I think I have the best job at Blue Ridge. My job is to make YOU look good. I will be available for head shots during Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: May 20-24, 2012. Read on to find out the details and how to prepare.
PRICING:
No sitting fee at writing conferences.
Sign up for a 30 minute time slot. You may preview your shots and if you choose to purchase photos, then this is what will be included:
- Your choice of four or five photos.
- Your photos will be tastefully retouched.
- License for you to use the photos as needed.
PAYMENTS:
Cash
Checks
Paypal (add $2)
How to Prepare for your Photo Shoot at Blue Ridge
- Think about what you're trying to convey through your head shot. And the answer isn't just to look nice. Yes, that's important. But think about who you are as an author. Your writing and your "voice" reflect who you are. Let your head shot do the same. Are you a mystery writer? Maybe your photo should be black and white with shadows. That would add intrigue. But if you're a children's author, a brighter, colorful picture might serve you better.
- Think through your clothing choice. Unless you want to say you're from the islands, leave the busy Hawaiian shirt in your closet. Pick simple clothing. Solid colors are usually a great choice unless you choose bright red or pink which saturates the shot. And plaids, paisleys and patterns can distract from the subject. Namely you. Remember the KISS principle. Keep it simply simple. No, I am not going to call you stupid.
- Ladies, think about your makeup. You don't want to go all out and wear tons of makeup if you normally like the natural look. But make sure you have what you need in your purse when the time comes. Stop by the ladies room, freshen up and then head to your shoot with confidence!
- Talk to your photographer. Ask questions. Listen to suggestions. We will then come up with a simple game plan for your shoot. So even if you don't get a head shot with me at Blue Ridge, learn to communicate with your photographer.
- RELAX! I know. Going to a photo shoot may be up there with filling cavities, but it doesn't have to be that bad. What's the worst that can happen? You don't like your shot and it gets deleted. What's the best that can happen? You're discovered to be a movie star? Oh, that's for actors. How about causing your readers to see your photo and decide you might have something interesting to say? For a few dollars and a few minutes of time - that's worth relaxing for.
5 Reasons for a Quality Head Shot
As an author or actor, you may be contemplating whether or not you need a good head shot. Well, if you are serious about your craft, you need to consider investing in a professional head shot. Why? There are at least 5 reasons you should consider.
- Your head shot may be the first thing an editor, reader or casting director sees. You can't possibly go and meet every editor, reader or casting director in person. So what precedes you? Your head shot. That first impression can either work for you or against you. Just as your first line is important as a writer, so is your first impression to the audience who awaits you.
- Head shots help people make a good decision about who you are. For actors, casting directors look at your photo for the type of actor you are. As a man, are you the class clown, leading man or grandfatherly type? As an author, do you write suspense, romance, mysteries or thrillers? Make sure your head shot reflects who you are and doesn't send a mixed message.
- Head shots reflect your level of professionalism. What does a casual, cluttered, improperly centered photo say about you? That you're casual about your craft. It may not seem fair, but that's the impression you give. If a so-so shot is good enough to tell people about you, then how much time will you spend on your craft? A so-so amount? You need leave your comfort zone and get the best shot you can to show you're committed to excellence in your craft. And yes authors, that includes you!
- Good head shots have a variety of uses. For authors, head shots can be used for social networking sites as your profile picture, on your business card, on your website, as your accompanying photo in print articles and for the holy grail of writing, on the back of your novel. Don't think you have to hit the "big time" first in order to need a good head shot. Once you are serious about the craft of writing, reflect that with a quality head shot. For actors, a quality head shot means the difference between landing an agent and parts in commercials, t.v. shows and movies.
- It's fun! I realize I may have just lost you here, but stay with me. When you were a kid, did you enjoy playing dress-up or dreaming about being a superhero? This is your chance to have a little fun and recapture a little of your childhood. Actors, you can portray just about anything you want with head shots. Take serious shots and then stretch yourself and go goofy. Or business-like. Do something different. Make yourself stand out in the crowd. Authors, you create entire worlds for your readers to enter and then invite them in with your first line. Invite them to read your article or book with an inviting photo. Let go of your fears of how you look. Express who you are and have fun with it!
