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Are you one of those people? You're in a book store, randomly grabbing hard covers and paperbacks off a shelf, based on the book cover, and then you either flip to the back cover or crack open the back of the book to sneak a peek at the author's photo?
Truth is, if you answered yes, you're probably not alone.
In today's publishing world, the author photo can be one of the most important pieces of the marketing equation. A 2009 NPR report claims a distinct relationship exists between an author and an author's photograph.
Or maybe not. In a Christian Science Monitor piece from the same year, book blogger Jessa Crispin says it's jarring to meet an author and realize they look nothing like their author photo.
Whether you plan to use a photo on your book's cover, with a freelance piece, or as promotional material, writers have plenty to consider:
- Dress for success: Think about the type of material you write. If you're reading a book about investing in today's market, would you trust a photo of a woman in business attire or will the blue-jeans-and-T-shirt gal draw your attention. A photo tells a story in one frame. What story are you attempting to tell?
- Black and white vs. Color: Which is most effective? I pulled books off one bookshelf, and came to a split decision. Thirty books showed black and white photos; the other thirty displayed author's in full color.
- Professional photo session: More than likely, an author will end of covering the cost of author photos. Do you need a professional photo session? Can a friend or significant other point and shoot your digital camera? Most computers come with digital photo editing
software, which makes creating, cropping, and perfecting an author photo a click!
Two positive elements of this photo exist. I chose to stand next to a noiseless background. It's an accentuating color and offers minimal distraction. Also, I selected to wear a solid color, which again, keeps the photo's noise level to a minimum.
Any negatives? If I could reselect a shirt, I'd choose something besides cream, especially since I'm fair-skinned and blonde. I'd also double check the room's lighting to make sure the shadow doesn't cause problems with the photo.
This was not a professional shoot. A friend snapped the picture with my digital camera and I sent the file to my editor, who worked her magic!
Once you've had your photos taken, ask for digital files in both low-res (72 DPI) and high-res (300 DPI). Low-res works best for online; high-res is used in printed formats.
Also think about updating your photo every few years. It will cut down on those awkward moments Crispin described. This photo is four years old and I've changed - just a bit - since then.
Do you use an author's photo? What tips can you offer?
by LuAnn Schindler
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By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 7/5/2010
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: author photo, Add a tag
I need to choose which picture to use as my author photo. Any input would be appreciated!
Should it be #1
or #2?
25 Comments on Help Me Pick?, last added: 7/7/2010
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By: Pam Bachorz,
on 8/18/2008
Blog: pambachorz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: publicity, author photo, Add a tag
Blog: pambachorz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: publicity, author photo, Add a tag
The very talented photographer Louis Torres came to my family's cabin to take my author photos yesterday. Louis not only manages to create beautiful, truthful and almost three-dimensional portraits, but he is also one of the sweetest and most collaborative photographers. I told him I wanted a mix of photos--with happy ones, but also some dark ones to match the tone of my writing. This wasn't an easy feat, since I tend to start grinning the minute someone pulls out a camera.
We started on the cabin's deck, taking some photos of me reading an old book (pubbed in 1812!) that I bought for a buck in high school. Then we moved to the dock and got some both serious and funny pics there, and in our old rowboat. Then we walked into the woods and Louis took some amazing, truly dark photos with a single flash on a tripod. (Including the one in this entry). Finally we trekked down to the community beach and took some shots in a gazebo there. I stood on top of a picnic table so he could get the angles of the gazebo's interior roof. In all he shot over 400 photos. And he even took some pictures of me with the family at the end, which was the sweetest bonus.
To see more photos from the day, please check out this entry on Louis' blog. I'm not sure which one is my favorite (there are lots more than these!), but the best thing is that I'll have opportunities to use more than one... website, author photo, LJ icon, etc. etc...
And if anyone in the upstate NY/VT/Western Mass area is looking for a reasonable, fabulous photographer for their author photos, I can't recommend Louis highly enough. Feel free to private message me or leave a comment for a more detailed reference.
Tips for people planning author photos:
--I used mineral make-up for the first time. It was easy and it created a smooth, even look. I ALSO used a Smashbox product under it that is supposed to reduce the look of pores. Do I remember what it's called? No, but I bet the nice people at Sephora could tell you. Comes in a little translucent tube with a black cap.
--Ask your photographer to provide you with a license for use, in writing--preferably a royalty-free license or an indication that this is work for hire. Make sure you know whether they require a credit each time the photo is used. (Though I think it's nice to give it whether it's required or not)
--If you're not sure where to start looking for a photographer, try a bridal show! It's a low-pressure environment where you can see multiple photographers' work showcased. Heck, some shows even hand you champagne on the way in, so why not? Louis is also a wedding photographer. There are plenty of very talented people who shoot weddings, and many are personable and enthusiastic. Just what you need when you're feeling a little shy about getting your portrait taken.
--Ask your photographer to provide the shots digitally, preferably in camera RAW format (which is like getting the negatives of your photos, in the old days of film). That's what you will want to pass on to your publisher for their graphics department to monkey with. If you're not sure whether your computer graphics program can handle RAW, ask to also get a copy of them in JPEG format.
--While you're doing the shoot, ask to peek at the shots as you go (this of course only works if your photog shoots digitally). You'll be surprised by how you look, and if you're not happy with it, you'll have a chance to adjust your expression or pose before too much time goes by. If you like how you look, you will inevitably relax!
Not everybody has the inclination or cash to do a professional photograph, but if you can swing it, I highly recommend it. As I see it, hopefully tens of thousands of people are going to see this photograph in the back of my books. I'd like to look my best. Especially for the day when my grandchildren pick up a book and say, "Grandma, this is YOU???"
We started on the cabin's deck, taking some photos of me reading an old book (pubbed in 1812!) that I bought for a buck in high school. Then we moved to the dock and got some both serious and funny pics there, and in our old rowboat. Then we walked into the woods and Louis took some amazing, truly dark photos with a single flash on a tripod. (Including the one in this entry). Finally we trekked down to the community beach and took some shots in a gazebo there. I stood on top of a picnic table so he could get the angles of the gazebo's interior roof. In all he shot over 400 photos. And he even took some pictures of me with the family at the end, which was the sweetest bonus.
To see more photos from the day, please check out this entry on Louis' blog. I'm not sure which one is my favorite (there are lots more than these!), but the best thing is that I'll have opportunities to use more than one... website, author photo, LJ icon, etc. etc...
And if anyone in the upstate NY/VT/Western Mass area is looking for a reasonable, fabulous photographer for their author photos, I can't recommend Louis highly enough. Feel free to private message me or leave a comment for a more detailed reference.
Tips for people planning author photos:
--I used mineral make-up for the first time. It was easy and it created a smooth, even look. I ALSO used a Smashbox product under it that is supposed to reduce the look of pores. Do I remember what it's called? No, but I bet the nice people at Sephora could tell you. Comes in a little translucent tube with a black cap.
--Ask your photographer to provide you with a license for use, in writing--preferably a royalty-free license or an indication that this is work for hire. Make sure you know whether they require a credit each time the photo is used. (Though I think it's nice to give it whether it's required or not)
--If you're not sure where to start looking for a photographer, try a bridal show! It's a low-pressure environment where you can see multiple photographers' work showcased. Heck, some shows even hand you champagne on the way in, so why not? Louis is also a wedding photographer. There are plenty of very talented people who shoot weddings, and many are personable and enthusiastic. Just what you need when you're feeling a little shy about getting your portrait taken.
--Ask your photographer to provide the shots digitally, preferably in camera RAW format (which is like getting the negatives of your photos, in the old days of film). That's what you will want to pass on to your publisher for their graphics department to monkey with. If you're not sure whether your computer graphics program can handle RAW, ask to also get a copy of them in JPEG format.
--While you're doing the shoot, ask to peek at the shots as you go (this of course only works if your photog shoots digitally). You'll be surprised by how you look, and if you're not happy with it, you'll have a chance to adjust your expression or pose before too much time goes by. If you like how you look, you will inevitably relax!
Not everybody has the inclination or cash to do a professional photograph, but if you can swing it, I highly recommend it. As I see it, hopefully tens of thousands of people are going to see this photograph in the back of my books. I'd like to look my best. Especially for the day when my grandchildren pick up a book and say, "Grandma, this is YOU???"
By: Camille,
on 4/5/2007
Blog: Book Moot (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: M-Ms, annoying sidekicks, Add a tag
Thank you Mental Multivitamin. You can get yours here.
Dragon had to be in the picture too. He always does.
0 Comments on Be an M-M as of 4/5/2007 12:49:00 AM
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Thanks for the tips!
Here are a few suggestions that will work even if you're using a point and shoot camera, since most people don't have or aren't quite sure how to use a more elaborate camera.
• Get the help of a friend who is into photography, even if he or she is not a professional. Take a look at some of their people photos in advance to see if you like them.
• Shoot your picture outside on a cloudy or slightly overcast day. This will help you avoid harsh shadows.
• For an outdoor shoot, bring a piece of white tagboard or foam board which can be angled toward your face to help reduce the contrast of shadows.
• During inclement weather, try shooting by a well-lit window without using a flash.
• Don't stand facing the camera directly. Turn to one side or the other at about 45 degrees and then turn your head to look toward the camera.
• Take a few shots in which you aren't looking directly the camera.
• Don't be timid about experimenting with sharing the limelight with a favorite pet.
• For more formal shots, if you're a business writer, think about what is going to be in your background. City buildings? A library? An office? Make the background work with you to communicate more about you.
Hope these help. : )