The Art of the Author Photo: Why Headshots Matter To Writers

This one's for you, writers (or aspiring writers...or, well anyone who wants to have a professional presence on the interwebs). I'm passionate about having great headshots and I've outlined a few reasons why.

Common Complaints

I hear a lot of reasons why people don't want to get a professional headshot. Here are some of the most popular ones and why I don't think they stand up to the test of argument. Granted, these are my opinions so I could be wrong ;-)

I don't like my photo being on the internet...
Yes, this is a valid argument for many but I would counter that, if you really want to become a published author, there is a great likelihood that your photo will need to surface on the internet (and possibly the back cover of a book) at one point. Why not have a great photo of yourself when that becomes a reality?

People don't want to see me...
This argument is sometimes followed by "I want my work to speak for itself". Yes, your writing will speak volumes, but people are naturally curious about the author/artist behind the creation. You can make an even greater impact and connection point with a well crafted bio and professional photo of yourself.

But I love this selfie I took...
Just...no. Please, please, please no selfies!!! Sure, that photo will work for your personal FB profile and you do look cute, but is that close up, slightly grainy image of yourself what you want circulating on your professional profile? Nope! Trust me, it's not.

My >insert: husband, uncle, child, sister, coworker, dog< is a pretty good photographer...
A caveat: If they are a professional photographer, great! But, if they are just "dabbling" then chances are they won't know the best lighting, appropriate background options, or even the best settings to capture your professional headshot. Be their model, but be very picky about what images you post.

I don't have the money...
This can also be a really big roadblock to having great photos. Believe me, I understand how expensive professional photography is and I realize you can't always afford that, but be smart about what you pay for and it could be more affordable than you think. Find a special like what I offer for the ACFW and Realm Makers conferences! (Only $40 for 5 images--that's nearly a 70% discount on my regular headshot prices!)  Or save up and use those images for 1-2 years (as long as they remain current). It is worth the price, trust me.

I'm not photogenic...
I'd say this has two parts. One side of it is that you may not enjoy getting your photos taken which could make you feel uncomfortable. This will show through in your photos but not all hope is lost! Getting a great photographer who understands your discomfort and makes you feel comfortable is key. As for your part, when you are at your session do your best to relax. Think of your loved ones when you smile (or bring them along to smile at) and do your best to communicate with your photographer when you don't feel comfortable. That will be a great help to them.

I don't like how I look...
We are our worst critics! Self-image is probably one of the harder (if not hardest) things to overcome in regards to getting a good headshot. There is so much I could say to this but...honestly? You have intrinsic worth as a person because you bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26). It's not because you are trendy or have great hair or are a certain weight. It's because you are unique and made in His image. So, to this I would say it's not a roadblock to headshots so much as it's a roadblock to having confidence that comes from being loved by God for who he has made you to be. Turn to the Lord and your friends and family and be encouraged when they tell you they like how you look - because it's the truth!

The Reasons Why

I want to talk briefly about my reasons in favor of good headshots. I tried to come at these from a different perspective than just saying "because it's a good idea".

Professionalism...
Think of business people you know. They most likely have a LinkedIn profile which necessitates a professional headshot. If you are hoping to make your writing into a career you are not so far from that business person! Your writing will be your career so you should treat it as such.

A face to the name...
Never underestimate the ability a great, smiling (or not smiling) picture of you! In our photo-saturated culture people are craving a personal understanding of their favorite authors. I personally believe that's why Instagram is so crucial to writers...but that's another post. Help your readers understand you (and your books) a little better by showing off a great, professional head shot.

Confidence...
At this point I'm actually not talking about you, dear writer. I'm talking about your audience. A professional headshot helps to create a sense of confidence in you as a writer and your work. I know that when I go to a well-crafted website with good quality photography I'm more inclined to look further. I see that they take their craft (whatever it may be) seriously and that they are willing to put in the effort (and resources) into creating a top quality product (either their website, product, or book).

All the cool kids are doing it...
Ha! And by "cool kids" I mean best selling authors (and I do). It is rare to find a best selling author who doesn't have a great headshot (though I have seen some...).

I realize you could be thinking: "Well, of course you think we should have good headshots, your a photographer!" Um...yup, that's right. But it's not so that I get more business (really, it isn't!). I feel passionately about great photography because of what I see it doing for writers and business professionals. You cannot beat a professional headshot that shows off the true character and personality of someone!

So, what do you all think? Readers: Do you like being able to see genuine images of your favorite authors? Writers: Do you have a professional headshot?

3 Elements of a GREAT Headshot

It's that time again. Writer's conferences are coming up and every author is a-buzz thinking about what classes they will take, what appointments they will make, and whether or not they want to make a headshot appointment. Oh wait, maybe I'm just thinking about that last one since I'll be doing photography at the Realm Makers Conference and the ACFW Conference ;-)

Either way, I love talking about photography and I thought it would be helpful to give a few tips to my writer friends about the elements of a GREAT headshot. Whether or not you're getting photos taken at the conference or elsewhere, think through these things.

3 Elements of a GREAT Headshot 

3) The Photo
This first part involves a few things: quality of the image, composition, and background.

Quality
Hire a professional. I know, I hear you. "But Emilie, they are expensive". All I'll say to that is check out this post.
Composition
A professional photographer will help position you, but it doesn't hurt to take a look at other images online to know what you like. It can be helpful to have a few close up shots as well as a few further away. If that's something you want, just communicate that to your photographer. Take a look at this Pinterest board for some great ideas.
Background
Again, this should be something your photographer is looking out for, but don't feel constrained to make your background fit a specific style. I understand that, if you're a suspense author, you may want something a little more eerie, but it's not a requirement. I personally believe it's more important to have a great quality image than it is to have something that represents what you write.

2) Style
So you've decided to get a headshot done...what do you wear? That's a great question and I think you've got a few routes. Which route you take will depend on what image you want to portray.

Business Professional
This gives off the impression that you are a professional at whatever you do. It's great to have a professional look, but you may want to mix in a few "less professional" looking images that showcase some of your personality as well.

Business Casual
This tends to be the most common type of style for author photos. For ladies, a nice blouse, possibly a blazer, and a few accessories. For men, typically a button up without or without a jacket. It says "nice" but also relaxed.

Casual 
Casual will vary depending on your definition. I think t-shirt and jeans. But, I say that and you can dress that combo up pretty nicely as well. I would just stay away from the casual that is "sweatshirt and ratty (not trendy) jeans" ;-)

A word about style: Think about your audience and your brand as well! For example, someone like Michael Hyatt has many different types of headshots/images that range in style between Business Professional to Business Casual. You could make the case there are some "casual" shots too (though I'm not sure if button up is really casual). The main reason I'm pointing him out is he knows his audience. He speaks to those hoping to reach into the business market and wants his headshots (and all images) to show that he's comfortable in that world. As a writer, consider who you're reaching out to. Who's your audience? What do you want them to see about you? What's your personal style? (Note: If it's sweats...maybe dress it up a bit tough ha!).

1) Personality
So, this is where the magic happens (in my photographers opinion). Sure, you can pull together all of the great elements of a photo combined with dressing up in some great clothes, but the person being photographed steals the stage every time. That's YOU.

The #1 thing you must convey in your headshot is your personality. I realize that it's just a picture and not a living representation of you, but (aside from meeting you in person) your headshot makes your first impression. Don't be scared though, a good photographer should be able to recognize a genuine smile vs a forced one. Don't make them do all the work though. Be sure to take time between photos to relax your smile, and when possible think of funny or amusing things to create a genuine smile.

So there you have it. The top 3 elements of a GREAT headshot (in my opinion). If you'd like to read more about headshots take a look at these posts about what you're saying with your headshot: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

If you're attending Realm Makers (August 7-8) or the ACFW Conference (September 16-19) check out my website about details or getting an appointment with me! 

Conferences and Photography: Upcoming Dates and Locations

If you've spent much time on this blog you've probably heard me talk about my business as a photographer (check out my website for funzies: www.eacreativephotography.com). I think one of the *best* things is the fact that I get to combine my love for photography and writing when I attend writing conferences! I get to photograph all the activities and I get to hang out with writers when I take headshots. It's just so much fun!

I'm expanding from the ACFW Conference (September 17-20th) to include a local conference, the ACFW Virginia Writers Conference (July 25th) and the Speculative Fiction conference, Realm Makers (August 7-8th) this year. I'm so excited about this! {If you're attending any of these and are interested in a session, contact me!}

You may be wondering...do I really need a professional headshot? Well, no need to wonder any longer. I've written on this in the past but soon I'll be posting a 3 part series titled: Headshots and Marketing Photos. I'll be exploring author photos, marketing photos, prices, and some tips and tricks for great photos.

So, if you're out there wondering...do I need a new headshot? The answer is likely YES, but check back here and hopefully I'll be able to convince you of the necessity before you think I'm just saying that because I'm a photographer ;) Writers honor, I am not.

In the mean time, check out these posts for some reading about headshots: 


What are you saying with your headshot? (Part 1) 
A look at why you need a headshot and why it's a good investment to get a new one! 

What are you saying with your headshot? (Part 2) 
Some practical advice when getting your headshots taken.

What are you saying with your headshot? (Part 3)
Some hard and fast facts about headshots, copyrights and releases.

What are you saying with your headshot? (part 3)

On to part 3 of this mini-series about headshots and photography. Check out part 1 about why you need a professional headshot and part 2 about what to do to prepare for your headshot session.

If a picture is worth a 1000 words, what are you saying with your headshot?

We've talked about why you need professional headshots and what to do during your session, but now let's focus on what you'll see.

Who are you?

The best thing that your headshots can show is who you are. Below are 4 pictures I took at the ACFW conference last year. They are broken up into 2 categories though it's all the same person - the lovely Amanda G. Stevens (a new author at David C Cook). As you can see, the top two show a lovely, smiling Amanda, while the bottom show a more mysterious, yet no less lovely, side of her. They are all completely her, but they give off different feelings.

Amanda can use any of these photos interchangeably, but we did a few different "looks" so she can choose what fits.

When you're thinking about taking your photos, think of your style of writing. Amanda writes dystopian literature and, though her lovely smiling face is great for Facebook and other things, the mysterious look also works really well with her genre.

Elizabeth Goddard's tagline is: "Escape to Adventure, Romance, and Suspense"

As you can see from her headshot, the photo is uniquely her - with a cute jean jacket and big smile - but it also fits the tone of her website. 

Tosca Lee is another author who has a distinct style. Being a former model (isn't she beautiful?) she was comfortable posing, but she also knew what type of image she wanted to portray. 

Speaking of which,The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen is AMAZING and you should probably get a copy ;)

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Once you've figured out what it is you're saying (your "branding" to use a marketing term), you need to know a few things about your photos. It's definitely the trickier, technical side of things you never considered about photography... No, it's not all just taking photos and handing them over. There are a lot of things for you, the author, to consider when signing a contract or accepting a session with your photographer.

 **Please note: I do not pretend to be an expert on this. I am just going off of my own personal research and experience with my business to hopefully help point you in the right direction. These are helpful suggestions, nothing more :)

Copyrights

What are you getting? 
The best question to ask any photographer you work with is what you are getting by signing your contract and paying your fees. Likely, you will not receive full copyrights to your images. That's natural so don't worry. The photographer retains the copyrights because the images are their artwork. Instead, you will most likely receive a copyright release which allows you a certain type of access to your images.

Non-Commercial
(think weddings, senior photos, family photos)

For many photography sessions that offer digital images, a non-commercial print release is included, which allows you to print the photos through the lab of your choice but not to sell the images for profit (you didn't take them, they aren't yours to sell). Most photographers compensate for offering digital images by making the disc relatively expensive due to the fact that they will lose any further sales by handing over the digital images.

More common is the option to purchase prints/albums through your photographer or to purchase media-friendly images for personal use at a higher cost. It is typical for the media-friendly images to include the photographers watermark as a means of promotion for the photographer. Their images will circulate the Internet and, without a watermark, no one will know who took the image. Think of it like an artist's signature.

Commercial
(think magazine covers or stock photography)
For commercial photography, a photographer is taking a photo that will be used in a commercial capacity. If the photographer is selling it, they are typically compensating their models (this compensation could be photos or money) because they themselves will gain compensation from the photo. An author will be using the photos for a type of commercial use - you aren't selling the image, but it is on something that will sell (ie: a book). That's where things get a little tricky.

What you as an author will want to clarify is that you need a limited liability release for commercial purposes. 

Don't get confused with the terminology here - you are not purchasing the copyright to your photos, just the ability (the release) to use them for commercial purposes (on book covers or magazines etc.). A photographer almost never sells the copyright (and if they do, we're talking a large sum here). With a limited liability release, it means that the photographer is released from responsibility of the photo and how it's circulated, though they still retain the rights to their image.

And a note to authors: Should you have photos taken and they are used on your books, credit your photographer where possible. I know that sometimes your publisher will not be able to do this - I've looked at many books and cannot find anything about who took the authors photo. But...is that fair? Not really. What better promotion for your photographer than to be attributed to the images they took? Just a thought from a photographer ;)

Model Release

Another aspect of your author headshots could be a model release. Should your photographer ask you to sign one, you can always inquire as to why they would want to do this, but it is very typical and a safety precaution for them. There are many reasons, but here are a few:

• Image use on a blog or website for promotion (most common) 
• Image use on printed materials for photographer (again, for promotion)
• Image use for stock photography or sale purposes (this is typically part of the agreement)

Personally, as a photographer, I ask my clients to sign a model release so that I can use their images for promotional sake. Like the photos in this post - I can use them as examples because my clients signed their permission. This release also acts as protection to the photographer so that they cannot be sued for using the photos they have taken.

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So, there are some tips from a writer and a photographer about headshots. Did you find this mini-series helpful? What are your thoughts about headshots? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

What are you saing with your headshot? (part 2)

Today, we're talking about author/writer headshots. If you missed part 1 in this mini-series you can find it [here].

If a picture is worth a 1000 words...what are you saying with your headshot?

Dos and Don'ts of a good headshot session

Literary agent Rachelle Gardner

Hopefully I convinced you of the importance of a great headshot in part one - now on to the logistics.

What happens when you go to get your headshots taken? 

To break it down, here are some definite dos and don'ts when thinking about your headshot session:

Do...

Wear something that makes you feel comfortable
This is so important! You want to feel comfortable and look your best. Plan out what you will wear in advance (see below for some easy guidelines) and make sure that it's uniquely you. The best bet is to have something casual and something more dressy/business casual. Maybe that's adding or taking away a jacket or outer layer shirt.

Make sure there are a mixture of photos smiling and not smiling
You may prefer to have all of your photos smiling or all not smiling, but try taking both types of photos. Sometimes you won't know what you like until you see the final product.

Take the time to put on makeup
Women: Make sure you take the time to apply makeup. You don't need to go over the top, but photos can wash out your complexion. Even if you don't typically wear makeup, it's a good idea to ask a friend to help you. Even a little makeup can go a long way to making you look professional and pulled together.
Men: Makeup may not be necessary, but make sure to trim those pesky nose hairs, pluck your eyebrows, and maybe apply a little chapstick to make sure your lips aren't chapped.

Corrine from I Said Hello Hurricane

Feel confident
This is a BIG one. I know that so many people struggle with being in front of the camera. Maybe they think they aren't photogenic or they would rather hide behind something than have their photo taken. These people are typically extremely critical of what they look like and are very hard to please with photos of themselves. I get it. I really do.

Let me challenge you with a few thoughts:

...Your nervousness/anxiety in front of the camera will come across in your photos. Oh, great! you're thinking, Then there's no hope! This isn't true. A good photographer will do their best to make you feel as comfortable as possible when taking your photos. They will give you poses, assess your posture, and give you tips to looking more natural. BUT, they can't do all the work. It's important for you to head into this session with a positive attitude.

Don't think: "I will never look good" or "I hate all pictures of myself". Thinking like that poisons your perception of yourself and will prejudice you against any and all photos no matter how good the photographer is. 

...What are your expectations? Are you expecting to look 10lbs lighter than you are? Do you think those wrinkles will disappear? Yes, Photoshop does do some amazing work, but let's be honest. People aren't perfect.

No photo will ever make you feel better about yourself if your perception isn't accurate in the first place. 

You will look at a photo and see what you want to (the grey hair, the extra wrinkles, the not-so-perfect jaw line etc.). If this is why you don't like having your photos taken, then the issue is more than skin deep. So...

...Place your worth in more than an image. You are you (I know, a duh statement). If you aren't happy with the face you see, ask yourself (and more importantly, ask the Lord) why that's true. If your dissatisfaction is based on heart issues, no photo will ever make you happy no matter how much you weight or how photo-shopped your face is.

**Hear my heart here: I'm not saying that there aren't any bad photos taken. I'm not saying you shouldn't be picky as well. Some images will make you feel better about yourself and that's natural, but please be on guard in your heart about your attitude toward your self image.

Don't...

Cody | Headshots

Stress
Though your author/writer photos are a big deal, they should not be anxiety-inducing! If you've chosen a photographer who's work you like, chances are the images will turn out as good, if not better than those photos you've seen. Rest in that, and enjoy the session!

Forget - photographers are people too
We may seem enigmatic and mysterious, but we're not. Haha, okay, maybe some of us are, but we're people too. What's more likely is that your photographer doesn't like being in front of the camera just as much as you! Strike up conversation with your photographer and get to know them as a person, which may help you feel more comfortable with them and therefore more comfortable during your session.

Forget to smile...I mean, really smile!
None of this fake smiling! Your readers want to see the real you and your real smile. That may take some extra work on your photographers side, but hopefully they will be able to coax a genuine smile from you.


What to wear 

Here are some guidelines for you to consider when planning out what to wear to your headshot session:

• Comfort: As I said above.
• Colors that compliment your complexion: Check out this article!
• Jewelry: If you would normally wear it, add it!
• Glasses: I'd recommend a few photos with and without your glasses, but I go by the same rule as jewelry - if you normally wear them, then keep them on.
• Shy away from very pale colors or white: These aren't great options for photos and can wash you out.
• Come prepared: This may mean bringing an extra jacket, sweater, or shirt to put over what you're already wearing to give you 2 separate "looks". You can also add/take away scarves or hats.
• Be YOU

Well, there you have it. Some (albeit lengthy) suggestions. If you have any questions about this, feel free to comment below or contact me via the form to the left. Check back tomorrow for part 3 where I'll discuss being you and common copyright misconceptions! 

What are you saying with your headshot? (part 1)

Me ;)

I'm preparing to head off to the ACFW Conference where I will be acting as the conference photographer. In addition to that, I'll also be taking headshots of authors and aspiring authors to update their profiles or if they needs headshots for their upcoming books. It's a lot of fun (I did this last year) and I thought I'd share some tips about headshots and why they are important. This will be part of a 3 part series so make sure to "tune in" again for parts 2 and 3!

If a picture is worth a 1000 words, what are you saying with your headshot?

Why a good headshot? 

You may be thinking--I'm just starting out as an author, I won't need a good headshot until I sell my book.

You're wrong.

Sorry, that's harsh--but it's true. In this age of social media and promotion, your face is sometimes all someone will see of you. We are told not to judge a book by its cover but we all do it. I know I do it. Unfortunately, this is true for who you are portraying yourself to be through your headshot.

I'm not saying we need to look alike. If anything, I'd be saying we all need to look like US.

You may wonder what that means. Well, you are what makes you unique. Yes, that's what I meant to say. YOU are your brand. If you are an author/writer, no matter what stage (published or not) you are building up awareness of you. Your smiling (or not smiling) face is who your readers will associate with you.

I think of Ted Dekker as an example (see what I mean here). A little creepy, right? Well, his headshots and other photos of him are all in line with that. Yes, I hear you all cringe behind your computers. This is marketing. Ugh! I know, not a lot of fun, but definitely helpful when you are trying to get the word out about your book.

Expense and Savings | Where to skimp and where to splurge

The next thing I always hear when discussing headshots or photography is, "But it's expensive!" My only reply to that is: yes, it is.

"But wait, Emilie, you're a starving writer. You should relate to my plight of not wanting to pay for photos."

Ah-ha! Gotcha. I'm also a starving photographer! I know, a terrible combination, eh? Let me just say that I do commiserate with you, photography can be very expensive, but let's put this into perspective.

>>At the very least you spend possibly $50-$75 for a mini-headshot session (p.s. this is really cheap!). If you use this photo for a year, that cost you $4.17-$6.25 a month. If you use it for 2 years, that's $2.08-$3.13 a month. (That's less than you'd spend on coffee in a WEEK)

>>On the higher end, let's say you spend $175-$225. For 1 year that's $14.58-$18.75 a month (that's like paying for Netflix and Hulu+) or for 2 years, $7.29-$9.35 a month (just Netflix). Just think if you stretched it to 3 years??

I would recommend spending a little more and getting a great headshot that will last you rather than getting by with what you have and putting forward less than your best.

I used this shot for almost 2 years!

Just a word on photography in general tough. There area LOT of factors that go into making a great photographer. No, it's not the camera that takes great pictures - it's the photographer.

What that means:

• They have spent time learning their craft
• They have done research/reading/studying about photography
• They have invested money into their equipment (we're talking thousands of dollars here)
• They are committed to giving you the best quality images they can 

Headshot or No Headshot - that is the question!

The simple answer is YES!

If you have any type of media presence online or are hoping to build one, you need to make sure that your audience is seeing the "real" you. A confident, assured, smiling you. Well, unless you want to be a little moody - depending on what you write of course ;) Check back in on Friday for part 2 where I'll discuss the dos and don'ts of headshots and some suggestions on posing and what to wear.

If you're going to the ACFW Conference, take advantage of the conference photographer (hehe *wink* that's me!) and sign up for a 15 minute session by following this link: calendly.com/eacreativephotography

Conference & Exciting News

I have been given some exciting news! 

You may remember a post I did a few months ago when I said I was going to the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference? Well...I have been asked to be the conference photographer! I am so humbled by this and am really looking forward to capturing this event as well as shooting headshots of various different writers, authors and agents!

I've already scheduled many appointments and am gearing up for a full weekend! If you're attending the conference and are interested in scheduling a mini-session with me, you can email me here.

In other news, I am frantically working on my next book! The character sketches are coming together nicely and I'm making it a priority to schedule some major writing time this weekend!

What are you up to? If you're attending the conference, are you finished preparing or still have work to do? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!