I would never make a good model as I freeze in front of a camera. From that I've never had a photo taken of me that I can honestly say I like or that projects the image I'm comfortable with.
Question is Do you really feel it necessary to have a photo of you on your website?
I don't feel it's necessary. A good photo it can be helpful, else leave it off and let your work speak for itself.
It sounds like a good self challenge though: how to take a self-portrait you'd be happy with? Think out of the box with set ups and locations and start working at it. Or trade services with another photog to tag along on an e-shoot to catch some working shots.
I have a snapshot of me on my site that was taken when I was on assignment. I feel that it allows the potential client to get to know me just a little prior to meeting me. I've had a couple of people tell me that they liked the pic so I guess it's working.
I do. I think it should be more then just a headshot however. If your Jasimine Star then a headshot is fine. She is hot and could post any one of her headshots. For us regular joes, incorporate some creativity to your bio shot. Mine:
i say yes simply b/c it's another way for the couple to get to know you-it's not a must but i think there aren't very many good reasons "not" to do it...just personal pref
side note: sam's idea is great....if you're talented and creative enough to do something like that
your phrasing is a bit unfortunate...."as you said do you feel it necessary" rather than simply do you think its a good idea....or do you prefer...or do you have.... all of which could have a much different answer than "is it necessary".
I have one on my blog..but not my site. I guess I'd rather the first impressions formed about my company be of my images....and not my...image
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Jimsokay wrote:
I would never make a good model as I freeze in front of a camera. From that I've never had a photo taken of me that I can honestly say I like or that projects the image I'm comfortable with.
Question is Do you really feel it necessary to have a photo of you on your website?
Unless you have a face like Yoda, then you HAVE to have pics of yourself on your site! The biggest mistake wedding photographers make with their sites is not having a serious bio section that shows off you and your personality. You are selling emotions (not photos) and brides want to connect with you and feel comfortable with you.
Stay tuned everyone for our new site that is right on with what I am talking about that is in the works and will be up soon!
Connecting with your clients is so huge. My new website has a huge bio section with pics of me and my wife and kids. I want potential clients to feel a warmth, a tangible element in my website. I think you'd be only hurting yourself to not do it. Unless you look like Yoda. haha. Anyhow, JMHO.
The Grays wrote:
Unless you have a face like Yoda, then you HAVE to have pics of yourself on your site! The biggest mistake wedding photographers make with their sites is not having a serious bio section that shows off you and your personality. You are selling emotions (not photos) and brides want to connect with you and feel comfortable with you.
Stay tuned everyone for our new site that is right on with what I am talking about that is in the works and will be up soon!
PM'ed you with the link
-Zach
Zack,
Nice link, looks real good. The camera loves you two which is the main thing imho.
I don't look like Yoda, but there are similarities. I slapped a photo on my site and it will have to do for now. Crushed velvet suits are still in style aren't they?
I don't mean to sexist, but I'm apprehensive about female photographers plastering their photo online, especially those that put up heaps of photos of themselves like its some website advertising their physical appearance. We had this incident in Australia a few years ago where a female real estate agent was meeting up with a client but ended up being... well, the two worst things you can think of, committed by that client. Since then female real estate agents have become more reluctant to post up photos of themselves in Australia, and numerous security measures are put in place.
This was an isolated incident, and photography is a little different, and maybe it's an overreaction and I'm being a worry wart, but some discretion and security might be appropriate in certain situations.
