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Showing posts with label head shots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label head shots. Show all posts

10.05.2012

Photo Tip Friday

Part 2: Soft Shadows

Today's tip is about the use of soft shadows in photography to create a "mood" shot.

Last week I talked about the use of strong shadows to create interesting photographs. But you can also use soft shadows to enhance your pictures.

Let's get started.




Here is a head shot of an author and speaker. Notice how the right side of her face is slightly darker than the left side. This fits some of the topics she speaks about. Her life has had many trials and tribulations. While she is beautiful, peaceful and smiling, this shot hints that there is more to her story than first meets your eye.








Here's another head shot with mood in it. Notice how only one side of the face is well lit? This guy looks pretty serious in this photo. 













But look what happens when he is in more uniform light. Well, and makes a crazy face to boot! Same subject, very different feel to the photos.







One more head shot. This is an author. Want to guess her genre? She doesn't write childen's stories or romance. She's a mystery writer. The close up of her wonderfully intense eyes and the shadows playing around her face bespeak mystery.





Finally, here's a nature shot with soft shadows. Last week I used strong shadows with some flowers. In this instance, the soft shadows create a totally different feel. And how did I get soft shadows? I took this picture in late afternoon when the sun was dipping in the sky.



So, you can use shadows to enhance your photography, whether they are strong or soft. Go grab your camera and give it a try. Let me know what your results are.

Hope this tip helps.

Keep on clicking!

Mary

5.14.2012

5 Reasons for a Quality Headshot at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference


5 Reasons for a Quality Headshot
Edie Melson
As an author, you may be contemplating whether or not you need a good headshot.  Well, if you are serious about your craft, you need to consider investing in a professional headshot.  Why?  There are at least 5 reasons you should consider.
1.    Your headshot may be the first time an editor, reader, or someone who is booking you sees you.  You can't possibly go and meet every editor, reader or casting director in person.  So what precedes you? Your headshot. 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.

2.    Headshots help people make a good decision about who you are. As an author, do you write suspense, romance, mysteries or thrillers? Make sure your headshot reflects who you are and doesn't send a mixed message.  
      
Lynn Blackburn
     3.    Headshots 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 means you!

Alycia Morales
4.    Good headshots have a variety of uses.  For authors, headshots 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 headshot.

5.    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. Writers, 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!

Dan Case
Looking forward to seeing you through the lens of my camera at Blue Ridge!

4.26.2012

Head Shots with Andrea Merril

I had a fun shoot with Andrea Merril of Christian Devotions (dot) us.
Andrea Merril

Andrea Merril

Andrea Merril

Andrea Merril
All images copyright of Mary Denman