OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
Being an author in a digital age is truly exciting. But it is also a big responsibility because we have to have a professional online profile.
People make impressions based on the first glance of our book covers, our websites and yes, our online images and avatars. They also judge us by what we blog about, our tweets, the photos we share, how we interact in forums. Everything you do that has your name on it relates to your brand.
Branding is a huge topic so this article is specifically focused on the author headshot. I've been using the same image online for a few years now and it happens to be one of my wedding photos. It's happy, happy, smiley and has worked very well for this site. This is one side of the authentic me. But it's time to move on.
My fiction writing alter-ego, J.F.Penn, is a kick-ass, action-adventure thriller addict and my writing includes scenes of violence as well as dark and twisty plots. This is also authentically me, but really doesn't fit with the smiley wedding image.
Given that I am now taking my fiction writing seriously as a full-time author-entrepreneur, I have been going through rebranding for my fiction site JFPenn.com and so I decided it was time for new headshots for both sites. You may notice I have a new headshot in my header above.
I know how we all fret about what we look like and whether to invest some money in a pro photographer so here's my experience and lessons learned. I'd love to hear from you in the comments about your own thoughts and experience.
[Apologies that this post contains so many photos of me, but that was kind of the point of the exercise!]
Preparation
- Decide on what kind of photos you want. My new fiction branding is “J.F.Penn. Ancient mystery, Modern thrill.” I decided that I wanted to have the photos done in Oxford, the place I consider home and also where I went to University as well as where some of my fiction is set. It also has some ancient looking backdrops that fit with the brand.
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JF Penn outside the Radcliffe Camera, Oxford, where I studied Theology Research appropriate photographers. Google “portrait photographer” and the place you live or want to have photos in. I looked specifically for Oxford photographers. Then look at their sites to get an idea of the type of pictures they take as well as their prices for your budget. You want to feel happy with how they do things and the results they get. I went with the lovely Mim Saxl, whose portrait shots are casual, yet professional, and I liked her attitude. I also thought her rates were excellent (I paid approx US$140 for an hour which included editing time). You will need to email or phone your photographer to confirm times and dates as well as any other details.
- Try on some different outfits. Mim told me that plain colors work best for headshots as they don't draw attention away from the face. I was having photos outside in May, which should have been warm but this is England so I took a jacket and of course, it was absolutely freezing, so definitely have different clothing for weather options. Even if you're inside, take a few changes of clothes so you can do different looking shots.
The photo shoot itself
- Trust the photographer. You have hired a pro for a reason. They will take a lot of shots, maybe thousands and many of them will be terrible. That's ok. They know what they are doing. Trust them and let them guide you in terms of location and positioning (but be sure to tell them what kind of thing you want first).
- Imagine someone you love behind the lens for a more personal look. No startled rabbits please! You see some pictures of authors looking scared or just unhappy in their headshots. Try to be natural and move through some different expressions as the photographer clicks away. Keep imagining a real person smiling at you if you're smiling. Anyone can tell a fake smile by looking at your eyes so make sure they are real smiles!
Tips from a professional photographer
I asked Mim to provide some tips for authors on getting that perfect headshot. Here are her words:
- Work somewhere with the photographer that has some special significance for what you like to write about – for example, if your books feature famous landmarks, discuss incorporating recognizable features into the background of your headshot. You do not want an overly busy background, but it is still nice to get a suggestion of place in any shot – it makes it instantly more interesting. In addition to the interest in your shot, it will get you in the mood for being photographed as an author, and remind you of why you are doing the shoot! I suggest chatting with the photographer about possible locations, and seeing what suggestions they have in response to information you give them about your work.
- Wear something you love. This is really important for anyone having a portrait done. You may think it is less-so for authors, as generally, pictures of authors in books tend to be headshots, and so who cares what you wear, right? Wrong. Having your photo taken is a somewhat unnatural and potentially daunting situation, often involving posing. Most people (including me!) don't like getting it done. Anything you can do to make yourself feel more relaxed and at home (especially if you're out on location with others around) is great. If you feel relaxed and good in what you're wearing, it will show on your face. I also always recommend people bring a couple of clothing options, so we can have a play and see what works best – and if you're working with me, stay away from busy patterns in clothing, they just distract from your face.
- And now, to state the obvious, choose your photographer carefully. Look through the websites of a few in the area you want to work, and see whose style you like. Are you looking for something more traditional and posed? Or more maybe more modern, with shallow depth of field? Feel free to ring photographers up for a chat. I have worked with lots of people who have had bad shoots with photographers when they just have not ‘clicked'. A good photographer will put you at your ease straight away. Something else which is key to look out for when choosing a photographer is additional charges for using the photos – I chose to work by charging my fees upfront for the session, without additional fees for a dvd or use of the images after – many do not.
- Have fun! A good photographer will help you relax and come up with some great shoots – sit back, and enjoy the ride. And remember, they're probably nervous tooMim Saxl, photographer at mimsaxl.photography
http://www.mimsaxl.com.
And finally, get over yourself!
We all hate the way we look. That's human nature. But it is SO important to have a great author headshot as well as a way for people to feel you are a real person online. Your face is unique. People connect with faces.
The result is worth so much more than you feeling self-conscious for an hour. You really have no excuse not to do this if you are taking your author profile seriously. Go and book a pro photographer now!
What are your experiences with author portraits? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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1 2 3 4 Next »I love the official headshot the most (here's a little unsolicited opinion XD)
I never thought about professional headshots and how important they are for writers. It will take me some time to get around to that, but your headshots are amazing! Thanks for this post!
I'm glad you like the official one Jane :) since that's the one I'm going with - the slightly more serious J.F.Penn vs the smiley one in the header of this blog now. In terms of branding, I guess it also needs to fit with what you're doing, so everyone will have a different approach.
Hi Joanna! Until I talked to you, I would never have thought having a professional headshot done was worth it. But you convinced me, I did a bit of reserach and found a great pro photographer who came to my London flat with all his equipment (lenses, lights etc) and took hundreds of shots for one hour. After that, I selected 7/8 photos and he edited them (Thank God for Photoshop!). I'm very happy with the result because it is ME on the web -- in good day ;-)
It didn't cost me an arm and a leg ($120) all included. For the next round I'll contact Mim since my book is also based in oxford.
As always, thanks for sharing. Great headshot... Morgan Sierra has some serious competition ;-)
Marion
Fantastic Marion - and yours are gorgeous :) I'm glad your cost was similar to mine - I don't think people realize how affordable it is. You just need to put aside all thoughts of hating what you're doing and get it done! Oxford is indeed a glorious setting so when you do need some more, I definitely recommend Mim.
I had some professional photos taken recently, as I wanted to project a more professional image and was asked for a head shot for an event I've been invited to take part in as an "expert".
I am lucky in that I have a friend, Adam, who is a wonderful photographer. He had taken some lovely pics of me at events before, so I already knew he was good at taking photos of me. Even with that and him being a mate, I was still REALLY nervous beforehand, but he put me at my ease and listened to what I needed, and he got some lovely photos that have been praised by people who know me and other photographers.
A little tip: if you have long hair, get one set hair down and one set hair up. I project a different image with the two, and this gave me more options.
Funny you mention the hair thing Liz. I always get my pro shoots with hair down, but I often wear my hair up for speaking etc and people sometimes don't recognize me :)
Hi, Joanna,
good article. Thanks for the tips on how to pose as well.
One thing, though. We don't ALL hate the way we look. :) I found that sentence a little final and harsh. Maybe we don't like how we look sometimes... Just my two cents.
Please keep writing, ignore my comment and be happy with the way you look.
You've a great smile. I like the photo in which you show your happy smile.
Good point Miruna, and I don't hate how I look in these photos :)
I just find that when I bring this up as part of my branding talk or when I teach multimedia, people are always held back by their own perception of what they look like, or sound like. So I'm glad not everyone feels like this, but a lot of people do!
If you are having your photo taken outside you might want to think about time of day - try to avoid times when the sun is high (especially during the summer when the light is less likely to be defused by clouds) as it can create unflattering shadows on your face. The best time is the hour after dawn/before dusk ie golden hour. If you are taking shots indoors either do it by a window for natural light or have a decent lighting rig.
I'm semi-pro photographer (ie I've earn money, but I don't earn a full living at it) and broke all the rules to take my own! - indoors, stood close to a bare bulb/single light source but I wanted the dramatic effect.
photos look good. I got mine done a couple of weeks back now. I thought about it a lot. I wanted professional studio shots (with a backdrop) because I wanted it to hold true for both my Writing and Consultancy work.
HOWEVER, i didn't want any cheesy ones. I feel women can get away with this more, but guys just look awful. So i wanted it to be relaxed and fun, as this would fit in with my brand.
I'm pretty happy with them. I am lucky to have a friend who's a kick ass photographer so I got it done for free. It was a really good morning actually. Very chill
As for preparing. I wore a suit because I wanted to look smart, but I wore a grey wore as this is more casual. I also wore a purple tie to go with my Brand :)
As for preparing the face. Hmmm, well I shaved and had a shower. Other than that I would say try not to be hungover :) this is the best a guy can hope for ha
Matt (Turndog Millionaire)
Thanks Matt - that helps other guys :)
I started out with pinstripe suit in my first incarnation - and as I have moved away from corporate, I've just got more and more relaxed!
Good article with helpful suggestions. As I prepare for the release of my first novel, thinking about getting a professional head shot is kind of fun and kind of odd at the same time. I think I must have thought my bridal portrait would be my last professional shot. :)
Joanna, I love your advice and love that you took the time to share it, as the photos we use are such a personal reflection on us. Your new headshots definitely capture the professionalism and spirit you said you were looking for - beautifully done!
I have not had as much luck with portrait photographers as our family has by hiring photographers on location while on vacation (hotels referred us to photographers used for destination weddings) - which caught us in happy moments, when we were relaxed, even tan, with dramatic backdrops. By contrast, the avatar I use on my site was actually snapped by my 9-yr-old son as I walked into a dark restaurant, out of the rain, but looked like a rock-album cover after using a filter app on my iphone called Picture Show.
I agree. Your photo should definitely reflect our writing topic. I have a question though. Should we make different blogs or websites with different photos if we're writing multiple genres ?
I write fiction and non-fiction, and keep them completely separate. I've never had headshots done, but now that the thought has been put into my head, it will definitely happen in the near future. And when I have them done, I will have one for my fiction website and one for my non-fiction. I already treat these websites differently in every other aspect, so I suppose if I want to keep them separate, I will need to continue that practice even with photos.
I have two main sites now - for fiction and then this site for writers - I think it can be hard to maintain too many. So you can brand yourself instead - think of a common theme and make the whole site about you. It can be done but perhaps the fiction / non-fiction divide is worth doing.
What a great post. Thanks, Joanna. I will use your advice when I get my own portrait taken.
The only comment I can add is that it's probably a good idea to be proactive and get an author photo taken sooner rather than later. A publishing industry professional told me that you may not get much notice on providing a photo for the book jacket.
That's a very good point - and the short notice can put the pressure on you to get it done, and then it might end up being worse than you expect. So definitely get these things done well in advance. I also think a good picture always makes a great impression so even if you're pitching, having a good one on your website is important.