How to Get a Good Author Photo And Why You Need One #blogger profile picture #tips #blogging #writer #what to wear #how to take a great picture

 

The Benefits of Author Headshots

Updated 9/2023!
You can create an Amazon author page, a Facebook author page, and even an Instagram or TikTok account without using any pictures of yourself. If your readers can see you, though, it’s a lot easier for them to feel like they have a personal connection with you.

In my experience, people you interact with online tend to behave a little better if they see you’re a real, flesh-and-blood person. And using some element of your real self—your name, your photo, or both—can remind you to be kind and mature in your own online interactions as well.

Traditional publishers usually ask for and expect author headshots that they can use in book marketing.

How to Get a Good Author Headshot and Why You Need One
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Don’t Be Shy About Author Photos

It’s easy for writers to feel self-conscious about our looks. Most of us are much more critical of ourselves than we are of others. If you think about some of your favorite authors, though, chances are they don’t look like movie stars, and that doesn’t keep you from liking them.

Personally, I have sometimes told myself, “Oh, I’ll get an author photo once I lose some weight,” or, “I’ll do it after I commit to a skin routine for six months.” Listen, if your appearance changes, you can always update your photo later, but you are just fine, right now.

You’re a creative, unique human being. You’re perfect. Let people connect with you.

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How Much Do Author Headshots Cost?

You can expect to spend $150 – $400. Here in the Chicago area, I get my author headshots done by Maia Rosenfeld, and I absolutely love her. She’s brilliant at setting up shots and manipulating the light, she’s great at putting people at ease, and she makes it a fun experience! I love it that I can bring my own music. Maia charges $150 for 1 to 2 looks, which I think is extremely reasonable, and you can get more looks for more money. Here’s her photography website for headshots in Chicago! Prices may be higher in your area, particularly if you live in expensive cities like New York and Los Angeles.

Don’t let self-consciousness keep you from seeing a professional photographer if you can afford it. An expert knows how to make you look good! I think professional author headshots are a very good investment in your career. That being said, if you just can’t afford an author photo, you can enlist your mom or dad, spouse, or bestie. Take a few test ones to make sure you’ve got flattering lighting, and then get lots of photos so you can choose the best one.

 

What to Wear for Author Headshots

If in doubt, keep it simple! I’ve been told this for TV appearances as well. Busy patterns are distracting. If you’re wondering what to wear, solid colors are often better. If you have long hair, you may not want the color of your top to match your hair. It’s a good idea to try at least a couple of wardrobe options. 

If you get too gimmicky—such as sporting a feather boa, a pipe, or both—some people may find it unprofessional. On the other hand, it’s your photo! In the end, only you can decide how you want to present yourself.

Choose an Author Photo That Looks Good in Black and White

Nobody ever thinks about this, but you, your publisher, or a bookstore may want to use a black and white version for the inside of your book or for other advertisements, posters, or publications.

Let Followers Choose from a Few Author Headshots

People love to comment and vote on author photos! You don’t have to do this, of course, but it’s a great way to connect with people and start a conversation. On your Facebook author page, Instagram account, TikTok account, or wherever, share two or three different photos and have people vote on their favorite. 

A Few More Tips For Author Portraits

Consider your background.

A simple background like a plain wall is great. A green background of grass and trees, such as a park, can look wonderful. I’ve seen some nice author photos with bookshelves in the background, too. Avoid a backdrop that’s the same color as your hair, and if you’re sitting in a chair, don’t wear a shirt that matches the chair. 

Consider the light.

If you’re taking photos outdoors, early morning light or overcast days may be more flattering. Photos taken with you in the shade and your photographer in the sun can turn out really well.

Drop your chin.

I got this advice both from a friend of mine who’s a model, and from the photographer I worked with. Some of us tend to jut our chin at the camera, and it often looks better to drop the chin a little lower.

Smile…unless it’s really not “you.”

Usually, a smile—or at least a hint of one—is going to help people connect with you. But if you don’t smile a lot in general, a smile in your photo might feel fake to you. And if you write very serious literary fiction, horror, dark paranormal, or so on, you might choose to go less smiley.

Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

If your photographer thinks they have a cool, edgy idea, and you’re not feeling it, say no. They’re working for you, not the other way around, and if you’re uncomfortable, it’s probably not going to be a good picture, anyway.

Use apps if you want to.

If you want to touch up your smartphone photo just a little bit, here are a few options (and I know there are may more.) You can use Facetune to whiten your teeth, smooth out wrinkles a little, or lighten dark circles under your eyes. You can use VSCO for a flattering filter (or just a cheery, romantic, or moody filter you like.)

I don’t touch up my professional author headshots because my photographer has such amazing natural light in her home studio, I usually look my best, anyway. With everyday iPhone photos, like I often share on my Instagram, I usually do touchups, but I don’t like to go overboard—otherwise, I wind up looking plastic instead of like me. At the moment, I also use a slight VSCO filter on just about everything—C1—to make my life look cheery. 🙂 In 2024, I might change the vibe to something more sophisticated; who knows?

Anyway, that’s just me. It’s your picture! Many people would never use a filter, and I respect that. 🙂 

 

What If You’re Writing Under a Secret Pen Name?

Bloggers and authors can have all kinds of reasons for using a pseudonym. I think it’s fine as long as authors don’t use it to edge out marginalized writers (e.g., a white writer pretending to be Black to market their African-American romance), and as long as authors don’t “catfish” by creating an elaborate false identity.

When you’re writing under a secret pen name, you may have to get creative with an author photo. You could hire a designer to create a loose illustration of you. You could also use a photo focusing on your hands. They could be typing on a keyboard, holding a book, or holding a coffee cup—whatever feels right to you. You’ll miss out on some of the personal connection readers will feel with a headshot, but you won’t be misleading anyone.

How to Get a Good Author Photo And Why You Need One #blogger profile picture #tips #blogging #writer #what to wear #how to take a great picture

How do you feel about author headshots—or getting your picture taken in general? Do you have any advice for others? Let us know below! And by the way, you look amazing today!

 

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