By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Author photos aren’t just for the backs
of books. They’re also used to brand our
series and connect different bits of our platform. They can also connect a pseudonym to our real
name. My photo is one of the few things connecting my Riley Adams books to my
Elizabeth Craig books on both my Goodreads pages and Author Central on
Amazon. They’re useful for guest posting
on blog tours.
of books. They’re also used to brand our
series and connect different bits of our platform. They can also connect a pseudonym to our real
name. My photo is one of the few things connecting my Riley Adams books to my
Elizabeth Craig books on both my Goodreads pages and Author Central on
Amazon. They’re useful for guest posting
on blog tours.
And it’s much better to use our photo
than our book cover for branding. Our
covers and series change…our faces stay the same. Sort of.
:)
than our book cover for branding. Our
covers and series change…our faces stay the same. Sort of.
:)
I was amazed how many sites I had to
update yesterday with the new photo. I
updated for two Facebooks, two Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon Author Central (twice
for the two profiles), my website, Google Plus, LinkedIn, my avatar for
Wordpress, and my blog. And I have the
sneaking suspicion that I’m forgetting something.
update yesterday with the new photo. I
updated for two Facebooks, two Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon Author Central (twice
for the two profiles), my website, Google Plus, LinkedIn, my avatar for
Wordpress, and my blog. And I have the
sneaking suspicion that I’m forgetting something.
I try to update my photo every year,
although last year got away from me. I
have a particular favorite author and read her once-yearly books when they
release. When she finally updated her author photo after ten years, I
gasped. What had happened to her? Then I realized…oh. It had been ten books since that picture had
changed. If we can, it’s probably better
to update our photos more frequently than that.
although last year got away from me. I
have a particular favorite author and read her once-yearly books when they
release. When she finally updated her author photo after ten years, I
gasped. What had happened to her? Then I realized…oh. It had been ten books since that picture had
changed. If we can, it’s probably better
to update our photos more frequently than that.
I’ve gone to professional studios twice
before for headshots and I just haven’t been as happy with the results. The
fault lies squarely on my shoulders. I
completely understand that professionals are better for a variety of different
reasons…but I tend to stiffen up and produce extremely unnatural-looking
expressions. The last time I went to a
studio, the photographer told me in frustration that she’d rather work with the
screaming toddler down the hall than me—that I needed to learn to relax.
before for headshots and I just haven’t been as happy with the results. The
fault lies squarely on my shoulders. I
completely understand that professionals are better for a variety of different
reasons…but I tend to stiffen up and produce extremely unnatural-looking
expressions. The last time I went to a
studio, the photographer told me in frustration that she’d rather work with the
screaming toddler down the hall than me—that I needed to learn to relax.
This is why I’m now using my daughter to
take my headshots. :) My publishers haven’t seemed to notice a difference in the quality of the photo. Newly-recovered
from her tonsillectomy, and bored because she’s not doing normal activities
yet, my daughter took photos of me yesterday to update my images on my sites. I will smile for my daughter. She’s even signed legal releases for Penguin
so that her picture of me can go in the backs of my books. The point is that I look more relaxed. I definitely looked stressed in some of my studio pictures.
take my headshots. :) My publishers haven’t seemed to notice a difference in the quality of the photo. Newly-recovered
from her tonsillectomy, and bored because she’s not doing normal activities
yet, my daughter took photos of me yesterday to update my images on my sites. I will smile for my daughter. She’s even signed legal releases for Penguin
so that her picture of me can go in the backs of my books. The point is that I look more relaxed. I definitely looked stressed in some of my studio pictures.
If you do go to a studio, you need to
make sure that they will release the rights to the photo to you. Most of them do…there are only a couple of
commercial chains that I’ve heard aren’t good about it. They’ll usually recommend wearing a solid
color (I frequently ignore this advice), and not to wear very light colors if
you’re fair.
make sure that they will release the rights to the photo to you. Most of them do…there are only a couple of
commercial chains that I’ve heard aren’t good about it. They’ll usually recommend wearing a solid
color (I frequently ignore this advice), and not to wear very light colors if
you’re fair.
The studio drove me a little batty
because they wanted me to strike a variety of poses—and I knew my publisher
didn’t want that. The publishers I’ve
worked with have asked for headshots—not full-length photos—and they don’t want
you looking off to the side or cradling your head in your hand or doing
anything that looks particularly artsy.
You only have to pay for the poses you want, but I felt as though I were
wasting my time with everything but headshots at the studio.
because they wanted me to strike a variety of poses—and I knew my publisher
didn’t want that. The publishers I’ve
worked with have asked for headshots—not full-length photos—and they don’t want
you looking off to the side or cradling your head in your hand or doing
anything that looks particularly artsy.
You only have to pay for the poses you want, but I felt as though I were
wasting my time with everything but headshots at the studio.
If you do
go to a studio, though, be sure to take more than one outfit with you. They let you change during the shoot. In fact, they’re delighted to let you change
because it means you may buy several different portraits (since you’re in
several different outfits, it appears that you’ve had more than one shoot.)
go to a studio, though, be sure to take more than one outfit with you. They let you change during the shoot. In fact, they’re delighted to let you change
because it means you may buy several different portraits (since you’re in
several different outfits, it appears that you’ve had more than one shoot.)
Midnight Ink, as I recall, had a whole
page of author photo instructions. From
what I remember of Penguin’s instructions, it was mainly just that they needed
a headshot and the specific resolution they needed to have a clear black and
white picture on the inside back cover of the mass market paperbacks. But
you’ll want to make sure that you know your publisher’s requirements before you
get your photo taken.
page of author photo instructions. From
what I remember of Penguin’s instructions, it was mainly just that they needed
a headshot and the specific resolution they needed to have a clear black and
white picture on the inside back cover of the mass market paperbacks. But
you’ll want to make sure that you know your publisher’s requirements before you
get your photo taken.
Have you updated your photo lately? Any tips that I’ve forgotten?
Hi Elizabeth .. some very important points .. also keeping your daughter amused now she’s on the road to full recovery is a great idea – she’ll feel fully engaged with your writing and books.
I’m sure you’ve covered Gravatar in here somewhere .. but Glynis Smy had a note on the importance of a bio attached to your Gravatar .. not sure if that relates exactly to here ..
http://glynissmyauthor.com/2013/06/07/the-importance-of-gravatars/
and I need to find a daughter?!?! but I need to get some photos taken … it’s on my list ..
Cheers Hilary
I’ve had two studio photos taken and hated both of them. I’ve tried the in-house version too, but I think it’s simply me. I can’t relax either.
Good advice though, when you go to a signing you do want to look like the person on the cover! :)
Mine’s about a year old now. It’s not bad, but my face isn’t always that red! I’ve considered getting a new one, but I’d always thought it was best to keep a single picture for as long as possible.
That said, I can definitely see the benefit to updating regularly, especially in the modern information age, when people expect to be able to keep up with changes on a fairly constant basis.
Some very good info here – love the new photo, BTW. You look lovely and happy and dare I say, serene.
I’ve never hard professional photos done. Probably won’t, for similar reasons
Head shot? What head shot? I know, I don’t use one. I do have an author photo on my page, but it’s not my icon. I’ve used this one for so long, and on everything, might freak people out if I changed it now.
Your photo looks very casual and relaxed, Elizabeth. Your daughter did a good job.
Kinda funny that you mention this because the photo you see left *is* my author photo. But then again, I’m “just self-published” so I figured (1) I could make my own rules, (2) it wouldn’t hurt to have a “gimmick” to draw a little attention, and (3) I might as well have some fun with it. Also, because I have never in my life taken a good real photo, my only hope is to play dress-up and make it a cstume party.
Of course I wouldn’t suggest anyone follow my unprofessional unorthodoxy. I’ll be the experiment and let you know if it ends up working for me (thus far, no positive evidence).
Hilary–Thanks for that! I did have a bio on my Gravatar, but it was sorely outdated and I’d forgotten about it. Updated that a few minutes ago. Thanks!
Friends make good photogs, too!
Yolanda–You know, it’s just tough. I always had this sort of grim expression in my eyes as if I were going through an ordeal, even though I was smiling. The photographer saw it, too–said it just wasn’t a genuine smile. Maybe if you have a friend you’re fond of to take the picture? A funny friend?
Paul–I think it’s a good picture and I haven’t noticed any redness. My daughter ran mine through some sort of app she has on her phone that evens out skin tone…so that was a good thing. I told her to keep the smile lines/wrinkles in (I’ve earned each one of those), but an even skin tone was nice. I got sunburned a week or so ago (as usual I managed to get burned only on *part* of my face…not sure how I do that…).
People do expect more updates in this Facebook age, don’t they?
Alex–Oh, I don’t know–freaking people out can be a good thing! :) But I was glad to see you’ve got a photo on your site now. That was an epic day!
J.D.–You know…I like it. :) Reminds me of all the Noir I used to read and watch. It’s a nice branding look, I think.
It’s funny you mention it, but I think my photo gets more play with my self-pubbed stuff than my trad. stuff. My Memphis mysteries don’t have my picture in them (because I’m Riley Adams there), Midnight Ink (after all the to-do with the author photo rules) forgot to stick my picture in the back of “Pretty is as Pretty Dies.” So besides the quilting mysteries, I’ve only got my photos on the net and in my self-pubbed books.
Karen–I love yours! You must be a lot more natural in front of the camera than I am!
And I love, love that you used the word ‘serene.’ So rarely do I achieve that.
Thanks, Elizabeth. :-)
I haven’t really changed much at all since it was taken, except I trim my beard a bit tighter now.
Perhaps some bags under my eyes from lack of sleep ;-)
Paul–Well, with twins, you’ve earned those bags! Ha! I know just where you’re coming from.
Hi Elizabeth .. I meant to say I loved the photo .. and that dress/top does suit you .. and the touch of the black jacket – when the picture is set against the garden .. just gives it that ‘homely’ feel – yet a professional writer beaming out at us ..
Yes .. I know friends will take photos for me – just got to get organised, which I believe I am – just need to do it now!
Glad you’ve updated your Gravatar ..
Cheers Hilary
Hilary–Thanks! I’ll give my photographer all the credit on that. :) She does have a good eye for lighting and set-up.
Glad you’ll have a friend take the shot…it does seem to go much better that way!
I LOVE this photo, Elizabeth! You look happy and approachable. fantastic! :)
“The last time I went to a studio, the photographer told me in frustration that she’d rather work with the screaming toddler down the hall than me—that I needed to learn to relax.”
I share your tendency to tense up and look unnatural when being photographed, but that response from your previous photographer is terrible. It’s their job to get a good picture of you, and this includes putting you at your ease. Comparing you unfavorably to a toddler is not a good way to make you feel relaxed.
Martina–Thanks! That’s a lot better than “wary,” which is how I ordinarily look when a camera is pointed my way…ha!
And I like your new photo, too! And I think you’ve made some Twitter branding changes, etc…all seems to be working out well for you and your site!
Your new photo is very nice!
Studio shots can be so boring. When I did photography full time, all of my portraits were done outdoors. I had a couple key parks that provided a variety of shots and usually by the fourth photo, my subjects would relax and have fun. (Hey, when I have you dangling out of a tree, you can’t help but smile.)
My own photo was done by our photo club president at one of those parks. I’d change it, but I really haven’t changed in the past five years.
Diane–I love the idea of an outdoor shoot. Having a photographer like you would make the situation a lot better.
Love yours. And having seen you a year ago…you do look the same.
Bodhipaksa–Very true about the photographer. And it irritated me, which is why I remember it years later! I’m sure I wasn’t an easy subject, but still…
You look beautiful, Elizabeth! I agree that it’s a good idea for authors to update their photo every year or two. I don’t take good photos in studio either. I always hated picture day in school. I look much more like myself in photos taken by family and friends. Your daughter just might have a career in photography!
Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
You are SO right! I recently changed my headshot and it took me a long time. FB, Twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, Amazon Author Central, my TypePad profile, Google+… Geez!
I noticed your new avatar on Twitter earlier. You look so pretty! That shot is as good as any you’d get professionally, IMO.
Midnight Ink, a division of Llewellyn, is so…well…outdated in how they approach things. I’d be glad you’ve moved on from them! :o)
Laura–Oh yes, school picture day. Ugh. In the 70s, they had us leaning on some sort of wagon wheel for the yearbook pics…not sure why. :)
Well, she’s interested! May have to stick her in a photography camp this summer.
Glad to hear your daughter is getting better!
I agree with using your photo and not your book cover. People connect better with faces than picture.
Good point about updating your photo regularly! It’s amazing how quickly our faces and/or look changes as we age.
Elizabeth —
I saw your photo earlier today and noticed it was new. I love it! And I love the striped dress — very flattering.
I had put off having professional head shots done because of the expense. But over Christmas, we had a professional photographer do family photos, and she managed to capture a good shot of me (rare, in my opinion!), so I was excited to have it.
You cover some great tips here, things we don’t always take the time to think through. Thanks for the post!
Your daughter did such a great job! I have ZERO experience with this. Thanks for the tips. Didn’t know about pale colors and solid clothes :/
Elke–Thanks!
Yes, when I see a book cover as an avatar, it’s a bit tough to connect. I mean…we’re *all* introverted. Goodness knows I am. And I’m not delighted with my appearance (is anyone?) But so much better to brand with a photo.
I’m thinking one day I may animate my different headshots and watch the decline…ha! Yes, the change is *subtle* year to year, but you know….I can tell it. I can see a distinct change from my 2013 photo from my 2010 photo, for instance. Hm. Maybe I should stay out of the sun.
Janet –Who knew we were on so many different platforms, right? I felt overexposed as I made all the changes! And I love your headshot…you look very happy, relaxed, and natural.
Have you worked with Llewellyn, too? I know they’ve done a good deal of New Age nonfic. Yes, it was a bit outdated there. Although…I think they moved on from me, instead of the other way around..lol! But it worked out well for me…no hard feelings for them.
Diane–Now, that’s nice. A pro photog who is a friend must be the best of all possible worlds!
And thanks. My daughter had actually gotten bored on Wednesday as asked to redo my photo, but there was no way I could resurrect my appearance at 5 p.m. Ha! Told her that photo shoots had to be a first-thing-in-the-morning event for Mama.
Julie–Well, that’s what “they” say. :) I did wear black in 3/4 of my photos, but then did light-colored stripes for this year’s pic (and I haven’t gotten a suntan yet!) White looks good in your picture–you’ve got a nice tanned appearance in your photo.
Oh, I love your new photo. I’m going to use it as mine. Just kidding–don’t worry.
I’m not photogenic in the least. It’s a fact verified by a friend of mine and my daughter who say I look better than my photos. They’re not being mean. I’ve been saying that for years, but nobody would admit it. :)
Teresa–You have a brand new picture! We must have had ours done the same day. Well, if you’re *not* photogenic, you must have had a ton made, because I haven’t seen a bad picture of you.
I was one of those folks who waited 10 years to change their photo. The youthful face with an Irish castle behind was replaced by a greyheaded grey bearded Hemingway chap.
I just changed it again recently, and I think I’ll try to do it once a year.
One thing you can do to find your photo everywhere is always name the file with the date in it (f’rinstance, JoelDCanfield2013629.jpg) and then you can Google that exact filename and find wherever it is. Usually.
Professional studios are dying out and getting desperate. Any photographer who tries to foist their artistic vision on you instead of doing what you want deserves to go out of business.
Joel–Ha! Yes, that Hemingwayesque experience was what worried me about not updating frequently. Except in my case it would be the equivalent of Eudora Welty. No disrepect meant to the late Ms. Welty. :)
Now that’s a nice tip about finding our photo online. Great idea!
As far as the professional studios…you’re absolutely right. I think I felt somewhat at fault with the whole thing (because I was in such a cranky mood and dislike having my picture taken), but…they should have listened to me. I only needed headshots!
Elisabeth and Riley look like twins to me. You both look very good.
I do my best to keep my face off the Internet. There are a couple of pictures out there, but they’re old and not published by me.
Cold As Heaven
Sorry, I hate to be a cold-water thrower, but that is not the right picture for branding Elizabeth Spann Craig.
The picture is a good portrait: composition, light, focus, etc. But it’s a picture of a window and a dress. ESC is hiding in it.
Branding pictures are “head shots” or “body shots”. Look at the back of books from James Patterson, Sue Grafton, and Lee Child to see classic head shots, 60-70% face. Look at Nora Roberts or Janet Evanovich or Zoe Sharp for body shots, they’re head-to-foot against plain backdrops.
You won’t find many like yours on publicity or branding of anything–for a reason. They are not bold.
You need to be THE subject of the picture. Plain backgrounds, plain clothing, etc. to emphasize YOU. Not your window. Not your dress.
Be bold. You are that good a writer.
Peace, Seeley
CAH–Isn’t it amazing how closely Riley and Elizabeth resemble each other? :) Thanks.
I’m with you. If I could be more anonymous, I would.
Seeley–That’s nice of you! I know what you’re saying….you’re right. Those are the backs of the books that I read.
But I’m too retiring and my publishers aren’t bossy enough with me. :) They’re letting me get away with being a camera-shy introvert.
That being said–you’ve given me food for thought…as always, Seeley! Thank you.
Thanks, Elizabeth, that’s what I was going for. :)
I have just had my first professional shots taken. I’ve been too shy to put up a photo until now. The photographer was so kind and funny, I relaxed even though I’d been very nervous. I’ve requested the digital file for the one I like the best, so it’ll be up on my site soon.