Professional Shot to the Head

I mean, shot OF the head. Not to the head.  Professional headshots.

So, I've got this book that just came out... (seriously, even I'm tired of hearing myself talk about this). No discussion about Primal Instinct today, promise!

But one of the things I was told by Harlequin last month is that I needed a better photograph than the one I have been using on in order for them to be able to officially utilize it for promotional purposes.  The one I have been using is a great picture of me -- from the Romance Writers of America convention (the Harlequin Party, if fact) in Atlanta last summer (2013): my hair was so long and I was just so excited about having sold my first book.

But unfortunately it's out of focus and there are people wandering in the background.

I am a terrible picture-taker. I always feel awkward and stilted. But I decided while I had my hair and make-up done for my release party last week I would get a professional headshot done. I found a photographer who was 1) a woman, which I hoped would make me a little more comfortable , and 2) had a website with a feel I really liked: Melissa Blue.

Poor Melissa. I was doing a one-outfit shoot, but I brought almost every outfit I owned because I wasn't sure. About anything.  I wasn't sure about colors, textures, patterns, jewelry, tones, styles... I'm pretty hopeless when it comes to these things

I just wanted a picture that was natural and not-stiff, but professional, friendly and yet glamorous, and made me look young, hip and fabulous. No problem, right?  I was thinking maybe one of these...

Really, I liked either pose: classy, comfortable, casual.  You know, but fun!

Sigh. Basically those are how I felt for the entire photo shoot. Basically how I feel for any formal photo. 

Melissa, God bless her, worked very patiently with me. I felt like I was wearing a TON of make-up (the opposite of my usual), and that I was stiff and awkward. The poses she asked for (shoulders down, chin out, elongate the neck, then chin down) were to help me look the best I could for the camera. But honestly, every once in a while Melissa would have to say, "Yes, that's the perfect pose. Just don't make that face." I imagine I looked something like this:

Fortunately, Melissa stuck with me and I ended up with some great shots. She sent an entire gallery worth of good photographs (nary a mullet in the bunch). I was able to choose three with the package I got, so these were my choices.

I'm thankful it's all over, but most of all I'm thankful to have some good shots. I'll be changing all my social media over to the new shots this week.