Here's Looking at You - Invest in a Professional Headshot

You are your brand, and of all the things you can spend money on for your writing journey, I would suggest that professional photos are well worth the investment. You also want to make sure that your photo looks like you. If you’ve lost weight or changed your hair color, it’s time to update your photo. Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years.

• Selfies and cell phone candids often don’t have the resolution that you want. It needs to be high enough to be reproduced in digital and in print formats.

• Make sure that the photographer you use does digital touchups to ensure that your photo is topnotch.

• Be careful with the touchups. Slight adjustments are good for a quality photo. You just don’t want someone who is heavy handed with the airbrush tool. I’ve seen some that no longer look like a photograph or the person.

• When you’re reviewing the proofs, make sure the background isn’t busy or distracting. Look at what’s behind you. You don’t want something in the background that looks like it’s going through your head or attacking you.

• Make sure that you’re the only one in the photo. You don’t want parts of arms or legs where someone has cropped out the person next to you.

• Outside shots are great for natural lighting. Just be aware that bugs, nature, and the wind sometimes don’t cooperate.

• Wear solid colors that highlight your skin tone and hair color. Busy prints often don’t translate well in digital formats.

• Make sure any jewelry or hair accessories are complementary.

• Look at your nails. Photographers often include hands in the shot.

• Get recommendations from other authors on photographers and services.

• Make sure you know what’s included and what you’re getting for your money. Some photographers charge for multiple outfits.

• Also make sure that you have the rights to use the photos as you see fit. Some photographers require copyright information for use.

Professional photos are an investment. They’re worth the time and cost to help give you a consistent look on all your marketing efforts.

Say Cheese - Headshot Tips for Authors

Authors need a professional headshot. Selfies or photos taken with a cell phone are great for social media candids, but they shouldn’t be your primary image. Here are some tips that I’ve learned through the years.

• Invest in a professional photograph. Your writing is your business.

• Lighting and location are key.

• Make sure you’ve done your hair and makeup.

• Choose clothing that has a solid color and not busy or patterned prints.

• Choose jewelry you want to appear in the photos. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and others will show.

• Take several outfits with you if you are having a studio session.

• Outside shots are great, but be mindful of the wind and background photobombers.

• Choose a photographer who can touch up your photo digitally.

• Avoid using a photo where you’ve cropped out others. You can tell that you’re standing beside someone.

• Update your author photo regularly. I have been to author events where we were looking for the person in the photo, and it turned out to be from 20 years ago.

• You need quality photos that can be used on the web and in print. You should have copies of your photos in different sizes and pixel quality. (You don’t want to send an 8x10 or a 11x14 to a blogger or a reviewer.)

• Make sure that you have the rights to the photos and that you can use them in your promotion.

In a past life, my husband was a photographer, and he does great photos for me. But I do go to a studio for my headshots. The one that I use does hair and makeup before the session, and it’s always a fun afternoon.