Picture the Person, Not the Face
- Sunday, July 24 2011 @ 07:37 pm
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,523
For some, coming up with any pictures of yourself at all can be a daunting task. Everyone knows that the blurry web cam or cell phone picture is less than desirable (though actually some cell phones and web cams can be pretty impressive nowadays), but what if they’re the only options? How do you make the best of what you have?
Essentially, pictures can boil down to three basic categories. The first is the self-portrait, the kind where you hold your camera up at an angle, stand in a mirror, or use the mirrored web cam on your computer. While almost certainly the most common source of avatars and default pics nowadays, these methods aren’t ideal - it’s easy to get the moody or “dead-eye” look going on, and staring directly into the camera can be disconcerting to the viewer. If the only option available to you is a self-portrait, make sure it’s as clear as possible! Try not to do a cliche angle - the one where girls take pictures from high above themselves is probably the most well-known. And try to put something funny on TV in the background - it will help you produce a genuine smile, instead of a fake grimace.
Then there are the professional pictures. These are few and far-between nowadays; the easy and inexpensive availability of digital pictures makes going to a pro seem an unnecessary expense. There are benefits - for example, a photographer might have a better idea of how best to pose you, dress you or make you laugh. On the other hand, nowadays there’s something a little cheesy about a photo that’s too polished (and portrait studios are right out). You’re better off trying the same thing with a friend.
Finally, there are the “candid” or “action” shots - the one where you’re in the picture, but the main focus might be a mountain, or you in a scuba suit - something other than your face. Believe it or not, these can actually be more effective than either of the other two options. Simply put, these types of pictures have more personality; even if you’re not the main focus of the picture, the viewer feels like they “know” you more. Of course, if your face can’t really be seen at all, it helps to have an additional, non-default picture that fills in the details.
As you’re selecting pictures for your online profile, don’t feel pressured to have a magazine-perfect default picture. Take a camera and maybe a few friends, go out and have a good time - and don’t forget to document it! Not only will it draw the viewer into your life, it’s much more fun than staring into a mirror.
Essentially, pictures can boil down to three basic categories. The first is the self-portrait, the kind where you hold your camera up at an angle, stand in a mirror, or use the mirrored web cam on your computer. While almost certainly the most common source of avatars and default pics nowadays, these methods aren’t ideal - it’s easy to get the moody or “dead-eye” look going on, and staring directly into the camera can be disconcerting to the viewer. If the only option available to you is a self-portrait, make sure it’s as clear as possible! Try not to do a cliche angle - the one where girls take pictures from high above themselves is probably the most well-known. And try to put something funny on TV in the background - it will help you produce a genuine smile, instead of a fake grimace.
Then there are the professional pictures. These are few and far-between nowadays; the easy and inexpensive availability of digital pictures makes going to a pro seem an unnecessary expense. There are benefits - for example, a photographer might have a better idea of how best to pose you, dress you or make you laugh. On the other hand, nowadays there’s something a little cheesy about a photo that’s too polished (and portrait studios are right out). You’re better off trying the same thing with a friend.
Finally, there are the “candid” or “action” shots - the one where you’re in the picture, but the main focus might be a mountain, or you in a scuba suit - something other than your face. Believe it or not, these can actually be more effective than either of the other two options. Simply put, these types of pictures have more personality; even if you’re not the main focus of the picture, the viewer feels like they “know” you more. Of course, if your face can’t really be seen at all, it helps to have an additional, non-default picture that fills in the details.
As you’re selecting pictures for your online profile, don’t feel pressured to have a magazine-perfect default picture. Take a camera and maybe a few friends, go out and have a good time - and don’t forget to document it! Not only will it draw the viewer into your life, it’s much more fun than staring into a mirror.
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