Help Me Pick an Author Photo

8 Comments / vodnik, writing / By

Zoolander (Special Collector's Edition)

Derek Zoolander: Well I guess it all started the first time I went through the second grade. I caught my reflection in a spoon while I was eating my cereal, and I remember thinking “wow, you’re ridiculously good looking, maybe you could do that for a career.”
Matilda: Do what for a career?
Derek Zoolander: Be professionally good looking.

As promised, today’s the day where I show you the various candidates I feel would be good for my author photo. I’d initially planned on having just a standard head shot taken locally, but once the trip to Slovakia was firmed up, I reconsidered. Why have a boring normal photo when I could get one of me with Trencin Castle? Way cooler. My brother-in-law recommended some good photographers, Denisa called them up, we looked at samples and chose one: Peter Stolarik (his website isn’t bringing anything up at the moment. He’s got a Facebook page, too–but I think you have to be his friend to see the photos.)

The actual photo shoot felt really strange and bizarre. I’m just not used to getting my picture taken–certainly not when it’s just me that’s the subject. Large family group shots? Okay. At least it’s a shared misery. All by my lonesome? Very weird feeling. Peter wanted to know what I wanted as an end result, and I was purposefully vague. I told him I wanted me in it and Trencin Castle–ideally recognizable as Trencin Castle. Other than that, it was up to him. He took something like 60 shots. Maybe more. Various poses all over the castle. We jumped fences, climbed up where only goats were supposed to be, and basically went wherever he thought he might get a good shot.

Anyway. Here are my top eleven (because I go to 11). There were many others I liked–he’s a great photographer, and I highly recommend him if you’re in the Trencin area.

What I’d like from you is feedback. Which picture do you like the most? Any you really dislike? Any input is welcome–including “I like them all.” I’m mainly looking for opinions. You’ve surely got one. Share it with me here, in the comments section on Facebook, or drop me an email.

In no particular order:
1

 2

 3

 4

 5

 6

 7

 8

 9

 10

11

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8 thoughts on “Help Me Pick an Author Photo”

  1. Lisa

    They’re all so fun! My votes are 2, 11, and 4, in that order. I’m not a huge fan of the ones where he shot from below, for author photo purposes … seems not intimate enough somehow. Same for the full body shots. I think it’s nice to see your face. And I like the smile, whether it’s just a hint (2) or full on (11). I think it suggests warmth and fun, which I would want to project anyway. But 4 is just a really great shot, even sans smile, so it gets my vote too.

    Reply
  6. Anonymous

    Strong vote for number two; hides the Grizzly Adams best, and I think the close-up is more meaningful for your purpose.

    TEC

    Reply
  8. Hilary

    Well, as a photographer I say 7 8 or 9. They’re composed the best. Best lighting, all that jazz, and I like the castle (is that a castle?) in the background.

    I am anti shots that are lower then you are. too much nostril. 🙂

    Reply

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