Vote On My Author Portrait! .:. DoubleHappy.be .:. The Double Happiness and China Travel Book Blog

Do you know me well? Do you know me from Adam? (Sandler? Clayton? Baldwin?)

Either way, you can help me.

I have relatively little sense of marketing, and no training as a professional photographer, and I need to select a decent author's portrait. Whether my book is picked up by a major publishing house, picked up by a boutique house, or the burgeoning 2.0 self-publishing option becomes the optimal path, I want to present a great image for my book now, and part of doing so is the author's photo.

What photo would draw you in? Imagine an Eat, Pray, Love meets Into the Wild type of journey. What look would be fitting, credible, and intriguing? What might say, perhaps, 'intelligent,' 'adventurous,' or 'engaging'?

Vote below. To vote for your favorite, just click on it. To vote for more than one, tick the boxes and click 'Vote.'

Pic a Pic

Which photo would make the best author's portrait?

This poll is now closed.

1.	30 votes
2.	22 votes
3.	54 votes
4.	31 votes
5.	31 votes
6.	27 votes
7.	17 votes

Also, please leave a comment below to share why you voted the way you did.

If you don't think any of them are any good, and I should hire a photographer, do tell me that.

The selected photo will eventually grace the back cover of the book as well as the top of this blog.

Last thing: I might change the picture on the About Me page, too. Thoughts?

Posted by Tony Brasunas on July 25, 2010 at 3:26 PM
Comments (36) | Link to this post Share this |

auntie's 2 cents

#3 is the only one that says "adventurer". #5 is too intense - makes me uncomfortable to have you looking me staight in the eye. I don't like the hat (sorry) #6 is my second favorite but the open collar shirt doesn't work as well.

Love, Aunt Anne
– Anne

Posted July 25, 2010 at 6:48 PM

book designer's 2 cents

Auntie is right: #3 is the best.
– Joel Friedlander
jfbookman@gmail.com
http://www.thebookdesigner.com

Posted July 25, 2010 at 7:51 PM

Photographer's 2 cents

Perfect lighting, approachable expression. Projects the right adventurous and friendly tone. Others are too urban or direct.
– Leah Lau
www.leahlau.com

Posted July 25, 2010 at 8:10 PM

So much for assuming my vote would be automaticaly connected to the comment. ;)
– Leah Lau

Posted July 25, 2010 at 8:14 PM

#3 again

#3 better than #5 which is better than the hats, #4 and #6.......hat is limiting. #3 situates you in the adventure, wherever it goes...........and it looks like it'll be interesting to be a part of it.
– Jim
jbrasunas@att.net

Posted July 25, 2010 at 8:17 PM

# 5

#5 because Megan says you look cutest, if not then go with #3.

Chin stubble is more eternal than pork pie hats!
– Pete
www.prisonphotography.wordpress.com

Posted July 25, 2010 at 8:29 PM

My favorite!

I love you in picture #3, you seem real and unobtrusive.

the others seem a bit too serious.
#3 seems more organic and real. I also like #5, but may be a bit unprofessional, as you seem too casual.

For me #3 is a win, I would by a book with that picture on the back!!
– Sacha

Posted July 25, 2010 at 8:50 PM

Go Pro

Hi Tony,
Congrats on your book ! Thta's wonderful news, and I'm quite happy for you. My two cents is that

a) None of these photos really jump out at me as capturing your visual essence. # 1 comes closest but I wouldn't recommend using a profile shot as your main book bio/sleeve photo.

b) I think you need to hire a professional photographer to take your picture. If you are taking your craft seriously and professionally enough to have a book published, I think, to the degree that your budget allows, it merits a well crafted publicity photo.

This photo is something that will likely get used repeatedly as you continue to promote the book into the future. A good photographer should easily be able to capture your best look without a lot of hassle.

I know a very good one in the Bay Area named Tai Powers Seef, who, like yourself, has traveled the world extensively and understands travel writing.

She works for Getty Images and you can see her work here: http://www.taipowerseeff.com/.

If you like I can put you in touch or make an intro. She might not be the cheapest option, but I can guarantee you will be happy with the results and may just find yourself a lot richer for it down the line.

Good Luck !
– John Henry Dale
johnhenrydale@gmail.com
johnhenrydale.com

Posted July 25, 2010 at 9:58 PM

Two votes for #3

My mom and I like #3!
I'm personally attracted to the green grass in the background and the obvious wind seen in both the grass and your hair. Plus, I prefer the non-direct eye contact.
– pamela

Posted July 25, 2010 at 9:59 PM

Joining the concensus for #3

The color, the background (and the simplicity and appropriateness of the background)- the windblown hair - all say adventure and the feel of who you are as a caring and bright young man comes thru.
To me only #5 is a distant second.
Only #3 would draw me to the book.
– jody

Posted July 25, 2010 at 10:35 PM

#3 is the natural choice.

#3 feels natural and looks like an author pic...adventurous as well.
Some of the others look too self aware/posed.
I do like #5 too, but Id save that one for the ladies.

-Micah
– Micah

Posted July 26, 2010 at 1:15 AM

The sweatshirt says, "What are the odds that this guy wrote an intelligent book?"
The hat says, "I'm a British aristocrat and I stayed in some hotels in China. What a tale I shall tell."
So, between 4 and 6 only now, 6 is a little goofy, whereas 4 is a wideshot that gives a little taste of "travel" in the background, and has Oprah's sexy young writer guest written all over it. So, though I'm sure of almost nothing almost all of the time, definitely 4.
And no, I'm not biased because I am (probably) a 4 (enneagram).
– kevin christaldi

Posted July 26, 2010 at 3:18 AM

my comment

i voted number four because the angle is flattering compared to the others and you look professional, but your hair is a bit of a mess so it's not too formal. and number four has such a great and genuine smile!

i think you look like you're in pain in number 3. or like you need sleep.
– frances

Posted July 26, 2010 at 4:45 AM

#3 is your essence :)
– Michelle

Posted July 26, 2010 at 5:53 AM

#3, and another session

I like #3 too, and even though I voted for #2, I change my vote to #3. I would also vote for another photography session. Chris & Colette's wedding photographers were awesome, they might be good. One of the best things about #3 is the setting - helping to convey the essence of the book, of the part of you that wrote it. I would like to see a photo that has the right setting, where you seem more vibrant, alert, & together. Possibly for other opportunities where you market yourself in the future, like for book signings, etc.
– Iris

Posted July 26, 2010 at 7:35 AM

Hola

Hola Hermano,

Primero que nada, muchas felicidades por tu libro y te deseo mucho éxito. En cuanto a las fotos las encuentro todas malas. Lo siento pero creo que necesitas algo mas profesional.

Un abrazo,

Pablo
– Pablo
pablo@thecentersf.org

Posted July 26, 2010 at 7:38 AM

#3 hits the spot

Hey Tony,
#3,4,5 seem the clear front-runners here, all capturing something special of the real you in a nice way. #4 so genuine and engaging, and #5 the laid-back and attractive maybe best to save for match.com, but #3 the intriguing and adventurous seems most fitting for the purpose of the book. #3 also stands out because it is a fuller shot of you, is in rich color with an attractive background, and would look great on the cover.
Agree with Iris's comment that another perhaps similar to #3 could possibly match your essence and the book's even better, but this one looks great to me for now.
This is all very exciting as the publication stage of the adventure commences. Congratulations, and all best wishes!
– Ken

Posted July 26, 2010 at 8:17 AM

Echoing Go Pro

I don't like any of them for this purpose, but I least dislike #3. Good composure and all.
You want one that is clean, with good composure, not too much background detail, can be cropped in lots of ways, and will look good in color or black and white. That's a pro job, it seems to me.
– Jake

Posted July 26, 2010 at 9:14 AM

Yay!

Tony!
So excited for you! I've been reading your posts, but since I've usually been at work while doing that, I haven't gotten a chance to respond or leave any comments. So happy to hear things are working out. I'm still on and off with my writing, so it's inspiring to see your determination. I have read the excerpts and can't wait to read more!

As for your picture. I would pick one where you're facing forward and smiling. You want to look friendly and relaxed and carefree. If I picked any of these, I would say #3 is the best, because you look carefree in it BUT you are not looking at the camera and I think that is important. The next one would be #4 because you seem most YOU and are facing forward and smiling. But if you have the option get a series shot just for this purpose. It doesn't even have to be professional/expensive- perhaps it'd even be free. If you know someone who's good/has fun with a camera, ask them. I get my camera back this week after a cleaning and would love to do a shoot if you're interested. I'm no professional of course.

Hope things are going on San Carlos. I miss that place!

Best of luck!
Uzma
– Uzma
author@fusemail.com

Posted July 26, 2010 at 9:28 AM

wind in your hair!

I like the photo of you on the grassy hill with the wind in your hair- it says 'travelled, mindful, and free'-
like you!
– Tiffany Angus

Posted July 26, 2010 at 9:29 AM

3, 6, or a Pro

Of the options, I'm thinking it's either number 3, number 6, or a pro shot. I think number 3 looks most authentic, hence my vote. If you want something more "professional", you might consider a pro shot.
– Michelle S.

Posted July 26, 2010 at 9:44 AM

Love #3

I like the color, the expression, the set up. Very warm and approachable. Good luck, Tony. (I'm Ellen's friend)
– Bobbi Linkemer
bobbi@writeanonfictionbook.com
WriteANonfictionBook.com

Posted July 26, 2010 at 9:49 AM

Let's Go With

Based on parameters you stated, I'd go with #3.

If you go the self-publishing route after all, I don't think you need a professional photographer Very rarely are authors shot like they're rock stars. Most author photos are fairly prosaic. In fact, I think big-time pubs prefer it that way. An agent once discouraged me from taking the "arty" route.

Thomas Burchfield
Author of the supernatural novel Dragon's Ark, due Fall 2010 from Ambler House
Author of the comic screenplay Whackers, available at Smashwords.com
Follow me at the Red Room, Facebook, and Twitter
For editing services, see my page at the Bay Area Editors' Forum
(510) 547-1092
– Thomas Burchfield
tbdeluxe@sbcglobal.net
http://www.redroom.com/member/thomas-burchfield

Posted July 26, 2010 at 10:05 AM

This one!

Tony, I hear about you from Ellen–a lot! She's very proud of you. I liked #3 because of the colors, the way your hair is blowing in the breeze–makes me think of someone who is adventurous, intriguing. Good luck!
– Roberta Kilstrom

Posted July 26, 2010 at 10:55 AM

HMMM..

I have to say that I don't think any of these photos are perfect. I would hire a professional photographer as this pic might wind up representing you far and wide. I do think #3 is the closest :)
– Colette

Posted July 26, 2010 at 11:06 AM

Windy brunette.

You are a handsome fellow and #5 accentuates your good looks, but I think you should hire a professional and try to get a color photo without your hair blowing in the wind. I also like #3, but again your hair is unsettled. ;) I like black and white photos, however, the color ones do better justice for you and a book cover. Also, do away with the hat, it hides your healthy locks.
I do not know you from Adam or from Eve, but good luck Tony!
– EMB

Posted July 26, 2010 at 12:23 PM

go pro!

I like #6 the best. But I say go with a pro!

It is your book and you have invested lots of time and energy into it–might as well invest a bit more time and a bit of money into representing yourself on your book!

that's my two cents.

Lisa
– lisa

Posted July 26, 2010 at 2:10 PM

Grandmother's Golden Boy

I vote for #4 .
Your engaging smile is always the way I 'Picture 'you.
You seem to be facing the world with a happy outlook and can deal with uncertainties.
I like the picture being placed off center and the city background makes it interesting.
AEllen fine accomplshment !
– Ellen Brasunas
ebrasunas1@att.net

Posted July 26, 2010 at 2:21 PM

5 is it

I think 5 because it is a color photo and you look like someone that is thinking deep thoughts. Kind of intense but also intriguing. Cool stubble. The ladies that read your book will love it.
– Peter
juicehop@yahoo.com
none

Posted July 26, 2010 at 6:18 PM

#3 with some photoshop touchup

I will join the burgeoning numbers of people voting for #3; however, I would photo shop to remove some, but not all, of the flying hair (too much for a professional image). I would also photoshop out the little metal holes in the sweat shirt, which detract.
If you can afford to, I would also hire a photographer (wouldn't have to be that expensive), and show the photographer the look you want.
You will need two or three professional photos for media, for your press kit.
Yours truly,
Scott (2nd cousin, homeboy in San Francisco)
– Scott Wirth
www.scottwirthphd.com

Posted July 27, 2010 at 7:22 AM

Pro . . . or #3 from Sista

I think you should go pro with this. I looked up and down the photos before I voted and didn't feel that any of them FULLY capture what you are going for.

Or

If not, go with #3.

Boo to the hat!

Love from sista
– Wendy

Posted July 27, 2010 at 10:52 AM

Tony,

I think #6 is great. Very warm. I know everyone likes #3, and I like that too. I think either of these 2 would work excellently, but it might be worth having a camera-savvy friend take a few more shots! Also, it's interesting to consider your age in the photo relative to your age at the time of traveling.
– Benito

Posted July 27, 2010 at 12:41 PM

Tony:

I liked number 3 before seeing the other comments, since it had a little of outdoors, city in the distance and you with your hair blowing!
I trust you will also publish an audio version in your own voice, as that is a favorite way of book reading for some of us.
Best wishes,

Monib
– Monib

Posted July 27, 2010 at 10:03 PM

I love the background in #3, and it's a cute pic of you, but I think there is a little too much stubble. I voted for #5 because you look pensive and cute and your hair looks awesome. #6 is a great picture too, but I wish it was in color.
– KK

Posted July 30, 2010 at 3:46 PM

Late, but satiates!

I'd vote 4, if the poll was still open!
N u look good in 5, except the hoodie mightnotcatch the broader audience... Congrats n hello!
– Cindy Lan

Posted August 3, 2010 at 10:02 AM

why no chinese allowed?

I tried posting to your site in Chinese, but only got question marks! I am not Double Happy right now!
CM
– Chairman Mao

Posted August 17, 2010 at 12:59 PM

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