Now, I love my previous author photo. It has served me well. But I don't have hairs on my chinny-chin-chin anymore (there are also a few less on my scalpy-scalp-scalp), and I don't want to be one of those authors who makes an appearance and you immediately see everyone turn to the author photo in their book. You know they're thinking, "When was this photo taken?"
Several months ago, I went down to the UCLA campus with my friend, Rita Crayon Huang. Rita is a photographer as well as an up-and-coming children's book star, which is why I thought it'd be cool to ask her to take my photos. So we wandered around the campus looking for nice settings with good lighting. Apparently, it's all about the lighting! We took hundreds of pics and I chose three that I liked, each to be used for various functions.
The first photo below will appear in black-and-white, taking up the entire inside of the back cover in the paperback...when there is a paperback. The other photos will be used for interviews and to promote author appearances.
So? Whatcha think?
Thanks for the great photos, Rita! I am very proud to have them out there representing me.
And for any of you California authors or illustrators looking to have some photos taken, definitely contact Rita. She comes highly recommended.
My vote goes to number three, because of the smile, but the other two are great, too. To be honest, I don't think the old picture in the hardcover suits you very well. It's all dark and moody, but you seem to be such a funny and gleeful guy. Okay, it's a suspense novel about a teenage suicide, so maybe a huge grin on the authors face won't be the best idea. *g*
ReplyDeleteI like the 2nd pic the best. You look very nice, plus the quality of the picture is great. I love when pictures are intentionally blurry in the back, since it brings more attention to the forefront.
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures. =)
I think the second photo will be most-liked, but they do all look nice.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you would post this, just after this is what I stayed awake thinking about last night.
Why do authors, like John Green, have a photo that doesn't suit their writing. I mean, he is a hilarious guy, but in most of his photos there's not even a smile.
I thought maybe publishers were behind this, or that is was faux-pas in the literary world to look happy.
I think, when I get to go through this process, that I'll have a ridiculously hard time not smiling, grinning, in fact.
My vote is for pic number two. It has the most "he's an approachable guy" feel. It's serious enough to be associated with a book on such a serious topic, but doesn't look somber or stodgy either.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jay! Well, I live in Brazil, a country far removed from yours. Here, Thirtheen Reasons Why is arriving in bookstores, and my mother received the book. I did not think he was so good, but only the synopsis has caught my attention, I love stories of mysteries. Once I started reading the book, his words have awakened me and I thrill you just can not stop reading! The reasons for Hannah in the book happen, some situations with some teenagers, and is both a warning and for bulliyng, which happens in all countries. I found the book amazing. That you can not ever forget, even after reading. I was so thrilled and surprised with the story of Hannah! OK, I've written too much. Congratulations Jay!
ReplyDeleteAna Beatriz, 11 years
My vote is for picture number 2. It just looks like it belongs on the back of a book.
ReplyDeleteIt helps to have a rock star model. Hey, all California photographers looking to have a good time! Try taking a "serious photo" with someone as fun as Jay!
ReplyDeleteI loved the last one!! But the other two were great too! Loved your work and I'm so happy that yu have gained so much popularity! Your book definitely deseres it :)
ReplyDeleteI vote for the 2nd one you look happy and serious. It screams amazing author! :D
ReplyDeletePhoto number two... but only because I am a photography major and tend to nitpick.
ReplyDeleteHow dashing you are! All three are lovely, but I like two or three the best. I know the book is serious, but you're such a fun guy, I can't imagine the author picture not capturing at least a hint of that part of your personality.
ReplyDeleteRita's a great photographer! Nice shots.
ReplyDeleteBTW- you probably know this already, but your book was on display in Target yesterday! Rockstar, indeed.
Great photos. My vote is number 2. You look so author'y. In a good way of course.
ReplyDeleteHi Jay! I'm from Spain. I like too your book, it's Fantastic. When comence to read I coul don't stop! This book to I throw to think to me about many things like by example... the sense of the life or as a small annoyance can be turned into something very heavy and present in all we. Thank's for write this book. A lot of thanks.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me, by my English evil, but it is that in the high School not yet they have taught much to us.. >.<. I hope that soon you write but books, as wonderful as this.
*Mire*
#2:
ReplyDeleteContemplative, but charming.
Great photos, Jay!
ReplyDeletegreat photos! I vote the middle one.
ReplyDeleteRita did a great job - you look GOOD!
ReplyDeleteHurray! (and Namaste,)
Lee
Number two.
ReplyDeleteNice pics Jay. As everyone else said, number two is a keeper. But like #1 also.
ReplyDeleteGlad I won't have to repeat this conversation everytime I show someone your book:
Erik: Hey check it out, this is one of my best friends. He married my wife and I.
Friend X: He looks kind of creepy
Erik: Uh...yeah, well he's a really nice guy
Friend X: What's his book about?
Erik: Umm....did I mention he was nice?
:-p
they are all great! I think I like # 2 the best!
ReplyDelete~~Laura
(the clay lady)