What kind of photos do writers need?
As we celebrate world book day this week, I thought I’d share a useful blog post for all you lovely writers out there. Even if it's not books that you write, today I’m covering all the ins and outs of how writers can boost their visibility!
So perhaps you’re a novelist, a journalist, a copywriter, food writer, screenwriter, speech writer, blogger or another amazing type of writer. If you consider yourself a professional writer and want to be viewed as such, there's no getting around it; you need professional photos of yourself. And I’m betting you’ve already come across a variety of situations where you’ve needed images of yourself and so perhaps that’s why you’re here reading this blog now; because you want to know what type of photos writers need.
Well, that’s where I come in. I’m Lisa and I’m the personal brand photographer behind ‘self made and seen’. I work with a range of professionals, including writers, who need stunning images to promote themselves, stand out and attract their ideal people. So today, I want to help you make an impact and connect with your dream audience by learning about the type of photos that will benefit you most. (Spoiler alert: it’s not just an author headshot!)
So let's start off by looking at just a few examples of when, as a writer, you will need a professional photo of yourself.
Where do writers need photos of themselves?
On your publisher’s or agent’s website (great for applying to them too!)
On directories where you promote your writing services.
Alongside your writing such as inside or on the back of book covers, or alongside articles or blogs.
When you or your writing is featured somewhere such as in the press or a guest blog.
As your profile photo on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and all your other social platforms. (You can also use them for cover images or banners etc.)
If you have a website, you can use photos all over it but you definitely should have one on your about page.
Part of a campaign to promote something you’ve written.
To advertise a reading, book signing or event you are part of.
On printed marketing materials such as business cards, postcards, banners.
And you can use them to create engaging social content too!
This list could go on and on, but wherever you use your professional portraits, you will be showing off who you are and what you have to offer, encouraging people to learn more about you and your writing.
Why do writers need photos of themselves?
Now, of course we all know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to attracting your ideal reader, your dream publisher, or your perfect client, your photo could be the first thing they see and ultimately what influences them to read or not read what you have written. So it’s important to consider what your photos are communicating about you.
Do you look professional? Do you seem intelligent and interesting? What kind of personality are you giving off? What writing style might you have?
These are the questions you want your photos to answer, which is why it’s crucial to make sure you invest in the right type of photos that writers need.
What type of photos do writers need?
Ok, so a professional headshot is pretty standard, and I’m betting that’s the type of photo most of you will think you need, and perhaps you even have one already. But if you want to really stand out (from all the other writers with standard headshots), and if you want to make more of an impact with your photos, then you need images with context and personality! By giving context in your portraits you’re not just showing your face, but you're referencing what it is that you do. This will help attract (and intrigue) the right audience for you. By showing off your personality, you’re allowing your audience to feel a connection with you. And you could also hint at your style of writing or genre, which will encourage your ideal audience to read what you have written.
Let me show you a few examples to help you visualise what I mean.
1. Portraits with context.
2. Images of you writing (on paper & on devices!)
3. Images of you reading (could be your own writing, or writing you enjoy).
4. Images of you showing off something you’ve written.
5. Images of you using something you’ve written (e.g. a cook book, self help guide, or audio book).
6. Images that give a flavour of your personality.
7. Images that hint at your writing style or genre.
Do you see how these kinds of photos can do so much more than a headshot that just shows someone's face? These types of photos help you tell your story, reel your audience in, and entice them to want to know more about you. Ultimately, these kinds of photos could encourage people to read what you have written!
So, to boost your visibility as a professional writer, make sure you have the kinds of photos that will benefit you most!
If you’re in need of some professional portraits to promote yourself, I’d love to help!
Now that you know what type of images you need as a writer, I’d love to help you plan and create the perfect images for you.
As your personal brand photographer, I’ll aim to show off your unique personality & your specific offerings in a creative way through the beautiful brand images we create together.
I also want to give you more confidence to show up for the people who need you, so you can build a strong and recognisable personal brand.
Personal brand photography can really help you stand out, make an impact, and get seen!