It’s an exciting week for me. I’m working on my final edits for GOOD CHINESE WIFE and have to turn them in to my editor next Monday.
I also have to submit an author photo!
Many writers commission a professional photographer. But for the same reasons that my family doesn’t go to photography studios every year with the kids, I also didn’t hire a professional to snap my photo. My husband Tom loves photography, so I’ve decided to use one of his shots.
The only problem is that I cannot decide which one to choose! That’s where I need your help.
I thought about this one taken in Hong Kong last year. Victoria Harbour is in the background and while it looks like dusk, the air is just polluted. But I like the atmosphere.
Or this one from the same trip.
And there’s this one from several months ago. I’m at some friends’ wedding (another Hong Kong connection) in my home town of Evanston, Illinois.
I’d love to hear what you think! Thank you!
This is really so amazing! Hard to choose but I love third one the most!!
Love you and wish you all the best.
Thank you so much, Tazeen! I miss you like crazy. My editor chose the third one!
#1 and #3 have the best color and really feature you in an appealing way. But since it’s a book cover picture, I am voting for #3 simply because the hair isn’t in your face.
Thanks so much, Fran! My editor must have thought the same because she picked #3! It’s special because it was taken in Evanston, where it all started!
Hi Susan, I love all three pictures! I especially love the top 2 because they are so unique to your story. However, I think the bottom one is most appropriate for an author photo. Good luck and I’m so happy for you!
Thanks so much, Rachel! I totally agree with you! And my editor chose #3, so that’s what will be in the book! Thanks so much for your kind words!
If the story is more serious, I’d go for the third photo, but if its lighthearted I’d go with the first photo. Honestly I love the first photo 😀
Thanks, Sveta! Yeah, the story is pretty serious, so the third photo definitely fits it. I love the first, too, but that strand of hair bothers me. If only it weren’t so windy that day!
I like the first one because it’s fresh and full of personality.
Thank you so much, Suzanne! We’re going with the third one, but I still use the first as my Facebook profile photo and on a little business with my website and e-mail address.
It’s exciting that you’re in the home stretch. And how nice of you to ask for advice. It’s always fun to give an opinion. Anyway, here goes: I like the first one a lot, but you might come to dislike that one strand of hair across your face. The middle one is too busy; the boat distracts from your face. The last one is excellent. It has the most depth and clarity. I agree with Kelda, you probably need to photoshop out that banister in the background and maybe crop the photo a bit.
Thank you so much, Nicki! I think deep down that was exactly what I was thinking, but was having trouble coming to that conclusion. I’m such a sucker for anything Hong Kong. But you’re right: the last one is the most professional. That strand of hair bothers me. Oh, if only the wind weren’t so strong that day. The third photo was actually taken in a church at a wedding!
I like the third one best Susan, professional looking… but they are all good.
Thanks so much, Nancie! #3 it is!
I like the third one, since it’s all about you! The other two are lovely but the eye’s focus is drawn to things other than your face.
Hi Dorcas, Thanks so much for your comment! My editor chose #3, and I’m really happy about that. It’s hard to be objective about these things. Thank goodness for friends and editors!
The third one with the background photoshopped out.
Thanks so much, Kelda! This one was taken at Northwestern over the summer when I attended a wedding there!
I like the top photo, but I think the bottom photo is the best choice for an author photo. All 3 photos are good. #3 will stand the test of time.
Thanks so much, Stacy! #3 it is! I agree with what you wrote. Sometimes it’s hard to make a decision, though!
I love the first one! I like the movement of your hair. And you look so you, very happy and adventurous.
Thank you so much, Melanie! I love that one, too, but we’re going to go with #3. I do have the first one as my FB profile picture and on a business card.
OK, I’m going to be no help I guess in combo with the other comments, but I love, love, love the 1st pic. What color will the back cover be? (The pic will appear there, right?) I’d also think about what colors will look good with the color scheme they have chosen for the back flap (or wherever the pic shows up), but I love the way the colors pop in #1. Whichever you choose, it’s so exciting!
Thanks so much, Tracy! The photo will probably be a black and white one on the inside back. The book comes out in paperback, so no back flap. We’re going to go with #3, but I still use #1 for FB and a business card!
I like the top and bottom photos, and I think I like the bottom photo the best, but you’re right, Susan, they are all great.
Thanks so much, Van! The bottom one it is!
Hard choice… perhaps you should go back to Hong Kong and get Tom to get a shot where your hair isn’t moving?
It’s an excuse to go back, anyway!
Thanks, Stuart! Yes, but any excuse is a good excuse to go back? Just chaperoned 225 high school students to New York? How about a trip to HK for rest and relaxation! Just threw your sister-in-law a bridal shower with three weeks’ notice? A trip to Hong Kong sounds like the perfect remedy! Just took 20 6-7 year olds to the fire station? How does a trip to HK sound?!
This is so exciting! I vote for the third one. It looks the most professional and “authorial” to me. My least favorite is the middle one because the boat is competing for the attention that should be going to your face.
Thank you so much, Shannon! My editor thought the same thing, so #3 it is! It was so hard for me to make a decision. I also don’t like the middle one because it’s not crisp and looks like a backdrop, even though it’s the real thing!
The middle picture without a doubt. It is simply perfect.
Thanks so much, Barb! I do love the Hong Kong skyline! We’re going to go with #3, but I’ll find a way to use #2 in something!
I simply love the middle picture. I think it says it all.Perfect i my opinion.