to myself man I wish fstoppers would have him on for a critique. Great minds think alike. Shabang!

[@DesiFailVids]

the guy after the brow lady was just perfect timing - lol

[@stevorider6753]

How about doing a vote for comments on photos it might be interesting.

[@clementinephotography3318]

Really interesting...but why no comments on white balance? There were a few I felt weren't quite right.

[@rhaeetheredge5191]

OMG, I love Peter H. - He was saying everything I was thinking...I couldn't stop grinning with his comments.

[@JosetteRedwolf]

You are so brutal on the model lmao. You know the models are going to see this.

[@lewisallrightsreserved7879]

I give the left eyebrow a 0.5 and the right a 5, LOL

[@Kakabeblen]

What dies kick mean in this context?

[@linusfotograf]

Kakabeblen Light coming from the side/back

[@vickihenderson9724]

After this episode, I’m just not such a big fan of this channel. The vibe is kinda negative and arrogant (on Lee”s part ) - I like Peter’s perspective.

[@CruelQuertos]

They are objectivley finding flaws im this video. Typical of a women to be offended by normal jargong.

[@RayValdezPhotography]

what do you expect. to say they love everything. they are giving seemingly real opinions. Dont be so butthurt

[@Boleskinebeatz]

@@CruelQuertos Sexist much??

[@Tipzyyy]

15:32 do people really not mind the shadow on his face??

[@LuvBugYvet]

Pic 2: what is sticking put of his neck?

[@MegaRay68]

Jason who? why the whisper folks? can't get the last name. I know its not Jason lanier 'cause his style is more HDR types.

[@tabl10s]

How tall are you guy's or is there some video manipulation?

[@dave2760]

Why can't Peter give them a one!

[@JoeyDoingThings]

Dave cause I think they want to save those for snap shots that a kid who got ahold of a camera would take, or something like that.

[@zoomzoom530]

A little bit of popular science on pupil aperture can be found here- www.scientificamerican.com/article/eye-opener-why-do-pupils-dialate/ Instinctively, we (at least all mammals) are very responsive to eye shape, and pupil size and aperture, and thus for us photographers this issue is very important, beyond the important fact that narrow pupils show more of the colorful iris.

[@freshskinfade21]

"It's taking up some Real Estate." lol

[@jakeszetela6537]

23:06 is atrocious. I know beauty shots as a genre are over-retouched, but that is 10x the retouching of most beauty shots. It jumped the shark HARD

[@JimHancock]

I would like to contribute here with something I think is a mistake in general, not bragging, but to qualify myself, I shot for Playboy for several years in the 90s, and then was published in every other girlie magazine you can name, then as a fashion and advertising guy I am published world wide, have shot for several national cosmetic beauty campaigns and fashion ads and my ads and editorials have appeared in every fashion magazine you can name, and I just finished a docudrama that I shot and directed and edited myself, you can see it on Amazon... and again, that is over 33 years so not to sound arrogant... having shot both still and motion pictures... the big advantage of shooting stills is strobes... there isn't any light form any better, and when you only need about 1000 of a second to shoot an image, what good does constant light do you? Strobes can out power the sun.... easily.... from 30 feet or better... you stop motion dead.... so the beauty of that is, you can process the hell out of that light... you can run it through baffles and scrims and bounce off things it would take giant HMI's to do, and still far short..and these days you can get strobes cheap, and strobes are strobes.. even cheapie's will give you more light then leds.... so Peter if you like LEDs thats cool.... you may have reasons I don't know, maybe you are trying to save money by having only one system....but you're still at a big disadvantage.. I just stumbled on this and the using LED's as stills is just not a good idea, I'm not trying to be a dick only be helpful..... so why teach new guys the wrong way..? Unless you are in the led selling business..... oh as far as the catch light.... I've always used one bright focus light.... so I can see what I'm doing and shrink the pupils if I think it will help.... again, I'm 60 years old, just trying to help with some experience..... otherwise keep on shooting, learn something new every day... I know I do..... feel free to look me up I'm always happy to be of assistance, Jim Hancock :)

[@RayValdezPhotography]

Uh ok...