Choice #1: This one is ideal, because I am rather desperate to get a picture of the Tetons somewhere on my book (the mountains are an integral part of the setting of the novel) and this would be a sneaky way to do it. Still, the lighting is a bit off.
Choice #2: Here's another with the Tetons and again (argh!) the lighting is not great. My husband pointed out that in Choice #1 and Choice #2, you can tell that I'm taking my own picture.
Choice #3: I include this one in black and white because what's behind me is actually mud, which doesn't look great, but I like the picture well enough. One thing that good author photos evoke, I think, is the sense that the writer could represent the main character (good luck with this for me, ha!, since my MC is a 17-year-old strawberry blonde ANGELIC being).
And Choice #4: my go-to author photo, with books in the background. I think every writer everywhere has a photo like this stashed away, standing in front of books with a contemplative expression, like you're just about to sit down and whip out the next great American novel.
So, let me hear from you! Which photo would YOU see on the back of a book and say to yourself: "Hey, this writer looks like she could really tell the kind of story that I would love to read!"
Cynthia, I Like number 4, but I think it would be better in Black and White, as you have it on your blog site.
I like number 1, because of your comment about the Tetons, but also because you do look rather angelic.
I like #3!! It is both serious and good!
I like choice 2, it looks so free and happy!
#1 Definitely. The mountain setting is great, Tetons or no Tetons, and the road makes #2 look unnatural. I would like #4 if you were more in the Mystery / Suspense / Thriller genre.
My top vote is choice #2 because it looks so welcoming, like you're happy to see that reader. I think it could be cropped for better effect, though, and a little Photoshopping to improve the lighting would be good.
Second vote is for choice #1 because you almost look angelic (LOL!).
The other two don't seem right for YA novels -- or at least this particular YA novel.
I vote #3 or #4!
Wow, we're no help at all, are we? :) I vote wholeheartedly for No 4 because for one thing, you look beautiful in it, for two, it's very professional, for three, you look angelic, and for five, it's the kind of photo I stare at after finishing the book and daydream about the author and then check out their website for. Oh, and six, books. Books are always good!
Also, I don't know if you want to be tied to the mountains unless they're relevant to all your books, because most author photos are reused across novels.
Definitely #1! You get the scenery that you want, but you still look good. The diversity of landscape that #1 one offers makes your photo more dynamic and interesting. It also shares something that you want to portray: your love of the Tetons and the beautiful view that they offer. Option #1 would make your author picture more of a statement or story than just a picture.
I think you should get someone to take your picture. It will be worth it in the end.
I really think you should be sitting down, with an appealing background behind you--if there's one you like, say at a library. You need much warmer colors than what you're wearing. Berry color to bring out your skin tone, brown to create contrast with your eyes.
I wish I could be there to take it for you, C. It's just the lighting (and when they print it) the photos won't stand up. You know?
I like both 2 and 4! Both are really cute!