I need a head

[David Lyga]

I need a head. One that looks rather human. Is there a source?

A plastic one would be OK but it would have to reflect light light as a human one would. I want to explore how hot lights hit the various crevices because, usually, when I have practiced simple protraiture, it's the eyesockets that end up being dark.

I have looked at Hollowe'en masks but they do not really work here. Ideally, a mannequin would be excellent but I ask for low cost sources or ideas on how one could set up a 'head' and practice until perfect. Thanks. NOTE: if the material is not opaque I could easily put backing in it to make up for that. - David Lyga

 

[Ian C]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mannequin+head

 

[David Lyga]

Thank you Ian. I will wait for local sources if possible. But this is good to know what is available. - David Lyga

 

[daleeman]

Hay David,
I picked up a foam head and a face looking cover for $ 7.00 at a wig and costume store. I used it for a portrait class with lights. You can see the images here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/53376851@N00/sets/72157627769252618/ I got a woman and a man one at $ 7.00 each. Worked well and the instructor, a fellow hippie from my Flower Power days commended me on my friends I hang out with and posing for me.

Hope it helps.

 

[winger]

If you know anyone who went to hair stylist school, they probably have a head in their closet that they aren't using. A friend from high school sent me one, though I haven't used it, yet.

 

[BrianShaw]

I'm another foam head, from a wig shop, user. There must be a wig shop in Philly. Look around the African American area... they tend to have lots of wig shops.

 

[Michael W]

A plaster head like this one would work well I think. This is more than I would want to pay, but if I could get one for around $30 i would use it for drawing and photographic lighting exercises.

 

[MattKing]

Definitely in the running for the 2012 best thread title award!

 

[daleeman]

Definitely in the running for the 2012 best thread title award!

Maybe if the word some was in it. Not that my mind goes there. Often.

Did you enjoy the lighting techniques on the foam head with a face on Flickr?

 

[David Lyga]

Thank you all for the advice, especially about the wig shops (in the African-American neighborhoods!) There are NO shortage of those particular shops in Philadelphia.

Yes, it must be admitted that I was trying to be funny with the title but with 'some' added before 'head' that would simply have been too much for the moderator to bear (or bare)! You are both prescient and 'aware'. But let me stop while I am 'ahead'.

MattKing: you started it all. - David Lyga

 

[daleeman]

Hey, we just want to see more "Head Shots"

Oh, did the NRA inside of me say that?

 

[David Lyga]

Yes, the Never Rely on Ammunition said that. - David Lyga