Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
If you’re a business person or an author, chances are you’re going to need a professional headshot. These days a photo is necessary and expected on websites, blogs, LinkedIn profiles, and of course on your book.
Many people brush off the idea of hiring a professional photographer, thinking they can have a friend take some nice shots in the backyard. That might be true and your snapshot may look great, but you don’t want the look of an amateur – you’re a professional all the way. A great headshot is key to presenting exactly the right image to the world, whatever you want that image to be.
If you’re already contracted with a publisher, you should get your headshots right away. But many bloggers and people with online presence would benefit from a professional photo as well.
Here are a few tips:
? Avoid places like Sears, JC Penney, Olin Mills, or Glamour Shots. You need a situation in which the proper time and care can be taken, and in which you have more assurance that the photographer is skilled specifically in professional headshots.
? Talk to the photographer in advance and make sure they’ll allow several poses and at least two wardrobe changes. Women should ask about professional makeup as well, since it can have a significant effect on the photo.
? Be sure to get a digital file without any copyright/logo on the images as well as written rights to the images. If you take a CD to a lab to have pictures printed and there’s a logo on the image, they won’t print them, assuming you don’t own copyright.
? Ask if you can get the image in both high and low resolution. That way you can select which to use for what purpose. Some websites need a lower resolution image (Twitter, FB) and it’s handy to have both options.
? Ask the photographer to avoid over-photoshopping. You want to look your best, but it’s even more important to look real. Don’t let the photographer airbrush the life right out of you. On the other hand, it’s important to select a photographer who is skilled in digital artwork. Everyone needs some touching up, even if it’s just to correct the lighting or get rid of a shadow.
? While it can be convenient to do your headshots at the same time as your family portrait, it’s not typically the best way. These are two completely different kinds of photography, and in addition, it’s best if you’re focused on your professional session and not distracted.
But what about cost?
Most people assume the cost will be prohibitive, but you should be able to find a professional photographer who will charge around $125 for the sitting and the final digital image on CD. Here are some ways to try and pay even less:
(1) Get together with a group of friends who all need headshots and engage a photographer to do them all at one time in one location, such as a local park;
(2) Find a professional photographer who does good work but is newer in the business, and see if they’ll give you a rate less than the more established photographers;
(3) Some writers conferences have a photographer available who will do your headshot for a nominal fee, less than $100.
(4) If there is a local photographer whose work you love but they’re very expensive, you could always see if they’re open to barter. Do they need someone to write or edit copy for them? Do you have other skills or services you could offer?
A headshot is not an indulgence and doesn’t mean you’re overly concerned with appearances, or any other nonsense your brain might be telling you. It’s a professional investment, and it matters.
Do you have a professional author photo yet? Why/why not? What are your thoughts on headshots?
TWEETABLES:
How to Get a Terrific Professional Headshot. (Click to Tweet.)
For author photos, avoid Sears, JC Penney, or Glamour Shots. More tips: (Click to Tweet.)
Backyard snapshot or professional photographer? You decide. (Click to Tweet.)
Carol McAdams Moore
Thank you for this post, Rachelle! It is filled with lots of great information.
The photo I have now was done at a writers conference. As you mentioned, it was reasonable in cost, and I was particularly pleased to have that opportunity. The photographer took her time to get four poses. She provided me with the photos in a digital format with a letter verifying my right to use the photos.
I am curious about multiple poses (with different backgrounds, outfits, etc.) — How many varied photos should be used across one’s blog, website, facebook, etc. to add variety, yet maintain that quick recognition that we want our readers to have?
Thanks!
Jeannie
Can’t I just put a picture of my cat on the back cover???
Dana McNeely
I have to say, I was particularly impressed by the example photo “Go viral – include cats.” 🙂
jacqueline fairchild gillam
At my tea room I am constantly taking photos of my guests.
A few basic tips: although people do not want to smile due to the eye crinkle, they still should. It lifts the entire face up ward from the mouth and neck line on. A few eye wrinkles are not as bad as a dour or sour look.
Remember profiles are usually a bad idea. There are so many factors that a profile brings in. Skip them.
Women tend to want to pick their head up a little too much. This is usually a mistake. This will make the neck look bigger and if it is in any way saggy, worse. Also it will make a series of chins look worse.
Tip the chin down a bit. Look in a mirror and practice this. There is a point where you will push your chin down too much, creating another chin. Not that far. But if done right, it will be a far more flattering picture than the chin up.
And never ever ever let someone shoot you while they are crouching down and shooting up at you. This is NEVER a good shot.
jacqueline gillam fairchild
Ande Schiller
You’re advice is just what I needed!
I have a photography session coming up for my children’s book, “Little Abby Ant and Sammy Cicada “.
Your advice is a breath of fresh air! Thank you.
Happy New Year.
Anne Love
This year I did get a headshot for the blog, FB, etc. As an unpublished author, I went middle of the road with the things you mentioned, thinking if I get published someday, it would be upgraded. I asked a high school student in her second year at the career center in photography to take my shots. She charged me $50 and gave me the CD w/o copyright. We did the shots in our woods, and at an old restored log cabin a half mile from home.I’ve been happy with the shots for where I am in my writing right now.
Anne Love
Hah! LOL, just realized I haven’t figured out how to upload the pic for this website! 🙂
Lisa
That’s so funny, mine always has my website gravatar and not my face, which would probably be smarter.
Tiana Smith
Go to gravatar.com and upload your photo there. Then your photo will automatically appear in any WordPress site or blogs that use any other commenting systems like Disqus.
Richard Mabry
Good advice, Rachelle. Like Carol, my headshot was done at a conference–recently there’s been an “official” professional photographer each year at the annual American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, and her work is good. Local professionals are also an excellent option.
As for excessive photo-shopping, unfortunately it wouldn’t help me, given what’s there for a start, and too much photo-shop isn’t good. When I was learning facial plastic surgery, the late Dr. Bill Wright told me, “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. What you have to do is make a prettier sow’s ear.”
Lisa
I need a more professional shot. Thanks for the encouragement.
I think when you are starting out as a writer the costs pile up. You want to attend conferences, have a website upgrade, a professional photo etc…
Meghan Carver
No professional photo yet. I keep telling myself I want to lose those extra pounds before I put money into a permanent reminder of how I look….
Thanks for the tips, Rachelle!
Ann Bracken
Ditto! Of course, by the time I actually lose the pounds I’ll need to pay a stylist to get rid of the gray hair…
Lyn
I’m with you Meghan, just waiting for those extra pounds to fall off 🙂
Morgan Tarpley
I do have professional photos. My fave is the tiny one to the left of this post. I’m lucky that one of my best friends is a photographer. I am a photographer for a newspaper.
She needed a photoshoot for her CD cover and I needed one as an author, so we swapped services and took pictures at her New Orleans apartment building. It was a fun, free photoshoot. I got really lucky. 🙂
Jeanne T
That sounds fun and helpful, Morgan. Lucky you are both photographers! 😉
Andrea Goodson
You’ve done it again, Rachelle! Great post, touching on an important topic as always! Though I have not yet had headshots taken, I see the value in doing so and your post has lit a fire under me to get it done ASAP! Thanks!
CJ Vermote
Thanks Rachelle, I hadn’t thought a professional headshot was within my budget, but it doesn’t sound to expensive now. I’ll definitely look into a photographer or even photography schools here in Denver and see what I can find. If anyone has someone they can recommend in the Denver/Thornton, I’d appreciate it. I’ve only lived here a couple years so don’t have anyone else to ask. Thanks.
Karen Barnett
I was fortunate to snag an up-and-coming photographer for my photo shoot. We spent two hours walking around our city’s downtown taking photos that represented the “mood” or brand I was trying to portray. We had a blast. She learned a lot and I got great photos. She tried to charge me $40 for the whole package, but I felt so guilty (there were probably 80 shots on the cd) that I paid her quite a bit more and have referred many customers her way. Now she charges $65 for 20 minute sittings.
Laura Christianson
This is a great way to get a headshot, Karen. Freelance photographers or those who are new to the biz and attempting to establish a portfolio will often shoot on location and give you the license to use whichever shots you purchase — and they typically allow you to choose more shots than the average studio photographer. You definitely got a bargain, and your portrait is so cute.
Heather Melcher
Thank you so much for this post! The timing of your post is perfect for me. One of the editors I work with recently suggested that I update the head shot photo we have been using for submissions to his magazine and now that I am in the process of negotiating the contract for my first solo book, I know I need to get it done. I was struggling with whether it was vain or financially irresponsible to get a professional to take the photo because I haven’t earned very much with my writing so far and because it looks like I won’t be making all that much on the book either (when I consider the amount they are offering compared to the hours it will take to do a good job of writing it). Your post helped me to feel justified in making this investment in my writing career. You also helped me to feel a lot more confident about how to get the photo taken care of. Thanks again.
Heather Day Gilbert
I had a great and free photographer–my ten-year-old daughter! But she did a good job, I think. My headshots are on my blog (http://www.heatherdaygilbert.com). The key is getting good lighting. I did a later “photo shoot” w/my hubby as photographer, and the lighting was trickier inside. I’d recommend outside lighting in the afternoon, making sure shadows don’t hit your face. TRICKY, but it can be done without costing a fortune.
Heather Day Gilbert
(And oops, here’s the correct blog link–http://www.heatherdaygilbert.blogspot.com).
Debra Weiss
Great tips, Rachelle. The author photos at the end are awesome.
Tiana Smith
I bartered for my author photo 🙂 I design blogs and blog templates, so the gal who did my pics let me give her blog a face lift in exchange for author shots.
This has turned out to be a great partnership, since we’ve continued in our business together. I’ve now done two of her blogs and she’s given me quite a few photo shoots with my family.
Heather Day Gilbert
Tiana, LOVE your blog and photos. And your books look so interesting!
Tiana Smith
Thanks Heather! That’s nice to hear 🙂 If you’re ever interested in a blog design, let me know!
I’m not sure if hyperlinks work in this commenting system or not, so if that link doesn’t work, you can go here: http://www.theblogdecorator.com to see some of my work.
K.L. Hawker
Very timely post – just got an updated head shot done today. It was very interesting to see the techniques that this photographer used, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they turn out (because I felt quite awkward posing the way I was told). I think there is definitely value in professional head shots. Image is important. I would also recommend considering your genre when having your photos done – Do you write romance? Perhaps you should look a little sexy. Young adult fiction? Maybe add a little fun and warmth to your photo. Thriller? A mysterious, serious photo would work well. Best of luck to you all!
Navdeep Kaur
I do not have a professional head shot yet, but I do have a photographer! I’ll be working with a friend because we can both help each other: my friend can provide the photography and I can provide editing, proofreading, and marketing advice.
I think it’s important to work with someone you can feel comfortable with–especially if you’re camera shy like I am. 🙂
Cheryl Malandrinos
Great information, Rachelle. We were just talking about headshots the other day here. I need to update mine, since my hair is much shorter than it was when the photo was taken for my first book cover. And I’m a tiny bit older, too. 🙂
My husband is very skilled with a digital camera, and easily could have a second career as a photographer if he chose. Because of the way technology has evolved, I don’t feel the need to seek out a photographer when someone like my husband can take better photos than I’ve seen some “professionals” take. That doesn’t mean everyone should do it, but I’m comfortable with the quality he provides.
donnie nelson
Yes. My headshot shows I am quite a handsome dog for a girl.
Donnie says when he publishes his middle-grade novel for kids called: The Adventures of a Boy and his Creature, he is going to put my picture on the back jacket flap along with him.
It’s only fair I guess, I was his (1st) beta reader.
Pssst. What’s a jacket flap?
Keli Gwyn
I have a series of professional shots that can be seen on my website. The photographer did an awesome job and made the shoot a lot of fun. It was money well spent.
Susi Robinson Rutz
Thanks for the nudge and these helpful suggestions, Rachelle. One thing after another has kept me from crossing this off my to-do list, but I need to make it a top priority. Right after spring break, haha! 🙂
Jeanne T
First of all, I love the illustrated “tips” for taking author photos. 🙂
On the serious side, the suggestions in this post are so helpful. I don’t have a professional headshot yet, but I’ll be moving in that direction. So far, my husband has taken most of the photos I use on FB and as my gravatar. His good eye and a quality camera help.
When I am ready for a professional shot, I think I’m going to use a photographer a friend used–she loved working with this lady, and her photos are amazing!
Elaine Faber
I went through the Gravator procedure, and checking today, they say my photo is linked to my name. I don’t think my photo shows on this site. If it doesn’t show up, how does one get the Gravator photo into the website one comments on?
Elaine Faber
Oops. My boo-boo. Guess I do show up on this site, just not on some others I’ve commented. Thanks for the good info and the blog. As my book is about a cat protagonist, I think my pix (with the cat) works well.
Janet Ann Collins
I’m happy with the headshot I had taken by a local photographer, but it’s several years old. How often should we get new ones?
Janet Ann Collins
Ooops. mine doesn’t show on your blog. How do I fix that?
Janet Ann Collins
Okay, I tried again with Gravatar. Let’s see if it works this time.
Donna Clark Goodrich
I found a great photographer in the area who, I thought, was reasonable–at least more so than others I called ($150). I’ve referred other writers to him. I also got a sheet from him that I can use it for book covers without permission or not having to use his name. Also, I got extra copies–including an 8×10 for writing a brochure for him to send to high school seniors.
Ann Bracken
Mine was taken by my husband when we were visiting in Hawaii, hence the smile!
Thanks for the advice, Rachelle. I guess it’s time to find a real photographer. Hmm, my sister-in-law’s brother is a photographer…
Jan Thompson
Oooh. Sounds like an expensive photo shoot — but totally worthwhile! I don’t mine getting my headshot taken in Hawaii… Hmm… might be time for another research trip LOL.
Jan Thompson
Aaarghhh. Autocorrect! “I don’t MIND” not “I don’t mine” 🙂
Jan Thompson
Thank you for this post! Good to know what to do, and where to go.
I like the idea of bartering, not just with an expensive photographer, but maybe also a lesser known photographer who is trying to build a portfolio, and who might be able to trade photo shoots for say, brochure or promo CD of their studio.
Peter DeHaan
I was fortunate to be at a writers conference that had a professional photographer offering to take headshots. Out of 30 or so pictures, a few were good and one was great. (It’s on my website if anyone is interested.)
P. J. Casselman
I opted out of the headshot and went for the ribs. It worked for Rocky.
Laura Christianson
I’d like to add two additional tips, Rachelle. Before you book your photo shoot, make sure you instruct the photographer that you want to purchase the rights to use the image(s) in ALL your marketing materials, both print and online. Some photogs offer limited rights… you can only use the image on your website. Or you can only use it in a brochure. Then they charge you extra to use it multiple places. Tell them you want the right to use it anywhere and everywhere, forever.
For branding purposes, use the same (or similar) headshot on your website, blog, gravatar, and across all social media channels. Face recognition really does work.
Jennifer Gargiulo
This is very timely advice for me-thank you, Rachel!
kathyboydfellure
Great post, Rachelle with excellent advice.
Photographer is the other hat I wear when not writing, swimming, antiquing, hola-hooping…
I always give fellow writers a discount.
Writers and antique cars are my main subjects these days. (My most recent shoot was a 1933 Ford truck. I shot on Eureka Street, Sutter Creek, CA. and only charged $20.00 for 100 frames. I would have done it for free. It was the shoot of a lifetime. The client gave me a hefty tip, which was welcomed.)
The clothing choices are so important for head shots. Choose wisely and bring several changes.
A fellow writer in my critique group shot my Lake Tahoe photo shoot. (since my stories take place there) She cut me a terrific deal also.
If you can’t afford the standard sitting fee, ask around your writing circle. We have three professionals and freelancers in our group.
Be specific, know what you are looking for but be open to creative license.
Remember to smile!
Christopher Norbury
I didn’t know getting a pro author photo was so complicated. Thanks for the tips, Rachelle.
Amy Ford
I just got mine done Friday! Can’t wait to see them 😀
Espresso Machine
I really like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and exposure!
Keep up the superb works guys I’ve included you guys to my own blogroll.
Dean
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No specific version of Adobe Photoshop or prior knowledge of the process.
Yucel
You’ve hit lots of points on headshot process. What you haven’t touched on is why someone would need a heftier investment than $125, w.o. barter.
Many people in top positions or with heavy client interface can easily invest $500-$1000 for their headshots… and value the investment.
Calvin Pennick JR
I can not begin to stress how important it is to have a professional headshot on all your social media and business profiles. One the first things most people do is check your profiles to get to know you. You only get one chance to make a first impression and most likely that first impression will be in the form of some sort of social media. I am not say these thing because I am a photographer. I am saying them because I do a lot of research on the subject and I take what I do very seriously. Be smart. Hire a photographer. You will not regret it.
Headshot Photography
I truly like to reading your post. Thank you so much for taking the time to share such nice information.
Thomas Jameson
It’s good to know that you should take the proper amount of time to get a good headshot. My daughter is interested in modeling and acting, and she needs quality headshots to get started in those industries. We’ll be looking further into our options for getting her some good headshots in the future.