Unfortunately, the society we live in is very superficial and quick to judge. I don't claim to be separate from the society...but I try. Anyways, I agree with everyone that said you are selling your self if you put up a photo of yourself. I think the photo should be aright as long as it looks semi-casual, you look friendly- THAT MEANS SMILES! and you're dressed appropriately. About the age thing, I know exactly what you're talking about, im 23, and look 16. Look at my website- www.lopre.com and click the "about us" page, I'm the one on the right...yea, young lookin. I know, i'll appreciate that in 20 years
If the picture is up to par with your work? Then it'll be good to show. If your picture makes you look better than you do in real life? Girls will know that you can do the same for them.
All this discussion is interesting, thought provoking, etc, but missing one very important question:
*What do we have to materially gain by putting our pictures on our website?
This is of course a generic we. I can't really imagine a situation where NOT having a picture would result in the loss of a booking. Given that... why bother putting a picture up? All your rapport with your clients develops over the consultation. Why give them a chance to write you off before they meet you?
Of course, for a photographer who is good looking, fresh, full head of hair, etc, I would imagine there's plenty to gain, as (unfortunately) people subconsciously associate all sorts of positive qualities with people of above-average beauty. This, of course, is why the best con-men are extraordinarily handsome - people unwittingly trust them.
I don't put my picture up on my site. I don't think I'm the most attractive person in the world (I some how mananged to land a hot wife) and I don't want to frighten brides away. So when we meet, I mostly rely on my personality and portfolio to win them over. This has been working for me and I don't see any reason to change things.
Also, as someone else put it, most brides look at one's work and they already know that they want you to photograph their wedding regardless of how you look.
My first gig where I made money taking pictures was at a ski resort. Yep, I was one of those annoying "Would you like your picture taken?" people at the top of the ski lifts. It was my experience that looks and gender do matter. The contrast between the groups I photographed and the groups that the women I worked with got was pretty funny sometimes
I'm a big guy and my friends would probably describe my build as somewhere between a teddy bear and a defensive tackle. I talk loud and smile big. Some times of the year naturally attract more families (Christmas or spring break) and I did great during these weeks. I was able to joke with the kids and the dads probably saw me like they would a buddy. I had a lot of fun and made good money those weeks.
However, most of the skiers the rest of the winter were 20 or 30 something guys on vacation with their buddies. I was in the minority at the place I worked, I wasn't a pretty woman. I didn't blame the guys, I probably wouldn't have wnated to talk to me either. Overall, I'd say that I was a better photographer than most of the people that I worked with, but ended up making less money because of who I was.
Anyway, not sure how this applies to weddings, but thought I'd throw it out.
its so true, so true. i do a lot of senior pictures and i am 17 myself. for the senior market, image is a huge thing. they know that i am the same age as them, and we can connect on many levels. they know that i know what the style is, and i book a lot through my PERSONAL myspace. people like to know who they will be spending 2-3 hours with alone. so none of my photos/page is private, and they can get to know me before we even meet.
