Angels and Demons and Portals. Oh My!: Monday Musings: Author photos

Monday, August 1, 2011

Monday Musings: Author photos

So, while I wait for my editor to read over my latest revisions to RENEGADE, I’ve been putting a lot of thought into other things. Other things being my website and author photos.

I’ve pretty much decided on the designer for the website, so that’s out of my hands until I get my cover, so she can design an awesome site that matches it. Which leaves my author photo.

And I think I’ve chosen the photographer, but that leaves so many other things to think about. Location, wardrobe, style. It makes my brain hurt. LOL. Not to mention all the things I DON’T know about taking professional photos.

My husband says to be myself, which is sound advice, but then leaves me taking the picture in torn jeans or yoga pants and a ratty t-shirt, with my hair in braids, and no make-up. Another friend said maybe I should think about dressing up in a fancy dress and all the things that go along with it, like my MC does throughout her story. Not a bad idea either, but then it’s not really “me” at all.

So that leaves me with my best bet, which is somewhere in the middle. And I have no idea where that is. I want it to be perfect. I want to look beautiful, but I have no idea how to make that happen. And a photographer can only do so much. :P

So, peeps, what say you? What have you done for yours, if you’re an author? Or what do you like to see in author photos?

Comments (6)

Logging you in...

Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout

Logged in as

0 Vote up Vote down

Ezmirelda · 713 weeks ago

From what I've seen from the books in my library - Not too formal, but not too casual either. Go for something in between & go light on the makeup.

1 reply · active 713 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

jasouders 64p · 713 weeks ago

Thank you! :D

0 Vote up Vote down

Heather McCorkle · 713 weeks ago

That's a tough one. I love to see author photos that say something about the author personally. Their favorite location, past time, hobbies, etc. Your hubby's advice sounds perfect. :)

1 reply · active 713 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

jasouders 64p · 713 weeks ago

Yeah, I think I'll just "dress up" my normal jeans and a t-shirt and I'll probably go and get them done at the beach. :D

0 Vote up Vote down

Kimberlee · 713 weeks ago

My advice is that you should go heavier on the makeup you usually do wear. It will usually appear lighter in the picture than what you see when putting it on. Further, when the image is printed in grayscale for the jacket, it will be in black and white, which will further decrease detail and color contrast.

Also, this may seem silly--but you might want to get your nails done with a natural colored tip.

And if you're the type of person who is always wearing a watch, be mindful that you might have a watch tan line if you remove it for the picture.

1 reply · active 713 weeks ago

+1 Vote up Vote down

jasouders 64p · 713 weeks ago

Awesome advice! *jots down notes* Thanks so much, Kimberlee.