Author headshots are an amazing tool for your personal brand and marketing, but they can be a bit intimidating for a lot of writers. The key is to find the photographer whose approach puts you at ease. In this post, I share everything you need to know about planning your author headshots along with headshots from sessions with real Philly writers.

In this blog post:

• Why Get Author Headshots
• How to Choose the Right Photographer
• Creative Author Headshots for Real Philly Writers
• How to Book Your Author Headshots

Why Get Author Headshots

Author headshots get headshots for so many reasons. They’re so important for establishing a personal brand while you’re working on getting published and even after. Publishers and readers want to get a sense of who you are visually.

A good author headshot can communicate so much about you and even your writing. If you write mystery novels, dramatic lighting and cityscapes can hook readers as much as a thrilling first paragraph. Journalists and historians might be better represented amid their books and research tools. Whichever route you choose communicates something about your writing and how your personal brand aligns with it.

How to Choose the Right Photographer

Author headshots are part of your personal branding as a writer. Every part of the creative direction plays a role in making your session a success. It all starts with finding the right photographer.

The Approach

Every photographer approaches their work differently. You have to find someone who can make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Some photographers lean towards classic editorial portraiture. They’ll give you lots of direction and focus more on posing.

I’m more of a candid photographer. Introverts and people who don’t love being photographed usually like this approach more. I focus more on your personality, environment, and brand. The photos feel natural and authentic to you. We also have fun taking them!

The Product

Consider what kind of photos you want and how you’ll use them. If you’ve got social media accounts and are actively marketing your personal brand and books, you’ll need all kinds of media including

• Portraits
• Candid photos
• Video
• B-roll

When you talk to photographers, ask them what they provide in their packages to make sure all your bases are covered.

The Location

Some photographers work exclusively in studios for portraiture. For your author headshots, you may want studio photos, but be open to other options. Your location should

1. make you feel at ease and
2. reflect your personal brand.

If that’s a photography studio, great. In my experience, a lot of writers are happier and better represented with images of them working in their offices or exploring their neighborhoods. A good photographer can help you pick a location that will reflect your brand and figure out any special considerations, like permits and lighting.

Creative Author Headshots for Real Philly Writers

I’ve been lucky enough to photograph author headshots for some amazing Philly writers. Each session is unique to best express the personal brand and tone of the authors’ work.

Photos for a Romance Writer

Kathryn is a queer romance writer. Her books are spicy and fun. We planned a session that included cool architecture, pops of color, and on-brand outfits. Kathryn’s headshots give you a sense of what to expect from their books and brand. 

For this session, we headed to the Ben Franklin Parkway outside the art museum. I love the romantic cherry blossom contrasted with Kathryn’s modern outfits and confident posing. The photos feel organic, authentic, and inviting.

Contemporary Studio Headshots

Betty is another romance writer whose books have a decidedly different tone than Kathryn’s. It makes sense that her photos would be different, too! For her session, we met at a studio. Instead of feeling stiff, this session feels natural and even powerful. We made a few choices that helped achieve this.

• Natural light makes the photos soft and inviting.
• Props include houseplants, candles, Tarot cards, and copies of Betty’s books. 
• A variety of comfortable poses make Betty look confident and approachable.

Intellectual In-Home Photos

Jason’s headshots have a more intellectual feel. They’re not overly serious, but you get a sense of what it’s like to be a fly on the wall when Jason’s working. His office is perfect for an in-home branding session with natural light, art, and full bookshelves. I loved photographing him in the space where he was obviously in his element.

How to Book Your Author Headshots 

Are you looking to book your author headshots? I’d love to work with you! I’m Heather, a Philly photographer. I take a friendly, organic approach to portraits that reflect who you are. Inquire with me here!