Your author headshot is often the first time a reader, journalist, bookseller or potential publisher sees you. So choosing the right photographer is about more than simply finding someone who can take a nice portrait.
Here are a few things I’d recommend thinking about before you book.
Look at their portfolio
This is probably the most important thing. Look at lots of their work and ask yourself: Do I like these photographs?
Can you imagine yourself looking like that? If you’re drawn to relaxed, natural portraits but their portfolio is full of formal corporate headshots, they might not be the right fit.
Find someone who understands authors
An author headshot is different from a LinkedIn photograph. It needs to feel like you and work alongside your writing and author brand.
There isn’t one ‘author look’. Some people want something quiet and thoughtful, others want something warm, creative or editorial.
Make sure you like the photographer
Having your photograph taken can feel surprisingly vulnerable, so you want someone you feel comfortable with.
A good photographer should make you feel relaxed and give you enough direction that you’re not left wondering what to do with your hands!
Check what’s included
Don’t just compare prices. Look at how long the shoot lasts, how many images you receive, whether they’re retouched and whether you get a choice of photographs.
A 20-minute shoot with one image isn’t necessarily comparable to a 90-minute shoot with a full gallery.
Think about where you’ll use the photographs
Your photographs might appear on your book jacket, website, social media, in the press or at literary festivals.
It’s useful to have a variety of images – close-ups, wider portraits, horizontal and vertical photographs – so you’re not using exactly the same picture everywhere.
Don’t worry about being ‘photogenic’
I hear this all the time: ‘I’m really awkward in photographs.’
You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s the photographer’s job.
The right photographer will help you relax, find flattering light and capture photographs that feel natural.
Choose someone whose work you love
Ultimately, this is the simplest advice.
Don’t choose a photographer because you think you should. Choose them because you look at their photographs and think:
‘I want photographs like that.’
Your author photograph is going to follow you around for a while, so it’s worth finding someone whose style you love and who understands what you’re trying to achieve.
Looking for an author headshot?
I specialise in relaxed, natural and creative author portraits, working with authors in Kent, London and beyond.
If you’re looking for a new author photograph, I’d love to hear from you.
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