Time for a shift in these pre-publication posts. Up to this point, we've been spending a lot of time on things like subject matter, permissions, and author websites. Serious stuff.
Readers, it's time to talk about eyebrows. Mine, specifically.
Earlier this week, I went for my very first "brow sculpting." What does this have to do with my book? Well, the publication of my short story collection, Quiet Americans, is an occasion for a proper author photo.
And that photo will be taken on Saturday.
Even my mom - who is so d.i.y. she not only colors her own hair but cuts it, too (I love you, Mom!) - thought that a visit to the "brow sculptor" my sister has visited from time to time was in order. So after work on Tuesday I hopped on the subway and trekked downtown for the "procedure." It wasn't quite as painful as I'd feared, and I was very interested to learn that the sculptor is also a practicing writer (and sculptor to the Real Housewives of New Jersey!).
The bigger issue, of course, is that I've never been particularly comfortable having my photo taken, and I have to say that this entire part of the pre-publication process is something I'll be relieved to have finished. Any of you have tips to share on how you survived your first author photo shoot?
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6 comments:
Here's what I learned: it is best to be shot from above.
Well, I had my shoot in my home to save $ and I used a photog from out of town who does alot of website portraits.
Nervewracking. I hung a sheet with duct tape in the dining room. That was my backdrop. And I made sure I had several tops and jackets in case
something wasn't working. Fortunately, he used a digital and we could look at the shots in groups of 3 or 4. I only had him for an hour, and in the end he wanted some color in the background but I loved the black and white. I wore a favorite, classy blouse and . . . I smiled. I know I made the right choice of photo because lots of folks gave positive feedback. I use it for my website, and all promo materials. And of course, I have the digital file to forward to marketing reps, which is handy.
Sounds like your eyebrow sculpting unfolded into a social archeology adventure. Fascinating what happens when we open up to new experiences. I've never taken an author photo shoot, which makes this my only, not-useful wisdom: use a photo you already have on hand that's a few years old; cut your smiling mother out of it, so it looks like you posed deliberately; enjoy knowing that you are thinner and younger in this photo than you'll ever be again! : ) Good luck on Saturday! You'll be great!
Wear something you feel fabulous in, even if one could argue it's not a "professional" look. If you feel comfortable, the photo will turn out better. I like outdoor photos for the same reason. Also, wear makeup even if you wouldn't normally. Lipstick adds pizazz.
Apparently I'm posting after the shoot, but I hear you. I hate having my picture taken, as in, phobic.
Some tips? All of what everyone else said. From above, be comfortable, wear makeup. Also, my best friend is a fine art photographer, and she did my head shots. Adult beverages were involved. I'm just sayin'.
And a haircut and brow sculpting.
I'm sure it will be fine! Post the results!
Thanks for all of the tips. The session went well! Now I'm just trying to download a selection of the photos. As always, technology proves to be a bit of a challenge!
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