To post a picture or not.....

[eNZee]

Hi everyone,
Wow its been a while since I've posted much on here, other than the few random times in last bit.

Anyways...just wondering what some of you think of this idea. I know its been done before but Im curious about opinions on the subject.

What do you think of photographers that post a picture of themselves on their webpage for all to see? Do you think thats appropriate or not? What kind of message is that sending to a potential client? For example, in the "about me" section, the photographer puts up a blurb about themselves, their credentials etc and then also put a picture up of themselves.

I'd just like a feel of opinions from photographers who have done this and why, and also from a clients perspective if you were looking for a photographer for something and you came across that. what would you think??

Thanks guys!!

Enze

[private]

I have been teased by y clients /cI have not done it. a good reason to do it so, they know who to expect when you ring their doorbell!

[OsmosisStudios]

I understand why to do it, but I have to say its a bugger job trying to find a GOOD picture of me. Im fine behind the lens, not in front of it.

[SusanH1970]

I'm planning on doing it but just haven't done a self-portrait yet. But I agree that it's a nice thing to do so the client recognizes you when you first meet.

[Niresangwa]

I did it under protest, but the reasoning I was given was a sound one: Your website may be your 60 second shot to make a connection with a potential client, and there's no faster way to make a connection than visually.

[zappo]

Lucky me my girlfriend is a photographer, too so she made some pretty good photos for my webpage of me. From a professional perspective a good photo is a nice thing for your homepage, it adds some personality to the page letting a potential customer see the person behind.

[eNZee]

thats what i figured too.
i just thought it makes it a bit more personal and a client can see whos the one behind the lens.

on another note - what should the picture look like? sounds like a stupid question but is it appropriate to be more creative or should it be standard and plain? example, is it ok to put the same pic i have on my avatar on my webpage??

[private]

its all about personality...how you wantthe client to see you - a serious photographer, someone who is having fun...

I make a joke on my site, I do have a picture there (of a kid) and I mention that the cobbler's son has no shoes...but one day I will put a picture up - just not yet...lol

[Dangelica]

Originally Posted by eNZee

on another note - what should the picture look like? sounds like a stupid question but is it appropriate to be more creative or should it be standard and plain? example, is it ok to put the same pic i have on my avatar on my webpage??

The pic you have there or similar in B&W is great. But you have the advantage of looking good in a photo and particularly you are non threatening and very feminine. In a field such as photography that can enhance the image of the business and the comfort of the client tremendously. Same goes for guys that are clean cut or have some grey in the hair to soften the features and show experience.

People like myself with lots of visible tattoos goatee and looking like doormen should probably avoid that sort of shock on a website if you are focusing your business on babies families and weddings. But if you are are running your business on a rock star theme of taking photos of bands and tattoo lifestyles then its an advantage. Then again you can always take a shot in suit and tie after a shave and pretend you like being on the other end of the glass

The biggest test for me. Does the photo make you look like a real estate agent or second hand car salesman?
If it does then let your photos and not your face do the talking.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

I did it under protest, but the reasoning I was given was a sound one: Your website may be your 60 second shot to make a connection with a potential client, and there's no faster way to make a connection than visually.

Bingo.. it's exactly why I did it, and why you should.

Plus I'm hot and love it.. haha, kidding! Plus it's fair warning that I may frighten their children and pets.

Al

http://www.alborrelli.com