Thread Rating:

Poll

4 votes (7.27%)
1 vote (1.81%)
1 vote (1.81%)
No votes (0%)
12 votes (21.81%)
16 votes (29.09%)
No votes (0%)
11 votes (20%)
No votes (0%)
10 votes (18.18%)

55 members have voted

Wizard
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Wizard
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October 21st, 2014 at 4:32:05 PM permalink
Once in a while I get asked for a serious head shot. For years I've been mainly using this one:



However, I was about ten years younger when that was taken. The sword of time, as the song goes, is sticking its knife in deeper. So, it is time to update my standard photo with one of an older and more wrinkled Wizard.

With the introductions out of the way, please pick your favorite. Click on any image for a larger version.

Image 1


Image 2


Image 3


Image 4


Image 5


Image 6
See my Wikipedia page.

Image 7


Image 8


Image 9


Image 10
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
terapined
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October 21st, 2014 at 4:47:12 PM permalink
I like 10 due to the background.
9 has same background but nose stuck in the air a little high.
1 2 3 4 has similar background but the lines on your face make you look older
7 another nose stuck up a bit.

10 got my vote
Its just a forum. Nothing here to get obsessed about.
beachbumbabs
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October 21st, 2014 at 4:51:08 PM permalink
8 is the only one where you combine looking competent, comfortable, and approachable. Most of the others, the shot from below makes you look kind of full of yourself. I don't happen to think that's the case. There are a couple of others that would be ok, but the focus/resolution's not as good.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
rdw4potus
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October 21st, 2014 at 4:59:28 PM permalink
instant runoff style vote: 6, 5, 10, 8, 7.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
FunkyDoctor
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October 21st, 2014 at 5:04:04 PM permalink
Wow! It's been a tough ten years! ;-)

I think BBB is onto the right idea. I didn't like any of them simply because of the angle from which they were shot. All are below with you looking down compared with your old pic, shot from above with you looking up...much better. The newer photos also look...how should I say it...homemade? The old pic looks professionally done.

IMO, I'd start over, spend a few bucks to hire a pro photographer and compare those against these.
10DollarBri
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October 21st, 2014 at 5:13:56 PM permalink


I like this one.
I know nothing!
bushman
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October 21st, 2014 at 5:17:54 PM permalink
Quote: 10DollarBri



I like this one.


Ditto!
Never count your winnings at hour 23 of a 24-hour drive.
beachbumbabs
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October 21st, 2014 at 5:23:20 PM permalink
I agree with the snapshot-look of all of these compared to the other head shot (somebody said above). I think you should go to a pro. I've seen you look as good as you did in the Bodog shoot within the past year, but none of these shots come close to that. I also think if you're using these professionally, you should have a neutral background.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
aceofspades
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October 21st, 2014 at 5:25:24 PM permalink
Mike - photos taken from that angle make it appear as if you are looking down upon people. Just my $.02
JohnnyQ
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October 21st, 2014 at 5:28:55 PM permalink
Quote: FunkyDoctor

The newer photos also look...how should I say it...homemade? The old pic looks professionally done.

IMO, I'd start over, spend a few bucks to hire a pro photographer and compare those against these.



Kindof leaninig in that direction as well.
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
sodawater
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October 21st, 2014 at 6:00:00 PM permalink
6 is the best
BleedingChipsSlowly
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October 21st, 2014 at 6:40:07 PM permalink
Where to start... I’m assuming you want a photo for business use, so I won’t vote for any of them. Okay, I’m going to be blunt. Get a haircut. Buy a dress shirt, whatever color or pattern you want. Iron it. Shave. Stick with a solid background like image 6. The purpose is to show you, don’t let the palm trees fight for the viewer’s attention. Find someone who knows how to use lighting or at least knows how to flash fill an outdoor shot to soften the shadows on your face. Taking the shot is only half the job. Get help with editing the shot once taken: color correction, cropping, etc. Simply cropping a shot can greatly improve its impact:

See The Wizard's Wikipedia page.

[Edit: Image link removed. A similar crop of the VegasAce's picture I used is on the web site.]
“You don’t bring a bone saw to a negotiation.” - Robert Jordan, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia
boymimbo
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October 21st, 2014 at 6:45:32 PM permalink
I generally agree with the comments. If you are looking for a professional headshot, dress up and iron the shirt. Get the hair out of your eyes. Have the photo be a straight on shot and not from below. Look straight at the camera with a slight turn of the head, which is fine.

Otherwise, if I was forced to live with them, it would be #10.
----- You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
harvson3
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October 21st, 2014 at 6:47:56 PM permalink
I'm a bigot.

.... and I agree with the suggestions to get a professional shot.
aceofspades
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October 21st, 2014 at 7:02:36 PM permalink
Mike - if you would like, I can direct you to my website and you can see my photo for an idea…if not, no hurt feelings LOL
Wizard
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October 21st, 2014 at 7:06:50 PM permalink
Thanks for all the comments thus far.

I hope you guys don't hurt the feelings of my social media assistant VegasAces who took these pictures, who I am sure will be following this poll. I think she did the best she could after I thrust my camera in her hands and said "take a bunch of pictures of me."

To be honest, I've never liked those professional photos I had done about ten years ago. They have too much of a yearbook kind of look. I am a disheveled kind of guy. I abhor ties. To this day I've never used a hair dryer and still don't understand their purpose when your hair just dries naturally. Never once have I been properly shaven. Electric shavers always leave me look stubbly and if I dare use a real blade I'll draw blood a mean of 3.14 times. I think I'm being more honest to the world if they see a photo that reflects the real me.

My natural look is that of Neil Young in this video.

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
sodawater
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October 21st, 2014 at 7:07:49 PM permalink
Quote: BleedingChipsSlowly

Where to start... I’m assuming you want a photo for business use, so I won’t vote for any of them. Okay, I’m going to be blunt. Get a haircut. Buy a dress shirt, whatever color or pattern you want. Iron it. Shave. Stick with a solid background like image 6. The purpose is to show you, don’t let the palm trees fight for the viewer’s attention. Find someone who knows how to use lighting or at least knows how to flash fill an outdoor shot to soften the shadows on your face. Taking the shot is only half the job. Get help with editing the shot once taken: color correction, cropping, etc. Simply cropping a shot can greatly improve its impact:



Why does Wizard need any of that? He is already a multi-millionaire! Being rich means you don't have to shave or get a haircut.
aceofspades
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October 21st, 2014 at 7:20:55 PM permalink
Quote: sodawater

Quote: BleedingChipsSlowly

Where to start... I’m assuming you want a photo for business use, so I won’t vote for any of them. Okay, I’m going to be blunt. Get a haircut. Buy a dress shirt, whatever color or pattern you want. Iron it. Shave. Stick with a solid background like image 6. The purpose is to show you, don’t let the palm trees fight for the viewer’s attention. Find someone who knows how to use lighting or at least knows how to flash fill an outdoor shot to soften the shadows on your face. Taking the shot is only half the job. Get help with editing the shot once taken: color correction, cropping, etc. Simply cropping a shot can greatly improve its impact:



Why does Wizard need any of that? He is already a multi-millionaire! Being rich means you don't have to shave or get a haircut.




He wants to be a Billionaire!
Buzzard
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October 21st, 2014 at 7:21:12 PM permalink
A wizard should be mysterious. I suggest a picture taken from behind !
Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
Wizard
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October 21st, 2014 at 7:43:25 PM permalink
Quote: Buzzard

A wizard should be mysterious. I suggest a picture taken from behind !



That photo will be subtitled Flatland.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Buzzard
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October 21st, 2014 at 7:55:37 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

That photo will be subtitled Flatland.



I suggest using a tripod, and pinning your ears down first.
Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
EvenBob
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October 21st, 2014 at 8:01:56 PM permalink
I voted I'm a Bigot.

This is a good one, you look real and not posed,
kind of rugged almost.



This one I like for obvious reasons:

"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
EvenBob
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October 21st, 2014 at 8:12:46 PM permalink
Why is your mouth closed in all 10 pics? You
look way more compelling and real when
you smile so we can see your teeth.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
thecesspit
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October 21st, 2014 at 8:22:05 PM permalink
Quote: sodawater



Why does Wizard need any of that? He is already a multi-millionaire! Being rich means you don't have to shave or get a haircut.



Worked for the Trivago guy.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
AxelWolf
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October 21st, 2014 at 8:36:19 PM permalink
I didn't read all the comments so im sure someone already suggested this.

Take some time, dress well get a trim and style
Have a new better photo taken with a nice background. Possibly recreate the original photo.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Wizard
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October 21st, 2014 at 8:42:32 PM permalink
Quote: EvenBob

Why is your mouth closed in all 10 pics? You
look way more compelling and real when
you smile so we can see your teeth.



I close my mouth because I'm embarrassed by my teeth.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Mission146
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October 21st, 2014 at 8:43:56 PM permalink
The one with the Royal Flush is good, I agree with EvenBob.

I also agree with Wizard that a more casual look is fitting, I doubt if Wizard will be wearing a pressed and ironed dress shirt at his own funeral, much less anywhere else.

(No offense, Mike, the same can be said for me!)
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
Mission146
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October 21st, 2014 at 8:44:13 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I close my mouth because I'm embarrassed by my teeth.



Why?
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
onenickelmiracle
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October 21st, 2014 at 9:04:53 PM permalink
You're not really putting your best forward in these pictures. Hair looked messy, facial hair growing out, etc. Selfies don't really look right so you just need a redo on a better day.
I am a robot.
mustangsally
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October 21st, 2014 at 9:45:58 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

<snip>
Image 10

The early Elvis hair curl really needs to go
Elvis only had it for a few years
I am surprised that the girls in your family have not forced you to have a hot hair style

I like these
but I love him, I am biased
so do many others

but the hair




Sally Oh
I Heart Vi Hart
mustangsally
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October 21st, 2014 at 10:18:42 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Once in a while I get asked for a serious head shot. For years I've been mainly using this one:

final answer

I like this one
looks real

and it will always have a story behind it (or in front of it)

easy clean-up in Photoshop too

yes
yes
Sally
I Heart Vi Hart
EvenBob
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October 21st, 2014 at 10:41:44 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I close my mouth because I'm embarrassed by my teeth.



There's nothing wrong with your teeth, it's
all in your head. Ask Babs, she won't lie
to you. I hope..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
VegasAces
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October 21st, 2014 at 10:57:40 PM permalink
I like #6... But I think I have to agree with some of the other people... A professional photographer would have done a much better job than I did. Sorry boss!
1BB
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October 22nd, 2014 at 2:52:02 AM permalink
If you want to stand out grow a 70's porn stache.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
100xOdds
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October 22nd, 2014 at 4:54:40 AM permalink
Quote: beachbumbabs

8 is the only one where you combine looking competent, comfortable, and approachable. Most of the others, the shot from below makes you look kind of full of yourself. I don't happen to think that's the case. There are a couple of others that would be ok, but the focus/resolution's not as good.



8 also gets my vote.

but why not have new headshots made?
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice). Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
RonC
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October 22nd, 2014 at 5:02:04 AM permalink
Go with a professional photographer even with the casual look.
teddys
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October 22nd, 2014 at 6:41:08 AM permalink
Quote: RonC

Go with a professional photographer even with the casual look.

I agree with the above two comments. You owe it to yourself to get another professional headshot made.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
Romes
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October 22nd, 2014 at 7:36:19 AM permalink
I agree they don't look as professional as your previous head shot. I would think you could go to a mall and have someone at least take a pretty professional looking photo of you in a nice shirt/suit/etc. From the images you provided though I'd say 6, but I'd touch the background wood up to not have all the white specs all over.
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
pacomartin
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October 22nd, 2014 at 8:06:34 AM permalink
Quote: JohnnyQ

Kindof leaninig in that direction as well.



Wikipedia cares about ownership of photos. For instance the photo of Queen Elizabeth II in yellow was taken as an official US government photo (at NASA), and photos of the US government are in the public domain. The photo of her in the purple hat is the photo from her website. It may also be in the public domain, but it's harder to prove.



The robots in Wikipedia reject the head shot of the Wizard because it appears in other places on the web.
FleaStiff
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October 22nd, 2014 at 8:27:30 AM permalink
For what purposes would people be asking for your headshot?

Publication?

For an audience that will recognize the background and be impressed?

None really look as if they were professional photographers.

With your stock of background shots you could superimpose a headshot over any background you wanted.
jml24
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October 22nd, 2014 at 8:58:25 AM permalink
I like #6 the best of those posted but agree with the others on getting a professional or at least someone who has a bit of a clue about photography. The casual look is fine if that is what you are going for, but a decent photographer can make you look a lot better than any of those while still remaining casual.

One of the things that pros do is use a medium telephoto lens with a wide aperture and then frame your head so it fills most of the frame. This puts the focus on you and blurs the background. Pretty simple, and gives a great effect when combined with the proper lighting.

A pro shot doesn't have to mean a stiff cheesy posed portrait with a fake background.
ncfatcat
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October 22nd, 2014 at 9:31:32 AM permalink
Quote: Mission146

The one with the Royal Flush is good, I agree with EvenBob.

I also agree with Wizard that a more casual look is fitting, I doubt if Wizard will be wearing a pressed and ironed dress shirt at his own funeral, much less anywhere else.

(No offense, Mike, the same can be said for me!)


+1
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Ayecarumba
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October 22nd, 2014 at 10:27:50 AM permalink
What will the photo be used for? The Wizard website family? Internet Marketing? Articles in newspapers or magazines?

If it will be used outside of your websites, I would agree that a professional shot would be best. A good photographer will capture your "casual" personality while presenting you in a manner appropriate for publication across a variety of platforms.

While I might think twice about the ramifications of giving away the rights to my likeness, why aren't the new owners taking care of this for you? It is in their best interest, and the cost should be considered a business expense.

Is VegasAces like four feet tall?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
pacomartin
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October 23rd, 2014 at 4:22:59 AM permalink
Quote: Ayecarumba

What will the photo be used for?



Wikipedia biographical article

This older photo was there for about 6 months, but it was removed for a copyright violation. There was no photo attached to the article for the last 3 years.
100xOdds
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October 23rd, 2014 at 5:42:44 AM permalink
Quote: pacomartin

Wikipedia biographical article

This older photo was there for about 6 months, but it was removed for a copyright violation. There was no photo attached to the article for the last 3 years.



removed for a copyright violation?!

Why on earth would Wiz complain about that pic being on there?!
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice). Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
Dieter
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October 23rd, 2014 at 6:35:32 AM permalink
5/6/7 are the only ones that seem to have decent lighting and good exposure. Of the 10, 6 is my pick. It still needs cropping.

A new set of photos would be in order. None of these look like a headshot portrait - they look like snapshots with bad lighting.
May the cards fall in your favor.
Dieter
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October 23rd, 2014 at 6:38:37 AM permalink
Quote: 100xOdds

removed for a copyright violation?!

Why on earth would Wiz complain about that pic being on there?!



Wiz is probably not the copyright holder for that photograph. Portrait photograph copyrights are almost always held by the photographer.
May the cards fall in your favor.
100xOdds
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October 23rd, 2014 at 11:35:18 AM permalink
Quote: Dieter

Wiz is probably not the copyright holder for that photograph. Portrait photograph copyrights are almost always held by the photographer.



huh? even if u hire hm to take a pic of u, your face is still his?!?!
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice). Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
Buzzard
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October 23rd, 2014 at 11:40:25 AM permalink
I always found that the boys at the police station took nice photo's.
Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
Wizard
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October 23rd, 2014 at 12:34:24 PM permalink
Thanks everyone for their input. I am not saying I won't get a professional shot taken, but for now #6 is the winner. You can see it on my Wikipedia page. Thanks Paco for helping with that. He asked me to remove it here, so Wikipedia wouldn't say it is trademarked again.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
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