A Look in the Mirror: Your Author Photo
By Juliet Marillier | May 12, 2021 |
What makes a good author photo? Beauty? Drama? Clever lighting? Is it the picture that most honestly captures the current appearance of the individual, or the one that mysteriously reveals their true character? Or should it be an image that will draw in more readers and lead to better sales figures? The one most appropriate to the genre or to the target readership?
Romance author Barbara Cartland was almost always dressed in pink, heavily made up, and carefully coiffed. She’d usually have a cute little dog on her lap or lounging nearby. The setting would be the interior of a stately home, perhaps the one she lived in, or a gorgeous English garden. Whatever your opinion of Ms Cartland’s books, which were immensely succcessful in their time, or of the photos, there’s no doubt this romance author had an individual style – these days you’d call it a brand – which undoubtedly boosted her profile in a time when social media as we know it now did not exist. Her portrait would have appeared not only on her book jackets, but in the women’s magazines of the time, and in bricks and mortar bookshops when she had a new title out, which was often. Another portrait that sticks in my mind is a black and white image of horror writer Stephen King, with dramatic lighting emphasising his craggy and intense features. It does help to have a ‘look’ that matches what you write.
We writers are all different. Some thrive on publicity, are happy to be photographed, adore dressing up. Some can put on the required act and look as if they’re enjoying themselves. I’m of another kind. I am happiest in familiar, comfortable clothes, I don’t wear makeup, and I dislike most photos of myself. I’ve had quite a few of the official ones done over the years I’ve been writing, and I know it’s necessary and appropriate to provide a good picture. But I’ve had problems with my body image since I was quite young. Now I’m in the age group considered ‘elderly’, it’s becoming easier to accept my physical self, flaws and all. Hags are powerful creatures, afraid of nothing.
I’ve recently had new author photos taken, and for once I’m happy with them, despite going with a photographer I had not used before. I expected to be nervous and awkward, as usual – the only author photos I previously liked were done as part of a photo shoot for my dogs, as a bonus extra. If I’m holding a dog or close to one it’s far easier for me to look relaxed. Who knows, maybe Barbara Cartland felt the same! This time around I had a professional to do my makeup and hair, which took ages considering I’d requested a low key, natural look. But while the stylist worked her magic she and I chatted about all sorts of things, so that time served a dual purpose – I emerged not only looking better but feeling far more relaxed. The photographer didn’t use flash or any obtrusive studio lighting, just made clever use of screens and natural light flooding in through tall sash windows. It was actually fun, and I’m pleased with the photos, which have character. I look professional but I also look like myself.
The experience got me thinking about how an author portrait can be designed to give a particular message to potential readers. Is the subject in a flourishing garden? By a mysterious lake? Under a street light in a darkened city? Is there a dog or cat or other companion creature in the image? Does the picture look posed or natural? Is the lighting unobtrusive, cosy, dramatic, eerie? What emotion is on the subject’s face as they look out at you? Are they relaxed, friendly, intense, troubled, amused, off in a dream? The companion creature tells its own part of the story. The writer with the snake or parrot is not like the one with the cute cat or dog. Clothing, too, conveys a message, from the tailored suit right through to the comfortable dog walking outfit (no, I didn’t wear that.) The author may dress up in what suits them, or they may choose apparel in keeping with what they write, as Barbara Cartland did.
A portrait tells a story. An author portrait tells the viewer something about you, or something about your writing, or ideally, both. Whether or not you enjoy the process of being photographed, think about what story you want that image to conjure up in the minds of your readers. Ideally, you can do that and stay true to yourself.
I’d love to hear your experiences of the author photo session, from the excellent to the downright awful. What message would your ideal portrait convey to the viewer?
Image credit: ID 16275148© Aldegonde Le Compte|Dreamstime.com
Juliet Marillier has written twenty-four novels for adults and young adults and two collections of short fiction. Her works of historical fantasy have been published around the world and have won numerous awards. Juliet’s most recent series was Warrior Bards, of which the third and final book, A Song of Flight, was published in 2021. Her collection of reimagined fairy tales, Mother Thorn and Other Tales of Courage and Kindness, had its trade release in 2022. Mother Thorn is illustrated by Kathleen Jennings and published by Serenity Press.
Juliet is currently working on a two-book fantasy series. The first book in this duology, The Amber Owl, will be published by New Dawn in February 2025.
When not writing, Juliet looks after a small crew of rescue dogs.
A lot to think about.
I’ve always liked the photo I got, because it just seems like ME. I spent hours at my session being brushed and posed through different positions, and then at one point they asked me to just do what came naturally. Next thing I know I’m the guy you can see up there on the “Community” pictures, leaning back against the purple wall.
A bit smug, a bit spooky… I really hope it’s appealing, because it does say everything I need about what I write.
“Whispered spells for breathless suspense.” :)
Yours is great – nice use of colour and lighting, and you’re right, the pose looks natural. My response: “That guy looks as if he’d have an interesting story to tell.”
Many thanks.
Interesting article with a lot to think about. Thanks for making me start thinking more about an author photo that doesn’t look posed. Like you, Juliet, I don’t like having my picture taken. The one I like best that I use a lot on the Internet is really dated. It was taken at the art center where I was the theater director for many years and I posed in front of a painting done by one of our visual arts members. I was wearing a top that I also loved, and a friend took a bunch of shots while we talked. I had no special makeup or hair style. Just me, loving where I was and what I was doing.
Maryann, that sounds like a great picture – you were happy! Maybe that’s the ideal combination for you, a picture taken by a friend, while you’re in a place you love … it might work again.
Hi Juliet – Have you read, or merely encountered, epic fantasist John Gwynne? He’s got some of the most iconic author photos in our genre, IMO (at least on the historical side). If you don’t know him and get a moment, give him a quick google search and check out the images. Of course it helps that he lives in the English countryside. is a mediaeval warrior reenactor, and has a collection of weaponry (mostly replicas, I presume), as well as two great hounds (his first series, The Faithful and the Fallen, features dogs and pet “canines” prominently).
I haven’t undergone the process yet–not in any sort of professional way. Somehow I don’t quite think I could pull off the “chainmail-with-weaponry-in-hand” look. I remember one of Bernard Cornwell, from years ago. He’s walking on a blustery seashore, hair whipped by the wind. Maybe something like that. Oh, and I wouldn’t mind offering a supporting role to my beach-walking four-legged partner, Gidget, if possible.
Good perspective on a worthy topic. Hope you are well!
Vaughn, I’ve read and loved some of John Gwynne’s work but hadn’t seen his photos until I looked just now. Brilliant! It does help if a person looks like a warrior of old and has dogs to match.
You could go for a historical look without the chain mail. I can definitely see you and Gidget on the shore. Maybe a cloak? A staff? Or would that make people think you were a wizard?
I am well, thanks, just struggling a bit to find the inspirational spark. I hope you’re doing OK too.
My current author photo is an impromptu snapshot from Halloween 2019, when my thrown-together costume consisted of a couple of head-wrapped scarves, all my necklaces, my longest dangling earrings, and three times my usual makeup. It’s a good likeness and shows me laughing. I call it my hippie grandma photo. I dragged it out in desperation when a photo was requested by an online publication. When my WIP is accepted, I’ll spring for a good portrait, serious to agree with the book. Probably I won’t like it nearly as much.
Anna, I’m all for the hippie grandma look! If I had kept my long skirts from the 1970s, and still had long hair, I could attempt something similar …
Are you saying there is something wrong with my photo? That it is not sending a signal to or creating an targeted impression for my intended audience? Are you saying it is not mature, serious, or reflective of who I am?
Picky, picky, picky. (Seriously, it is necessary to treat this issue with care and, honestly, professional photographers are, ask me, the way to go. The time is coming for me to grow up, I know. Thanks, Juliette. )
Maybe it’s grownup if your photo is ironic?
I admit I struggle with my feelings on my looks. I did have a professional photo taken, and the photographer was great. She took a quality photo, but that did not make my issues go away. I don’t use the photo now because I’d just had my hair grown back after chemo, and now seven years have gone by and my hair is back. Anyway, it is easier to talk about body positivity than to actually practice it (for me anyway).
Do you recall several years ago a dustup over Jonathan Franzen’s author photo? He was dragged on social media for his photo being too good, so to speak. I thought the hubbub was unfair, but it was a reminder to be authentic. People are eventually going to see you in person. You don’t want them confused.
And I do remember those Barbara Cartland photos! Jackie Collins had an identifiable look too. Not my style at all, but more power to them. Goodness, now I’m thinking of the looks of several authors.
Oh well. Thanks for the post!
Interesting comments, Marta! Took me back to my own chemo expeience (2009) and the way my hair grew back wildly curly, like a bad 1960s perm … Fortunately after a few more haircuts it returned to its straight self.
I do ermember Jackie Collins’ author photos, and the ones of her with her actress sister, Joan Collins – big hair, beaming smiles and lots of jewellery. They suited the books!
All the best to you. Stay well.