Why Every Author Needs a Professional Photo – Guest Post by Brent Foster
In my continuing effort to bring you useful tools, I wanted to look at why every author needs a professional photo (also called a “head shot”). Mine is in dire need of an update. Today I’m pleased to be able to welcome guest poster Brent Foster, a photojournalist who says, “I believe in storytelling, and photography is my tool.”
Brent is a master at just that. He’s traveled from Palestine to the Congo, and has met (and photographed) actors, authors, and even the Dalai Lama. His work has appeared in The National Post, The Los Angeles Times, Canadian Geographic, and TIME, to name only a few.
Take it away Brent . . .
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Most people believe a picture is worth a thousand words . . . unless you’re a writer.
(c) Brent Foster – Actor Alan Rickman poses for a photo at the Park Hyatt.
I’ve worked with hundreds of writers. As a newspaper photojournalist for the last ten or so years, I averaged working with 2-10 different writers in a given week, from Pulitzer prize winners to newbies. Let me tell you–writers are the worst at understanding the importance of imagery, and good imagery at that.
Let me break this to you as gently as possible–a picture will always be the first thing a reader/viewer will look at. That’s right, it won’t be your finely-crafted mumble jumble. It will be the image.
I’ll give you a second to soak that in.
Why do you need to show your face? Well, why not? We write differently these days for blogs, networking, etc. We write visually, and often in first person. That’s because we, as writers, journalists, photographers, storytellers, and communicators, reach people in a different way than ever before. We reach them by being us.
People read what you write because they like or dislike what you say, but, in the end, they are interested in you. Your personality, your thoughts, opinions. And after feeling like they know you this intimately, they likely want to know what you look like.
So, who would be ideal to take on this task?
Enter, professional photographer.
(c) Brent Foster – Danny Angelidis, owner of Crystal Ice, poses for a portrait in the freezer.
Images that reflect you as a writer, and more importantly, you as a human being, are key to success in our crazy online world. Your promotional photo shouldn’t be a mug shot necessarily, but it’s also not a dating site photo taken by your best friend.
Look at people like the Rock ‘n Roll Bride. She’s made her career using her personality to her advantage . . . who doesn’t like pink hair?
Seriously though, your images should reflect who you are and what you want to say to the world. If you’re a dog blogger, well, hmm, what would be the ideal shot here? Lets just say, it’s not a shot of you and your cat.
Focus on your strengths, and pick a photographer who is suited to you. If you like what you see on the photographer’s website when looking at a full shoot, chances are you will like what you’ll get in the end. Find a photographer you love, who matches you, and who is willing to consult and brainstorm in advance of your shoot.
So stop hiding behind your pen, and get out there!
-Brent Foster
http://www.brentfosterphotography.com
Follow Brent on Facebook
Sep 06, 2012 @ 11:38:42
Spectacular head shots. I loved that they reflected the subject’s personality and passion.
I worked with a wonderful photographer who mumbled and managed the lighting and technical aspects while she had me move from spot to spot; look up, look down, over here, over there.
It felt natural because we chatted the entire time.
The interesting thing is that the shot I ultimately chose was one she’d snapped to test lighting versus a “hold it, hold it, hold it” pose.
Oh, how I admire your talent with a camera.
Sep 06, 2012 @ 14:27:21
I’m cringing. Photos of me. Blah.
But I know you’re right, Brent.
I love that actor–Alan Rickman, and you captured his personality. Awesome. 🙂
For now, all I offer is an image of my artwork.
Sep 07, 2012 @ 15:42:46
We really do have a lot in common Tracy. Alan Rickman is a favorite of mine too 🙂
Sep 06, 2012 @ 14:29:27
Dearly love Alan Rickman, and that’s a great photo of him. I need a new headshot taken. I didn’t know what I wanted for the first, just that it needed to be professional. But it’s not really me, and I’m thinking of having a new one taken this fall. Great post!
Sep 06, 2012 @ 14:41:36
That’s one of the reasons I’ve waited as well to get an updated photo done. I know I want something that shows my personality and fits my genre, but right now, I’m not sure what direction I want to go with that.
Sep 06, 2012 @ 17:09:52
Hi Marcy! Thank you so much for introducing us to Brett. I can’t agree more. A picture communicates in ways that words cannot. An image projects a certain perception of that person. I would love to have a professional pic taken, but unfortunately at the moment, that is not in my budget. But that’s okay, cause who am I? Virtually an unknown just starting out. But I must say that Brett has quite the eye for the camera. Great pics!
Btw, how are you Marcy? Send me an email and let me know, okay? {{Hugs!}}
Sep 06, 2012 @ 17:27:05
All interesting things to think about. I blog about Disney alot. I’m guessing I need a professional to follow me around whilst I explore Disneyland for that perfect shot.
Okay, maybe not. I’m sadly lacking make-up and a perfect coiffe when I’m at a fun place like that.
Thanks for sharing those tips. It is time for me to think about updating my headshot.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Sep 06, 2012 @ 18:39:30
I have looked around a little bit. It’s not really in my budget right now, though. I know when I bite the bullet I want something that fits my genre. I have a fairly clear picture of who and what I want. My first choice specializes in author photos. I found a second choice who is actually close to me. Now to raise some money so that I can afford the pictures. Excuse me while I go sit on the street corner with a hat and guitar. 😉
Sep 06, 2012 @ 18:57:31
Hehe. Money is the other consideration that’s holding me back at present. Brent has a studio near where I live, and he’s my first choice to work with. Just need to tuck away the price first 🙂
Sep 06, 2012 @ 22:35:14
Great post! Thank you for the wonderful information.
Sep 07, 2012 @ 15:39:40
I’m glad it helped 🙂
Sep 07, 2012 @ 13:50:52
Totally agree with the need for a pro photo! I just had mine done last month, and I’m slowly updating it everywhere it is on the Internet. Interesting you profiled a photojournalist, as opposed to someone who specializes in portraits. My photographer was also a photojournalist, and very reasonably priced as he just graduated from college. So that’s something to think about if you’re budget-strapped.
Sep 07, 2012 @ 15:42:00
I love your new picture 🙂
The choice to invite someone who was a photojournalist rather than someone who simply takes portraits was a strategic one actually. If you just want a picture of you that looks good, you go to someone who does portraits. If you want a picture that looks good but that also captures your personality (and maybe tells its own story), you go to a photojournalist. That’s my take on it anyway 🙂
Sep 07, 2012 @ 16:49:22
Brent’s photos are awesome. Wow! Great advice.
Thank you for having Brent as your guest blogger.
Money is a big factor for me right now, too. So that will have to wait. I like Jennette’s new head shot, too. Very nice.
Sep 08, 2012 @ 01:02:49
It is time for me to get a new picture. I wasn’t thrilled with the one I have but it worked. sighhhh another thing on my to-do list.