Author Photo Hell
It had to happen sooner or later. Now that the new book is coming out, I am going to have to change my avatar.
I wish I could keep it. I love the cover to TOUCH OF FIRE. I helped design that cover. And the artist was very, very sweet about working with me. I knew even then I would never get a chance to give that much input on a cover again. (Not unless I self-publish.)
If you don't have an art background, you depend on the publisher's professionals to guide you. But when you've been an artist and art director for more than three decades, it's hard to let someone else decide these things for you.
And let's face it. Who knows better than the author what the book is about?
But now it leaves me with the unenviable position of changing my blog's avatar, and the avatar that appears on many forums.
I could use this pi
cture. That's me with Chelly. I love that picture, but it's a bit dated.
I could take a new photo, but in what pose? Should I be serious? Matronly? Flashy? None of those personas appeal to me because they're not me.
Author photos tend to be so fabricated. How many times have you seen a male author in a black turtleneck and a pipe? Or the woman author with makeup so thick, her eyes bug out like she'd just been goosed by her 3 year old.
Here's the Glamour-shot me. I hate it. That is so not me--or rather it is me, but with tons of makeup. (At least there's no pipe.)
I could take a n
ew picture of me and one of my dogs, but Tank is looking elderly and Iko slobbers on me like a lovesick teenager. That evil dog has slipped me the tongue on more than one occasion too.
I was not amused.
I've never been a fan of author photos. It's too easy to pass judgment on someone by the way they look--a look that many times is fictional itself. That's why I've always been partial to the picture of me and Chelly. That's me. That's who I am. Someone who loves dogs, lives in jeans and schleps about in the sticks.
Of all people, I know how important it is to maintain a consistent physical presence, a face to the words, but does it really have to be my face? I'm not twenty-five anymore. And the only way I'd stop traffic now is if I had a heart attack in the middle of rush hour.
Hmm...now there's an idea. LOL.
Do people really care what the author looks like? Do you?
My vote is to use a picture of one of my dogs. Maybe my future dog--whoever she may be.
What say you, guys? Author photo or cute dog?
I wish I could keep it. I love the cover to TOUCH OF FIRE. I helped design that cover. And the artist was very, very sweet about working with me. I knew even then I would never get a chance to give that much input on a cover again. (Not unless I self-publish.)
If you don't have an art background, you depend on the publisher's professionals to guide you. But when you've been an artist and art director for more than three decades, it's hard to let someone else decide these things for you.
And let's face it. Who knows better than the author what the book is about?
But now it leaves me with the unenviable position of changing my blog's avatar, and the avatar that appears on many forums.
I could use this pi
cture. That's me with Chelly. I love that picture, but it's a bit dated.I could take a new photo, but in what pose? Should I be serious? Matronly? Flashy? None of those personas appeal to me because they're not me.
Author photos tend to be so fabricated. How many times have you seen a male author in a black turtleneck and a pipe? Or the woman author with makeup so thick, her eyes bug out like she'd just been goosed by her 3 year old.
Here's the Glamour-shot me. I hate it. That is so not me--or rather it is me, but with tons of makeup. (At least there's no pipe.)
I could take a n
ew picture of me and one of my dogs, but Tank is looking elderly and Iko slobbers on me like a lovesick teenager. That evil dog has slipped me the tongue on more than one occasion too.I was not amused.
I've never been a fan of author photos. It's too easy to pass judgment on someone by the way they look--a look that many times is fictional itself. That's why I've always been partial to the picture of me and Chelly. That's me. That's who I am. Someone who loves dogs, lives in jeans and schleps about in the sticks.
Of all people, I know how important it is to maintain a consistent physical presence, a face to the words, but does it really have to be my face? I'm not twenty-five anymore. And the only way I'd stop traffic now is if I had a heart attack in the middle of rush hour.
Hmm...now there's an idea. LOL.
Do people really care what the author looks like? Do you?
My vote is to use a picture of one of my dogs. Maybe my future dog--whoever she may be.
What say you, guys? Author photo or cute dog?
Comments
What would be cool is something that reflects your homesteading. Not sure how that would work. Hey, how about a picture of you with one of the hens?
Ref: Hey, how about a picture of you with one of the hens?
I thought about that, but then how would anyone know which old biddy was the author? LOL!
The pic of you and Chelly is terrific. I'd go for that one. Who cares if it's dated? Who's to know? We can't all be twenty-five, can we? :)
Ref: We can't all be twenty-five, can we?
Even if you are--it doesn't last long. LOL!
Take a picture in your garden; in front of the hen place (did you name it yet?); with the dogs. Make sure you're comfortable with the photo.
Good luck with you decision!
Lydia: If I looked like Lahiri, I wouldn't care what photo I used. LOL.
Krista: My dogs are real ham bones. They see a camera and they start smiling.
To answer your question, no, I don't care what the author looks like as long as the writing is great. You know what they say, go with your gut feeling. If you think that photo of you in the red sweater does not represent you, then don't use it. I see you more as the person with her adorable Chelly. It's approachable and personable. Why don't you have one of you in black & white. B&W pics are really nice. Use a photo that you'll feel comfortable with and that represents your persona. ;)
Can't wait to see what you choose.
Say cheese, please!
Claudia
I might take the Chelly picture and see how it looks with some Photoshop filters.
I am definitely leaning to the Chelly photo. Thanks!
I'd much prefer a short bio telling me how they like to spend their free time rather than seeing a picture of them in their Sunday best.
Ref: Slobber resistant helmet
Iko would just look on that as a challenge. I can already see the gleam in his eye.
I agree.
Note: Had to repost this comment since I misspelled Yvie's name. I don't want to get on her bad side.
Maria, I love the pic of you with Chelly. So what if it's dated. It's still you. My favorite pic of me is one I had taken for a GH final back in 1990 something. Using that would be pushing it, I think. ;)That's why I use my dog. He's much more photogenic.
Ref: glamour shot
For all you know I was planning world domination. As a matter of fact, I think I was. LOL.
Thanks, Jimmy!
:o) Thanks!
I like putting a face to the writing, but I do prefer the more natural photos as opposed to the in-a-photo-studio posed ones, since the natural pics make me feel like I'm getting a peek into the author's life. Also, I like to see pics of people with their dogs, because dog lovers are awesome!
Ref: Also, I like to see pics of people with their dogs, because dog lovers are awesome!
I always say, no matter how mean the person, there must be some good in him if he loves his dog.
I like to see authors with their pets because it makes me feel they are just like me--only famous. :)
Thank you, Stacy. I've never liked having my picture taken. The few pictures I've liked of myself were always the ones taken during very happy moments.
Comfort is key.
I'd reccomend getting someone you feel comfortable with to take a gazillion candids on a digital camera. Nothing too posed. Take them while you're doing things you love and don't worry about how they will look while you're taking them. In the end you can delete all but the one that makes you feel good. Use that.
You are right. People identify to the human element.
Ref: Take them while you're doing things you love...
Ha! The guy would never keep up with me. I'd probably hand him a shovel and put him to work. That'll teach him to take my picture.
I hate my own pictures though. I am lucky enough to have a sister-in-law who is genius with a camera and who just clicks away. We get 80shots of crap but one or two good ones and those are what I use.
I like the black and white idea with your dogs. You don't have to pose, just let the dogs slobber on you, I bet it turns out to be a great picture.
Wish my dogs would sit still long enough for a photo. They think the camera is a chew toy though.
Ref: They think the camera is a chew toy though.
For God's sakes, Renee, don't say that too loud. I don't want Iko to add electronics to his diet. LOL!
Iko's a little wiggly for pictures. Tank, bless his heart is a pure angel. He will do anything you ask.
And this is what I'm talking about. So often you see a plastered smile and Sunday best.
I might not know what your face looks like, but the socked feet photo tells me you are fun and a little irreverent. It's honest and it makes me smile.
Whatever you choose if you are comfortable with it that is all that matters! {Not the Glamour shot though, you looked very uncomfortable!}
jackie ^_^
Ref: author pictures
I do like to see what an author is like...not so much what they look like. So I'd vote for one with the dogs or in front of the 'homestead.'
Love Catie's feet...my kinda photo.
:-D
PS I like your photo/avatar. It's very sweet and you look approachable.
That's the look I want. Well, the approachable part. I know I can't pull off sweet.
However you will figure out something some time...
jackie ^_^
Usually I do like to see what the author looks like if I like the book. I'm not sure why.
But I like dogs.
If I ever write a book (heh) that needs my photo on it, I would want it to look as natural as possible. Not dolled up and fussed over.
Ref: But I like dogs.
You obviously have very good tastes. :grin:
Thanks. That was a self-portrait I took a day before hubby was to leave for Vegas (2 months before the boys and I would) and I wanted him to have a photo. You should see all the outtakes, LOL, but creative cropping does amazing things.
Good job!
The one with you and Chelly is nice, so is the Glamour Shot photo. But it seems clear you don't like the GS photo so I would say don't go with that one. I'd really like to see one of you in a playful moment with Iko. I know that's pushing things a bit, but you are a writer and a dog person, what better way to show that then with an updated photo of you at your most natural, which is being loved by and showing love to your babies?
He's getting better but he still acts as if he hasn't seen me in two years. Silly dog.
Thanks, Angela.