As an author, you know how important it is to have a professional headshot. Not only does it help you look your best when meeting potential readers and fans, but it also helps promote your book and brand.

A professional portrait can make all the difference in presenting yourself as a serious author who is worth reading.

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of author headshots, what makes a good author headshot, what to wear for an author headshot, and how to pose for an author headshot.

*Linda Hogan, author of Envision Your Extraordinary Life, proudly holds her book.*

What Are Author Headshots?

Author headshots are professional photographs of authors that are used for promotional purposes. They can be used on book covers, social media profiles, and author websites.

A great author headshot can help you look professional and promote your published book.

Why Do Writers Need Headshots?

As an author, having a professional headshot is important. A good headshot can make all the difference in presenting yourself as a serious author who is worth reading. If you want to be taken seriously as an author, having a professional headshot that reflects the image you want to project is important.

This will help you promote your social media content and published book.

What Makes A Good Author Headshot?

When getting your author headshot done, there are a few key things to remember to get the best results.

Here are a few great tips:

1. Choose a photographer who specializes in author headshots.

This will ensure that you get the best possible results. The photographer will guide you through poses and facial expressions. It's important to listen to your photographer after you've chosen one. Trust their process.

2. Make sure you are comfortable with the headshot photographer.

Ask questions. Make sure they're willing to collaborate with you and not be transactional like your school pictures. This will help you relax and trust their process.

3. Pick a location that is flattering and makes you feel good.

This will help you exude confidence in the photos. The photographer will have recommendations for you.

4. Wear clothes that make you feel stylish and confident.

This will help you look your best in the photos. Seek a photographer who has a wardrobe stylist.

5. Be sure to get a variety of shots.

This will give you different options and help ensure you get a great author headshot. Following these tips will help you get the best author headshot possible, one that will help promote your book and brand in the best way possible.

What To Wear For An Author Headshot?

When it comes to what to wear for an author headshot, it's important to dress professionally. You want to look your best and present yourself as a serious author. Choose clean and wrinkle-free clothing, and avoid anything that is too revealing or casual.

Solid colors are generally a good choice, as they tend to be more flattering, and author photos are typically taken in black and white.

If you're not sure what to wear, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional photographer’s wardrobe stylist. They will be able to help you choose the right outfit for your author headshot. I ask my clients to bring 3-5 outfits (with accessories) according to the guidelines, I sent them ahead of time.

Dawn Abbott, author of your “Your Life is Not a To-Do List” holds another book that is the same size as the book that she was writing. She’ll replace the cover when she’s ready to market her book.

How To Pose For An Author Headshot?

When you're getting your author's headshot taken, it's important to strike the right pose. After all, this photo will be representing you and your brand to the world.

Here are a few tips on how to pose for an author headshot that is sure to make you look your best.

1. Stand up straight and tall (like a string is pulling your head up from the ceiling)

This will immediately make you look & feel more confident. It also looks professional.

2. Relax and Pinch back your Shoulders and Arms/Lean slightly forward from your Waist.

This will help you appear approachable and open.

3. Turn your body slightly to the side.

This will create a more flattering angle and avoid any double chin effect. I will also ask you to bring your chin out and down, as this defines your jawline and opens up your eyes.

4. Think about what expression you want to convey.

Author headshots are usually serious and professional, so a slight smile or smirk can be effective. I ask all my clients what are their 3-5 words they want to convey with your image. Your brain processes images 60,000 X faster than text. You know that popular phrase…A picture is worth a thousand words? That’s why.

5. Make sure your clothing is neat and wrinkle-free.

You want to look your best for this headshot! It’s your first impression.

*Having negative space to the right of you allows to add customized text for your marketing needs.*

To Smile or Not to Smile for Your Author Headshot?

It's up to you whether or not you want to smile in your author photo.

A stoic expression may be appropriate if you're going for a more serious look.

However, smiling is always a good option if you want to come across as approachable and friendly. Ultimately, it's up to you and what kind of image you want to project. Keep in mind that your author photo is often the first impression people will have of you, so make sure it's a good one!

First impressions are important; you want to ensure you're coming across how you want to be seen.

Whether you choose to smile or not, ensure your author's photo is professional and reflects the image you want to project.

How Much Do Author Headshots Cost?

Think of this author headshot as an investment in your book. You’ve poured your heart and soul into writing the book and making sure it’s just right. Do the same for your first impression.

All my portrait packages include getting your Hairstyled, Camera-ready Makeup, and Wardrobe styling to help you look and feel your best. I recommend my Social Branding session, where you get your 3 High-Resolution Images for your marketing needs.

Let’s chat about your vision and goals with my free 15-minute consult. You deserve to be seen!