Headshots

Photographer: Karen Kring

I delayed creating my website-and-or-blog for the sole reason that I didn’t have a photograph of me that I wanted to present to the Internet. My last professional headshot, taken more than a decade ago, was serviceable, but staid. I don’t style my hair like that anymore, but I do wear the blouse with my navy blue Kasper pantsuit. The thought of having a new picture taken makes me nervous. I know I won’t like it. My smile is goofy and I have a short chin. I’m pale complexioned, and if I don’t use liner and mascara, my eyes disappear into my cheeks.

Apparently I’m not the only person who avoids headshots. I recently attended a writers conference, and the bios and photos of 60 or so attendees were compiled into a book. Looking through it, I could swear most of the pictures bore little resemblance to the people I met.

Some of the pictures were shot outdoors. I don’t understand why. These were business shots. I’ve been writing for a long time, and my computer is inside my house. I think pictures of writers on the telephone are silly, but I don’t write stories standing under a tree.

Some of the pictures were taken at weddings. Or with dogs. Others were taken many years or pounds ago. A few were noses-and-sunglasses only. Several photos weren’t taken at all—a question mark stood where a face was to have appeared.

And so I got new pictures. I met photographer suprima Karen Kring at a networking event, and booked her over nachos and pinot grigio. We spent several hours together, meandering through my closet and my living room and my town. We ate Thai food. We talked about our lives. Periodically she hoisted her black beast of a camera and directed, “Keep talking” or “Chin up” or “Tell me again.” I felt ridiculous but I went along with it.

Anyway, I think she got some pretty good pictures. Decide for yourself. And here’s some advice: Before someone takes your picture, make sure to wipe away the liner that collects in the inner corners of your eyes.