Professional Headshots – Author, E.L. Stevens
Professional Headshots for the author of Spearhead lake, E.L. Stevens.
Author headshots are an important tool for any author, whether they are self-published or traditionally published. A professional headshot can help you look your best when meeting potential readers and fans, and can also promote your published book and brand. A great headshot can make all the difference in presenting yourself as a serious author who is worth reading.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your professional headshots
Hire a professional headshot photographer
Just like with your book cover — you don’t want to skimp. Hire a professional photographer, who specializes in headshots. After all, your photo is often going to be making your first impression. This will ensure that you get the best possible results. The photographer will guide you through poses, facial expressions, and even recommend wardrobes. It’s important to listen to your photographer after you’ve chosen one.
Choose the right wardrobe
For most, a professional headshot photo is quite straightforward – if are you an attorney, dress in a suit and look appropriate to that profession, for example – you need to look how people expect you to appear. But as an author, you are marketing to various audiences depending upon the book subject and your core readership group. Your clothes should be simple, neutral colors (as for all headshots) but in keeping with your character. Always keep in mind who the photo is for – it’s a marketing tool to appeal to your widest reader group
Communicate with your photographer about your vision
Once you have found your photographer, and your professional headshots appointment has finally arrived, it is very important that you communicate to them exactly what you want.
Although you will probably have a pretty distinct idea of how you wish to appear in your photo, do listen to your photographer and allow them to make suggestions. They have done this before, remember, and they know what does work and what does not. They will do everything they can to bring out on camera the character or image that you have described to them.
Keep an open mind during your professional headshots session – tell your photographer what you want but never forget that communication is a two-way channel – so listen to them too.
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