Your author photo is like your handshake. What does it say about you?

We often feel uncomfortable with our author photos. However, if you don’t have one—or if you use some other alternative—you appear to be hiding. Readers and clients will have a harder time relating to you. I’d go so far as to say that if your photo doesn’t look professional, you could be losing clients and readers.

Feel more confident with professional photos, as they are likely to show you at your best.

Find a Good Photographer

The right professional photographer can make all the difference, and today’s photographers are more affordable than you may think. I recently had my author photos taken to coordinate with the release of my new novel. The last time was 11 years ago. I didn’t want to go to an event and have people think that my professional photo did not line up with who they were seeing in person!
Turns out I ended up paying much less for my photos this time around. I’m sure there are many reasons for that, including the demands of the marketplace and technology improvements, but it made me see clearer how accessible this effort can be for authors.

To find a good match, check photographers’ portfolios. Look at lighting, locations, and creativity. Once you’ve narrowed it down to your top three, call them and talk. Email isn’t enough. You want to sense this person knows what they’re doing, and that you will feel comfortable working with them.

Choose Your Outfits

Most photographers allow you to use two to four outfits in your photo session. Go with at least three. This will give you a variety of photos to use in your branding and increase the odds that you will be pleased with the final photos.

Set out five to ten outfits to choose from. Take selfies in each one, then send those to a trusted friend for input. Some of those outfits I thought would look best on me turned out not to be the final outfits I ended up going with.

Colors are critical. Choose those that light up your face. The wrong colors can kill a photo shoot.

Check Your Hair and Makeup

This isn’t the time for drastic appearance changes. Go with a hairstyle that flatters your face. If you need a trim or color, do it a couple of weeks beforehand. Don’t wait until the day before. Let a cut grow to appear less crisp and freshly cut. Give your hair time to settle in.

Don’t hesitate to go to a makeup counter for help. Don’t go too heavy—makeup that naturally accentuates your features is best.

Be Rested and Calm

Nothing messes up a nice photo like fatigue. Schedule your photo shoot at a time you’re more likely to be relaxed. In the days beforehand, rest, eat well, and exercise. Take care of yourself—it will show in your photos.

On the day of your appointment, block out sufficient time. You don’t want to feel stressed rushing to the shoot or tire from too much scheduled in your day.

Take Your Time Choosing the Photos

Once the photo shoot is complete, your photographer will likely email you the raw, unedited images. This is your chance to choose your final photos.

Most photographers include a certain number of images in the price of the photo session. (Mine included 15.) You can usually receive extras for an additional fee.

Ask one to three other people to weigh in on your choices, but not too many, or they may only confuse you.

Take your time. Through a gradual elimination process, a few photos will rise to the top as those you prefer for your author branding. I ended up with four main ones that I’m using today.

Use Your New Photos!

Once you have your new photos, update everything. That includes your website, social media channels, any upcoming books, and everywhere else you can think of that makes an impression of you.

Don’t hesitate to invest in yourself this way. You’re a professional writer—it’s okay to look like one.

BIO: Colleen M. Story is a northwestern writer of imaginative fiction. Her novels include her upcoming release, The Curse of King Midas, as well as The Beached Ones and Loreena’s Gift (a Foreword Indies award winner). She also writes nonfiction books for writers and creators. Find more at her author site (www.colleenmstory.com) and motivational site for writers (www.writingandwellness.com).