Friday, March 19, 2010

Author Headshots--You Choose!

My husband is an avid and accomplished amateur photographer, so I use him for my author headshots. It's usually a big production where he gets out all his toys--digital camera, lenses, flash, tripod, remote clicker, white umbrella, light reflectors, and more. And, after the raw photos are taken, he uses his digital toys, including Aperture and Photoshop.

It's been about five years since he took my last headshot, which I display EVERYWHERE--on my books, my website, Facebook, Goodreads, etc. So, for my March 1, 2011 Midnight Ink release, Deadly Currents, I needed a new headshot. My editor asked me to submit two. She wants a regular head-and-shoulders formal headshot and an outdoorsy shot that reflects the occupation of my sleuth, a whitewater river ranger.

I've winnowed down the numerous shots we took to three of each. Now, it's your turn to vote. Choose the first, second or third formal shot and the first, second or third outdoor shot. Or, feel free to tell me we have to go back to the drawing board! After we pick one of each, dear hubby promises he'll go to work in Photoshop and try to get rid of as many wrinkles and flaws as possible. Ain't he sweet!

Here are the formal shots:
















































Here are the outdoor shots:























47 comments:

Lisa Bork said...

How fun your husband can get involved! I like the second or middle shot of each pose.

Alan Orloff said...

Hey, where's the shot of you on a raft? I think I like the first picture in each pose.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

What a great job he did!

I'll choose the first of both. :)

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder

G.M. Malliet said...

I like the first two outdoor shots. Of the inside shots, I like the first one, although overall I prefer your more-smiley expression in the outdoor shots.

Sue Ann Jaffarian said...

I'm with Gin, I prefer the smiley outdoor shots the best, with #2 the most. The indoor shots look the same to me.

I'm having new headshots done in May, right after Malice. Acting friends referred me to a professional who doesn't charge an arm and leg.

Stefania Dragomir said...

I vote for outdoor shot #2.

PamelaSueJames said...

I like the second pose and then the first pose on the outdoor shot.

M Pax said...

I like the first one of the outdoor shots best. You look all happy and alive.

chloedog1 said...

On both cases I liked the first ones. They have more contrast and depth to them. The others (esp. the third, seemed to be washed out.)
Hubby (hi to him) did a great job with the pixs. Think if I gave him goo-goo eyes, he'd take my pix?
Just kidding, you know that!
Hugs,
L. C. Hayden

Theresa de Valence said...

Hi Beth!

I choose the first of both, though I would prefer the "studio" shot to have a wider, more carefree smile!

Best,
Theresa

Tea said...

I like the outdoor shots especially the first outdoor one. It's really hard to pick. He is a good photographer.

Maria Lima said...

Love the 2nd outdoor shot. It's well lit, it's casual and you look great. :)

Rosie Griffin said...

I love your smile in the first outdoor shot!

Jan Buck said...

First outdoor shot is terrific!

NoraA said...

I'm gonna say the 3rd of the indoor shots... the lighting was most flattering. The middle one while great might not turn out so good when the printers get it.

For the outdoor one, I'd say number 2 again because of the lighting (I would have your husband use photoshop to lighten up the blush a bit).

Bubbe Nora
Formerly known as Massada Photo Studios. LOL

Dee Hendershot Gatrell said...

Beth,
I like the second headshot and 2nd outdoor shot.

Dee Gatrell

sheep#100 said...

Second outdoor shot. The inside shots look a little "strained" -like you were holding the pose for too long waiting for the photographer.

Eric said...

I like the 2nd outdoor shot the best.

Deborah Sharp said...

I like the first one in each sequence. (And isn't photoshop MAGICAL? Wrinkles be gone ... not that you have many to erase. With me, P-shop got a workout!)

Lourdes said...

The second shot of each pose. Nice photos!

Gink said...

I like the second outdoor shot the best!

Darrell James said...

Beth- #2 and #2 get my votes. But, I'm with Alan,woiuld love tio see a white water action shot (maybe a little difficult to do). Love the photos either way.

CherylsPearls said...

I like the first of the indoor and the first or second of the outdoor! The outdoor ones are my favorite.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Wow -- what a variety of opinions you have here. I like the bottom shot in the first photo, and the middle shot in the outdoor photo. For some reason, the coloring seems a little more harsh in the first two headshots... As far as overall preference, I love the outdoor photo the most.

Donna Fletcher Crow said...

Well, I'd go for the formal, maybe the third, but that's just me. My guess is you'll get more votes for the outdoors. What a fun poll.

I had a full-length on my fan page. My daughter said she wouldn't join until I changed it. Then my son wrote and said, "Mom, I liked the first one the best." you can't please 'em all.

The Write Now! Coach said...

I'd go for the middle shot of each pose, too!

Alice Loweecey said...

I like the second outdoor shot. Great pics, all of them!

Dru said...

I like outdoor shot #2

Heartbeatoz said...

Another vote for 2nd outdoor Shot

Judy Smith said...

I like the second shot of each set, but--now no one bite my head off--I don't think the second set looks relaxed enough for a casual picture. You look good in all of them, but not relaxed.
Judy Smith

VR Barkowski said...

Your husband did a fabulous job, Beth. Of the three formal poses, I prefer the first one, but I LOVE the first two outdoor shots. You look beautiful, happy and in your element.

Kaye George said...

The outdoor shots are better. I like the second one best. I think you could do better on the indoor shots. Hey, you asked! But you look better than that every time I see you.

Unknown said...

Hi - I like the middle shots of each.

Mary Ellen

DeAnna said...

Outdoor shot #2. You look happier :)

Rebecca said...

Your husband is indeed an accomplished photographer. While they are all good, I vote for the third head shot (lighter) and the middle or second outdoor shot.

Rebecca Butler

Debra Lee said...

One and two

Librarian D.O.A. said...

I vote for pensive headshot number two and playful, yet potentially deadly lawndart photo number one.

Beth Solheim said...

Beth,

I like the middle photo with you holding the paddle. Looks so nice and natural.

elysabeth said...

I like the first of the formal one and think the outdoors one should be done in a raft with all the gear - helmet, et cetera but if that's not possible, the first or second one - I think the first's coloring is good in both - you have a more natural look in those poses. And you don't have any wrinkles that I can see to be wisked away with photoshop - lol. Good luck with it - E :)

Beth Groundwater said...

Thanks, everyone, for your comments! It looks like we may be going back to the drawing board on the formal shots. Maybe I'll be in charge of the clicker for the new set. I had the clicker for the outdoor photos & my smile was more natural in them. As for an action whitewater shot, that will have to wait for rafting season in June. Thanks again for all your opinions. They were very helpful.

Patg said...

I think the outdoor shots look better, and for now, suit your book.
Patg

Anonymous said...

Outdoor shot #2, without hesitation.

Love that shirt in the indoor shirts, by the way.

muffster said...

Definitely the 1st photo in each section, especially the outdoorsy shot.

Marilyn Levinson said...

Beth, I like the first head shot and the first outdoor shot best.
Marilyn Levinson

Cher'ley said...

The filters are a little red on the first ones, and too light in the last ones. So the middle shots of both for me. Nice photos, you look beautiful in all of them.

Margaret said...

The middle shot of each.

Kathryn Lilley said...

I like the second outdoor shot best. Nice that you have an "in house" photographer!