How to Choose an Outfit for Your Author Photo
When selecting an author photo outfit, it’s crucial to opt for something that reflects both your personal style and the image you wish to convey. Consider choosing a timeless and classic ensemble to ensure that your photos remain relevant and impactful for years to come. Neutral colours and simple patterns are often the best choice, as they are less likely to overpower the photograph or distract from your gorgeous face.
Both of my author photos were taken by yours truly using a tripod, my iPhone, and a remote shutter. I know, everything you read says absolutely do not under any circumstances take your own photos on a phone. However, in my defence, the first time I took author photos, we were in a pandemic. And the second time, I was in a rush to get photos done and it’s hard to find time to sneak out for a shoot with twin toddlers at home.
Be mindful of how the outfit fits your body shape and consider how it will look both standing and sitting. Ultimately, aim for an author photo outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, allowing your personality and writing to shine through.
How to Choose an Author Photo Outfit
Gather all of the inspiration you can
A Pinterest board is a fantastic way to gather all of your inspiration in one place. For my author photos, I created a board more for poses than outfits, but it still had a good effect on the outcome of my final portraits. Look at other authors in your genre. What are they wearing in their photos? Do you notice anything cohesive between their book jackets and their author photos?
Pick a few options
Sometimes, what looks good in your head looks atrocious on camera. Trust me, I’ve been there. Even with my most recent author pics, I had planned on just wearing the beige Jacquemus dress. However, once I started shooting I realized that it didn’t work. At all. So, I added the thrifted men’s jacket on top. It looked so much better. More authoress and less party girl. Choose a few different outfits that you can snap and select.
Stay on theme with your book’s content
Your author photo is going to showcase who you are. Also, what your book is about. If you write comedy, considering wearing something a little more fun. If you’re writing a murder mystery, maybe dark and brooding is more appropriate. In my first author photo (above) I opted for a neutral black look, but if you notice on my Pradegal dress, there is a cheeky hint of leopard print.
Read More: My New "About the Author" Blurb
Avoid anything too dated or loud
Your author photo outfit is going to live on for, well, perhaps forever. At least as long as your book is out there in the world. So, you want something that can remain current. Unless, of course, perhaps it’s a period piece? For me, I like to keep it classic. In both of my author photos I’ve gone for a dress and blazer combo in a monochromatic colour scheme.
Ask a professional photographer
If you’re unsure of which author photo outfit is going to photograph the best, try asking a professional photographer. They’ll be able to tell you what will pop against certain backdrops and what combo is ultimately going to come through the best. Although I didn’t use a professional photographer for my author photos, I did use one for my maternity shoot. If you’re in Toronto, I’d highly recommend getting in touch with Jeeval Tailor.
I recently came across this account, Apparel for Authors, which is “an interview series on what writers wear.” They interview a variety authors about their outfits and photos and what they think about fashion in fiction.
Did this blog help you get your outfit together for your author photos? If so, let me know! I’d love to see how they turned out.
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