This week, I thought we’d talk a bit about author images. As anyone outside of Podunkville, USA (where I live : - )knows, television and internet are a part of our daily existence. And that means we’ve become a culture of images. Our brains tell us what to feel when we see certain colors and shapes.
A wise author recognizes this and applies the knowledge to his/her author image. Your press photo should cause the viewer to think of your books/genre. For instance, if I’m a suspense novelist, I want an image that makes me look like I know something you don’t know, that perhaps there’s danger lurking in the corner, that someone might be in peril. How would I accomplish that feeling? I invite you to check out the following: 
www.brandilyncollins.com. Brandilyn’s picture is perfect for her genre of Seatbelt Suspense™ – the backlighting gives us a mysterious feel, the look on Brandilyn’s face says she knows something you don’t know – and it ain’t good. The murky green makes us wonder what’s below the surface. All in all, a great image.
More than making you look good, your author photo needs to convey how good your stories are. Keep that in mind when you prepare for your next photo shoot!
For another great rant about author photos, check out www.justinelarbalestier.com/Musings/Musings2004/authorphotos.htm.
Another great commentary on the topic, from Midwest Book Review, can be found here www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/advice/photo.htm.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Author Images
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Great post. On my blog today, I posted a pic of the oranage-shirted mannequin that stands in my neighbor's window night and day. Too weird. This isn't my author photo, of course, but maybe it says something about me as an author! LOL (It does; it says I'm drawn to the unusual!)
ReplyDeleteI love your photo, Rebecca. :) I can't wait to have some decent ones taken. Right now, my dh is my photographer. He does fine, but knows nothing about posing me. Just snap and go back in the house. LOL
ReplyDeleteI chuckle at Ane's comment. Same here. Dh and I have grown a lot in patience over the years, though. I like to think my photos represent my books, which are down-home and comforting. I have been having a niggling desire for something more dramatic-- something in black. Perhaps my books are changing.
ReplyDeleteCurtissAnn
Good post! Brandilyn's photo definitely fits her genre.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my page and guess what genre I write in. I'm curious as to what my picture conveys.
This could turn into a fun little game...guess the genre.