The Benefits of Author Headshots
Updated 9/2023!
You can create an Amazon author page, a Facebook author page, and even an Instagram or TikTok account without using any pictures of yourself. If your readers can see you, though, it’s a lot easier for them to feel like they have a personal connection with you.
In my experience, people you interact with online tend to behave a little better if they see you’re a real, flesh-and-blood person. And using some element of your real self—your name, your photo, or both—can remind you to be kind and mature in your own online interactions as well.
Traditional publishers usually ask for and expect author headshots that they can use in book marketing.
Don’t Be Shy About Author Photos
It’s easy for writers to feel self-conscious about our looks. Most of us are much more critical of ourselves than we are of others. If you think about some of your favorite authors, though, chances are they don’t look like movie stars, and that doesn’t keep you from liking them.
Personally, I have sometimes told myself, “Oh, I’ll get an author photo once I lose some weight,” or, “I’ll do it after I commit to a skin routine for six months.” Listen, if your appearance changes, you can always update your photo later, but you are just fine, right now.
You’re a creative, unique human being. You’re perfect. Let people connect with you.
How Much Do Author Headshots Cost?
You can expect to spend $150 – $400. Here in the Chicago area, I get my author headshots done by Maia Rosenfeld, and I absolutely love her. She’s brilliant at setting up shots and manipulating the light, she’s great at putting people at ease, and she makes it a fun experience! I love it that I can bring my own music. Maia charges $150 for 1 to 2 looks, which I think is extremely reasonable, and you can get more looks for more money. Here’s her photography website for headshots in Chicago! Prices may be higher in your area, particularly if you live in expensive cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Don’t let self-consciousness keep you from seeing a professional photographer if you can afford it. An expert knows how to make you look good! I think professional author headshots are a very good investment in your career. That being said, if you just can’t afford an author photo, you can enlist your mom or dad, spouse, or bestie. Take a few test ones to make sure you’ve got flattering lighting, and then get lots of photos so you can choose the best one.
What to Wear for Author Headshots
If in doubt, keep it simple! I’ve been told this for TV appearances as well. Busy patterns are distracting. If you’re wondering what to wear, solid colors are often better. If you have long hair, you may not want the color of your top to match your hair. It’s a good idea to try at least a couple of wardrobe options.
If you get too gimmicky—such as sporting a feather boa, a pipe, or both—some people may find it unprofessional. On the other hand, it’s your photo! In the end, only you can decide how you want to present yourself.
Choose an Author Photo That Looks Good in Black and White
Nobody ever thinks about this, but you, your publisher, or a bookstore may want to use a black and white version for the inside of your book or for other advertisements, posters, or publications.
Let Followers Choose from a Few Author Headshots
People love to comment and vote on author photos! You don’t have to do this, of course, but it’s a great way to connect with people and start a conversation. On your Facebook author page, Instagram account, TikTok account, or wherever, share two or three different photos and have people vote on their favorite.
A Few More Tips For Author Portraits
Consider your background.
A simple background like a plain wall is great. A green background of grass and trees, such as a park, can look wonderful. I’ve seen some nice author photos with bookshelves in the background, too. Avoid a backdrop that’s the same color as your hair, and if you’re sitting in a chair, don’t wear a shirt that matches the chair.
Consider the light.
If you’re taking photos outdoors, early morning light or overcast days may be more flattering. Photos taken with you in the shade and your photographer in the sun can turn out really well.
Drop your chin.
I got this advice both from a friend of mine who’s a model, and from the photographer I worked with. Some of us tend to jut our chin at the camera, and it often looks better to drop the chin a little lower.
Smile…unless it’s really not “you.”
Usually, a smile—or at least a hint of one—is going to help people connect with you. But if you don’t smile a lot in general, a smile in your photo might feel fake to you. And if you write very serious literary fiction, horror, dark paranormal, or so on, you might choose to go less smiley.
Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
If your photographer thinks they have a cool, edgy idea, and you’re not feeling it, say no. They’re working for you, not the other way around, and if you’re uncomfortable, it’s probably not going to be a good picture, anyway.
Use apps if you want to.
If you want to touch up your smartphone photo just a little bit, here are a few options (and I know there are may more.) You can use Facetune to whiten your teeth, smooth out wrinkles a little, or lighten dark circles under your eyes. You can use VSCO for a flattering filter (or just a cheery, romantic, or moody filter you like.)
I don’t touch up my professional author headshots because my photographer has such amazing natural light in her home studio, I usually look my best, anyway. With everyday iPhone photos, like I often share on my Instagram, I usually do touchups, but I don’t like to go overboard—otherwise, I wind up looking plastic instead of like me. At the moment, I also use a slight VSCO filter on just about everything—C1—to make my life look cheery. 🙂 In 2024, I might change the vibe to something more sophisticated; who knows?
Anyway, that’s just me. It’s your picture! Many people would never use a filter, and I respect that. 🙂
What If You’re Writing Under a Secret Pen Name?
Bloggers and authors can have all kinds of reasons for using a pseudonym. I think it’s fine as long as authors don’t use it to edge out marginalized writers (e.g., a white writer pretending to be Black to market their African-American romance), and as long as authors don’t “catfish” by creating an elaborate false identity.
When you’re writing under a secret pen name, you may have to get creative with an author photo. You could hire a designer to create a loose illustration of you. You could also use a photo focusing on your hands. They could be typing on a keyboard, holding a book, or holding a coffee cup—whatever feels right to you. You’ll miss out on some of the personal connection readers will feel with a headshot, but you won’t be misleading anyone.
How do you feel about author headshots—or getting your picture taken in general? Do you have any advice for others? Let us know below! And by the way, you look amazing today!
INTERESTING, BRYN I WRITE UNDER A NAME I FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH, CHINA
Nice! A pen name or real name is a big decision and you want something that feels right. Thanks for reading, China!
Hm, I’m curious why you are using your real name for the new book.
Oh yeah! Branding and transparency. A lot of romance writers use a different pen name for their sweet stuff vs. their steamy stuff, just so readers know what to expect, and I’ve published steamy romance as Bryn. My gift books and children’s books with Hallmark were always under my real name. so I already thought of it as my Hallmark name. I also felt like being the director at a publishing company but publishing a book there under a pen name could appear sneaky or cause some weirdness.
My son is slowly building his photography and videography business. He caught me in a quiet moment on their patio relaxing with a cup of coffee. Best photo of me ever. It looks like I’m listening, that I want to hear what someone else is saying. I use it, unedited, as my Face Book photo. He’s going to edit it so I can use it on a website and other social media accounts. I’m lucky to have him close by.
BTW: Your photo is lovely. Is this the new one?
Hi, Bonnie! Oh, that’s really nice. And how lucky to have a photographer in the family! I actually got two headshots from the photographer — this one for the blog and another one (very similar, but he caught me laughing) for my real name and the next book.
I had to smile because you DO look like a movie star, and the photographer was right about your wonderful expression when listening to others. I’ve been thinking of doing this myself, since my best photos are getting old. (Of course, I’m not.) I’ve seen a lot of authors keep their young faces on their posts, but I feel I’m misrepresenting. Thanks for the tips.
Hahaha, well we will agree to disagree about the movie star thing! But he definitely showed me in the best light. I’m with you — I feel like the pictures need to be updated every two or three years, just to stay current! Thanks for commenting friend!
THANK YOU. Good job explaining: your author photo is absolutely successful.
Hi Tom! Aw thanks. And you’re so welcome!
Thank you Bryn. This is very helpful! I have a separate author name just invented for my children’s books (Rose Connor) since this pen name (Niki Flow) talks very frankly about my life. I published my first book of poetry under my old pen name (Sara Michele O’Sullivan). None are my real name! (Mick O’Toole) Any advice about how to manage all these names? =) Thanks again for a very good and informative read. ♥.
Hi Niki! 🙂 It’s pretty easy for me, since I only use two — this name and my real name. It’s not a secret that they’re both me! I do think it’s good to have a separate email account for each to keep things straight.
Thank you. Yes mine aren’t secret just a bit …er, much. Four names. Sheesh. Well, something to think about! Thanks again. I really enjoy your blog. ♥.
This is such a cool post, Bryn, and a topic with which I’ve always had a love/hate relationship. (BTW, I kept forgetting to mention that I love your new blog photo — you do look like a movie star as someone else mentioned.) I’ve always had terrible self-esteem issues, and being mildly overweight my whole life hasn’t helped. Last year I started experimenting with my Nikon camera, a tripod, and a wireless clicker thingie in the privacy of my office when everyone else was asleep — everything from sweet, simple photos to ultra-sexy ones that I had to work up the courage to show my husband (he was blown away, too, which made me feel terrific!). 🙂 What I’ve learned is that it takes 20-30 shots to get about 3 or 4 that I’m happy to play with (adjusting basic things like contrast and brightness, changing to b/w or sepia, etc.). Make-up makes a huge difference. The chin thing…wow, amazing how that affects a photo! I’ve bought a few wigs to play with, and that’s been so much fun… I recommend giving this a try to anyone who feels totally self-conscious about seeing a photographer. It’s helped me find the beautiful side of myself, taught me a little about photography, and has given my confidence a major boost.
And now that I’ve prattled on…lol…back to the topic. I love seeing author photos in books because it makes the book more real — and I’m not talking the story, because that’s its own animal. If I see a picture of the author, I can start to imagine them sitting at a keyboard writing the story, having a cup of coffee, or angsting over the next plot point. The process of bringing the book to the shelf, so to speak, suddenly has a face. And it inspires me to think that maybe — one day — my face could be out there in my own books. I find I generally enjoy a book more when I know what the author looks like. (And sorry for this monstrously long comment!) 🙂
Haha, I do not look like a movie star. You are so photogenic that I never would’ve guessed you’d be camera-shy! But that’s great that playing with the camera and experimenting has made you see how gorgeous you are. 🙂 I totally agree that it helps to get a LOT of shots. I agree…I like to see the face of the author and feel like I have more of a sense of the process. Great comment! (As always!)
Wonderful article and sooo helpful. As a rule, I hate having my picture taken, but your advice is so encouraging, it makes me want to go right now and get a pro to take mine. As you say, good photos are a must in this business, and the more you’re “out there,” the more you need several on hand. Thanks for sharing. By the way, great pic of you!
Hi, Tabitha! Yeah, I was looking forward to the photo shoot about as much as I’d look forward to a root canal, but now I’m so glad I got it done. Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for reading!
Your headshot is beautiful. I use different ones – the one here is for blogging. When I published my latest book, I had a “professional” do my headshot. My daughter – a professional (middle school teacher) who set me up in good light and had her children make faces in the background, which created a great smile. 🙂
You have such a great picture! I love it. Fun to hear the story behind that great smile!
Thank you, Bryn. Just yesterday at an art fair i ran into the photographer who had done me for two of my books. I said they were really nice and he said, “They’re why your books were best seller,” and i laughed. Such egos these photographers have–as big as writers egos. But I do think the writing had something to do with it.
Best, David
Hahaha, I love it! It’s a great photo, honestly, and so perfect for the kinds of books you write! Thanks for commenting, David. 🙂
You have no idea how timely your post is!! Luckily, I have a writer/publisher friend who also does photography, so we’re getting together so that she can do a photo shoot. I want to keep it simple as well. She wants to do a shot with pencils in my hair. *rolls eyes* Well, we’ll see…
Hi Heather! Ah, it’s good to have a photographer friend! Pencils in your hair, hee hee. I’m sure you both try a few different looks and see what works out best! Hope you have fun!
I absolutely refuse to have photos of myself taken. As a reader, frankly, I don’t care what the author looks like. As an author, frankly, my face is never going to sell any books.
I’m not sure why this is so important considering the average reader does not give AF what an author looks like.
It’s just a means of social control. Also I love the whole “catfish” complaint. An author has every right to create a “persona” to present their work given that so many people feel so ENTITLED to things which they are not entitled to.
Hey friend! Well, it’s certainly a topic on which reasonable people can disagree. Thanks for reading, and thanks for sharing your thoughts!