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!