Because I expect to be published one day, and because many of my friends seem to be signing contracts these days, I've been giving thought to my public image. Sure, I'll never get the chance to press charges against the paparazzi. I'll never have to wear a wig and big weird sunglasses to avoid a potential fan mob. But eventually, you will be able to Google my name and come up with a picture of me. And the more I think about it, the more I want that picture to be professionally done.
We hear talk about how author websites need to appear professional, efficient, and informative. So then, your author pic next to your bio shouldn't be of you in hair curlers, or you sliding down a suspicious looking pole. Probably you don't want the camera-phone picture your best friend took of you with that big glob of ketchup on your chin.
Does a good picture have to be expensive? Nope. Should you hire a professional photographer? Probably. You want to put your best face forward (and if you're a woman, you know you have variety of faces) so you don't want to leave that public image up to chance, flash, thumbs, zits, or lighting that makes you look recently resurrected. Sure, you don't want to spend a fortune, but you don't necessarily have to. Maybe you could exchange advertising favors. Maybe you could negotiate the price, or get a discount for referrals.
Bottom line though, I plan to use a professional. What about you?
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I'd really like to have a professional portrait done. Or even a good photograph period.
ReplyDeleteI agree. With digital technology, it doesn't have to be done by a professional per se. But even if you DO have to part with a few bucks, it's just an investment into your business, right?
ReplyDeleteUm, since my pictures is one my husband took of me trying to look rebellious next to a "Rebel" ad at Bloomingdales in Hawaii five years ago...I think you might be on the right track!
ReplyDeleteHa ha! How was I supposed to know you were going to haul off and do that the same day of this post???
ReplyDeleteHi Anna,
ReplyDeleteNice to put the face and the blog together ;)
Yes, I'll definitely hire a professional, and I'd probably have my photo taken in black and white. :) Love them in B&W!
Hey Claudia, me too! I love black and white, because then people can't tell how pale I am--they just think it's because it's in black and white! Actually, on a serious note, I love black and white photos because they look sophisticated. Mysterious.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need to pay a lot of money to hire a professional. Just like authors, there are a lot of photographers trying to make it these days too. Even if they're good, if they don't already have a customer base, they're not going to make any money. Photographers who are just starting to go professional will often start out with very low prices in order to gain referrals and pictures for their portfolios. I recommend asking around to friends and seeing if they know anyone. Make sure to check out their website or portfolio before you hire them though.
ReplyDeleteTesting comments....
ReplyDeleteI do love your pic, who took that? I take AWFUL pics! I loath them! I need someone to pose in them for me.