Kate Eisemann recently shot dozens of images of me for a new headshot. I was still enamored of the one she did three years ago, but based on some feedback from an unbiased third party, I decided it was time to step out as a glasses-wearing woman business owner who also happens to be three years older–not that it shows…
I would love your opinion on the narrowed down selection of shots Kate took. She generously provided me with four re-touched options for consideration. Will you vote on your favorite via the comments section?
The winner will be the one that goes onto my website and all my marketing materials for the next several years. No pressure!
#1
#2
#3
- #4
#4
#1 is my first choice
#3 is my second choice.
Hi What a great idea! I think they are great… my faves are #1 and #4. I think I might order both… #1 for more bizlike times; #4 for more casual approaches.
But you look spectacular in all…
Kate
First choice: #1
Second choice: #3
#3 is my first choice and #1 is my 2nd choice!
Hard decision! Not #2 – you look too tentative. All the others very close, but I’d rate them this way: #1 first, followed by #4 (which is nice because you can see your eyes well), followed by #3.
#1 is tops…the tilt of the head and smile are perfect. 2 and 4 are OUT.
#3. You look fun & open, but still intelligent & stylish.
#4 is my first choice (not crazy about the background)
#3 is my second
They both show someone who is attractive, confident and inviting yet has a happy side she’s not afraid to reveal.
#4 is my first choice and #2 is my second – reason: your eyes show cleanly through your glasses in those two -although i do love your smile in #1.
#4 is the best one in my opinion; you look professional, but still warm and approachable.
My second choice is #1; your smile is warm and sincere, but I don’t like that your glasses are partially obstructing your right eye.
I’m a third of four generations of professional photographers. I’m used to seeing the details in photographs. It’s a blessing … and a curse. I can’t help but critique catalogues and ads, etc, etc.
BTW – I LOVE your necklaces! 😉
Jane, I love being part of this process! I like #1, but LOVE #4.
#3 is my first choice
#4 is my second choice.
#1 is my first choice
#3 is my second
I like the first one best!
#1 is my first choice
#4 would be my second
Great photos! You look terrific, friendly but professional in all of them. #1 is my first choice. I also like # 4 a lot, but find the background a little distracting.
Terry
#1 is my first choice — your eyes sparkle the most in that one.
#2 is my second choice.
#3 is my first choice; it’s friendly engaging ,happy, natural etc. you are very approachable in this shot.
I think nr. 4 is best, but with “not-so-watery” background.
Or nr. 1, to show some other jewelry 😀
#4 is my choice. This photo speaks more of a creative, edgy, confident, full of life & energy.
Number 3.
it’s SO you both in look, attitude and your attire. YOU are not your atypical ‘coach’ and shouldn’t look business ‘as usual’ as one and two depicts…. i like 4 but the background has it looking a bit ‘studio staged’ and not ‘a natural’ setting…..
3 allows you to be YOU in a very real sense….xo
They are all great pictures! I also like #1 & #3, your expression is more playful and fun in these. The white background in #3 detracts a bit for me. #2 & #4 seem more serious and professional but still convey a positive and engaging feel.
I like #4, it balances the serious but the background adds flair, makes it less ‘boardroom’. My second choice would be #1. Tough choice as they all showcase you so well!! You go girl!
I like number 4, but they all look nice.
All are good, but love #4! #1 is my second choice but for corporate use.
#4 is my favorite because it showcases who you are–your personality shines through. But the background detracts–can it be eliminated?
Looking great Jane!
#3 is your best, you look energetic and confident.
Great shots all around, but I like #3 the best!
#1, there is joy in your face
Hi Jane!
They all look good, but I think #1 is perfect! Confident, professional, stylish, warm, very smart, and approachable. Take care!
I like #1 and #4 the best. I think my very favorite is #4 – you look so open and bright- but I wish the background wasn’t quite so busy. Photoshop?
#3!
then #4
#1 is fav; #4 is 2nd – but maybe remove background on #4
#1 first, then #4. I feel that in #1 you look “professional/friendly/open/fully present,” and the plain background allows you to shine. I find the background on #4 very distracting; still nice if #1 wasn’t available. (comments from a onetime portrait photographer)
# 1 is my favorite as you are looking radiant, creative, approachable and NOT in a standard corporate typical fashion.
Your clothes and accessories compliment and not over power you in that photo. I love how you are shining thru in all your well earned and deserved, glory!
I absolutely love #1!!
You look great in all of these and Kate is quite a talent!! #4 is my first choice, as it highlights your eyes. #1 is my second choice because I love your smile.
@ All Responders
Wow! Thank you all for the feedback. It’s running close between #1 and #4. I’ve asked Kate to tweak the background on that one. It may have been distracting the viewer from me. I appreciate your input and will use it in my decision making for sure.
Thanks!
Definitely #1… although if #4 had a different background I would like it better. And I know what you mean about “coming out” as a glasses-wearing woman. I finally took some new photos as well since I started wearing glasses last year, although I haven’t yet been brave enough to get rid of the picture on my home page. I love it too much. But I’m incorporating the new ones here and there.
#3 is my first choice; #1 is a close second
—ALL pictures are beautiful as we have a great woman in the picture. My vote is #1 !
#1 all the way!
I like #4 the best but find the background distracting. Can it be converted to solid white ground?
#4
#2 – it just captures the you I know – Jill
I prefer #4 but not the background, which is too busy and distracting. Can that be changed digitally?
#4 gets my vote with #1 coming in second!
#3. You look approachable, happy & welcoming. Great idea Jane!
Great shots…#3 speaks to me. #4 would have been my 1st choice but the background is too distracting.
They’re lovely – very approachable and very YOU. I actually like #1 the best but there’s too much busy stuff going on at your neck. (Photoshop, Kate??) #3 is great: direct, uncluttered, warm.
I also like the idea of using #4 if you can change the background. We curly heads need simple backgrounds and quieter patterns!
I like #1 first and #3 second. Both exude wonderful energy. #4 is great too, but I felt the smile was a bit forced (that’s being picky). In any case, Kate did a terrific job!
#2 – crisp, clean, professional.
I love # 3 .
#4, no doubt. It connects with the viewer on a truly personal, and open level. Less business like than all the others, which I thinks suits you and your personality. Nothing but the message I am sophisticated, creative and open.
Love #4 the best.
I like #1 – I like the overall look, your smile and the angle it’s taken at.
#4 would be good if the background were plain. I like your outfit in #2 but the smile is not as big as in #1 (so if you’ve got another photo with the #1 smile and the #2 outfit, that could work well.
And I think you look great in all of them – professional, successful, approachable. Hair looks great and so do the glasses!
I like #4 best. I agree the background is a little distracting, but I know Kate can change it. Number 1 is my second choice. The expression is true you, but I think number 4 is more professional.
Hi Jane… I think the softness of photograph #4 is very warm and inviting… it has a way of beckoning the viewer. My second choice would be photograph #1, which is more of a typical professional shot, which is my opinion is too serious and less inviting.
#1 is my favorite. It best shows your friendliness and warmth, I think!
I like #1, #4 and #3. You have a great smile in #3 but it is a little washed out with the white background. I like #4 better because it pops, but I think you look better in darker colors, and so my first choice is #!. (although little red which is so good on you). You are smiling, you have a nice welcoming tilt, and the darker colors make you look stronger – more presence. Not to be too critical, because really, you look great in all of them.
I vote for you using more than one of the photos, depending on the situation.
My favorite is #4 for these reasons:
it is unique, stands out, shows your warm and jazzy personality and is a complete image with the background as is. It makes a clear statement that you are in charge, friendly, caring, on the leading edge of your profession.
#1 is great to send a more conservative message. You have a full on smile (like in #4) so part of the message is that you are approachable and sincere.
A big no to:
For me, no to #2 because of the angle of your face. It feels posed where #4 and #1 feel like the photographer (great job by the way) caught you in what Henri Cartier Bresson called “the decisive moment”.
No to #3 – I dont like the multiple “v” formations of the neckline, necklace, chin, mouth and nose.
Hi Jane:
I like # 1 the best – you look great in them all – great idea to get input from others.
Ann
definitely #4 but would prefer a white or other solid color (light brown–same as the color of your beads) background
all are great but I really want to clearly see your eyes
My first choice is number 4 second is number 1.
Backgrounds are easy to change but the subject is not.
Your overall look is fresh and vibrant in number 4. Your hair is perkier, your smile is more natural and you have a lift in your eyes Plus I love the necklace!
Don’t worry they all look great…Good luck choosing
What a great idea Jane! I, for one, could not resist clicking through!
I vote for #1, first choice, with #3 a strong second!
Kate did wonderful photos for me as well – I had to get more than one!
Take care,
Barbara
Number #4 is #1 for me. You’re looking directly at your audience, and I love your smile.
Jane – as an old “researcher” (Nielsen) – you “stacked the deck” a bit by putting #1 as #1. That is – people have a tendancy to like the first image they see and compare everything else to it.
For that reason, I see that many people commented “I like #1 (or #2) the best!” Then they justified why. For the future? Mix up the order… You would have a better sense then, without inherent the “order bias” that comes with these types of things….
That said, I’m sure whichever one you pick it will be GLORIOUS. You’re beautiful and she did a wonderful job. (Just trying to be helpful…..)
Having said this knowing the above myself, I will say I actually prefer #4. Why? I don’t know 🙂 It just “looks like you” here. Perhaps it’s a more straightforward angle? Not sure. I just feel it’s a more straightforward you.
I’m sure you’ll be as wonderfully successful with it, as always. All the best!
Janet
I like #4- you look your best there, I can see your eyes clearly (as opposed to #1) Your expression is most appealing and natural. Nice work Kate!
Good Luck with it!
Kim
Tough call… they’re all great! I vote for #3 and #4. The ones with the jacket on are just a bit “stuffier” and you’re not “stuffy!”
jane:
i like #4 best, but i agree that the background is too busy. ( and i’m SICK that i missed signing up for the July 27th thing!)
#1 is the clear winner for me – with an authentic, warm smile and good balance between professional, accessible, creative and contemporary! #2 is my least favorite (something seems a little forced or snobby), while #3 and #4 are fine options. Any which way, I commend you for all the wonderful work you’re doing and the courage and poise to put the most update “you” out there!
Blessings, – Gloria
Number 4 is my favorite. Number 1 is my favorite of the “formal” look.
Jane,
What great shots! My first choice is #1 followed by #3. I think they both show your warm and authentic smile. Good luck!
Lori
my vote is lucky#4 with background change.
your smile looks great plus the red is energizing on you.
What a great face! My vote goes to #1
First choice is #3, second choice is #1
Oops — I hadn’t scrolled down. I also like #4 without the background. So #1 and #4 are the best in my opinion! This was fun.
#1 is my first choice and #4 is my second (because the background takes the focus off you). I like these better because a side profile is always more appealing than a straight-on shot and elongates the picture proportionately.
I’d say #1 all the way. Very confident, approachable and beautiful coloring. You wear red, black and white very well. 😉
Just read the other comments and have to agree that #4 does seem to show a “perkier” you!!! Still like both of them but #4 is very nice as well.
No. 1–no contest. I love how relaxed and approachable you look in this photo.
I’d say hand’s down that #4 is my favorite – if she can drop out the background. #1 would be my second choice. It’s fun to get a fresh look! Looking forward to seeing what you select!
Best,
Miriam
I would actually do them over. Although they are great photos they are way too busy. #1 you look great but the blouse is too busy and then the necklace so I lose you.#2 too much color change going on and you look caught of guard. #3 The necklace although beautiful is too much for this type of photo. #4 love but the background is a distraction.
The photo needs to be about you not your jewelry. Don’t get me wrong I love the pieces just not for a head shot of YOU!!! Unless you sell the jewelry for a living. You photograph well. The blue is a great color for you.
blessings and grace,
Robbin
You look beautiful in all of them! I’m choosing #4
# 2 & # 4 – although the background in 4 is a little busy it is more casual, and your eyes are clearly seen in both of these photos. Eye contact is so important and the glasses tend to distract – love the necklaces !
This is tough – first because the photography is really well done and you take a nice picture, but having meet you in person I feel #1 and #4 capture you and your personality the best. I struggle but I think the energy in #4 is more you. In the future though I would reconsider the heavy real estate around your neck – although attractive, I found it to be a bit distracting from your features.
What a great idea, not surprise you would come up with it. You are a great source and inspiration. Love #4 Your jewelry picks up the color of your glasses which draws the observer straight to your face.
You asked for it Jane! Great photos….. #1 is my top choice, #4 second choice ( with different background could be first choice.) 2 – out, 3- I would keep to use if you are giving a humorous speech at toastmasters speech contest. looks very goofy and fun 🙂 Would be perfect.
Jane,
I think that #4 truly shows the Jane I know – with that spark inside we all love so much! I find the background a bit distracting though – can it be photoshopped to something more neutral? If not, then #1 would be my choice. 🙂
#3 & #4 are my favorites – I think you look splendid in the blue tones —
and … I like that you are looking me in the eye.
#3 is my first choice.
Denise
#1 and #4 are my favorites – something about the pose makes you look very approachable
I like #’s 1 and 4. There are things about both that are good, but #4 the tilt of your head is very good. I like the color and background of #1.
I like #1 best. I like #4 also but I think your necklace in that photo upstages you a bit.
Linda
I like #4 the best except for the background. Could the background be changed? I like #1 as well.
-Lynn
nice shots, all fantastic. you are beautiful . . . my 2 cents vote is that #1 is the sharpest one. Black and white outfit is top notch and classic. your smile and eyes connect with audience in #1, and love the angle that it is shot. #2 would be 2nd choice. (a note about #3: to me, at a quick glance, the outfit resembles a doctors jacket the way the closeup shot is cropped).
Jane,
I love #1, with #4 a close second.
My choice is #1. You look very endearing, modern and hip! The white background creates a better color story with the blacks and whites with just a pop of red from your glasses.
Malene
Choice 1 = #1
Choice 2 = #3
Lookin’ good, Jane!
Best, Michael
Jane – What a great process! #4 is my top pick, but not keen on the background.
These are great, Mom! My favorites are #1 and #4 (but with a plain background instead). You could use all of them, but for different purposes. I like it when people don’t have just one headshot they use all the time, but vary the photo depending on the purpose.
xoxo
My vote would be #1. Confident and approachable!
#1 first choice, #4 second choice!
#4. Soft, sensual, professional – one hot mama! Love all of them Jane…and I agree with some comments as to whether 4 might look better with plain background. It looks the least posed to me.
Do I win something for being the 100th response???
#4 first choice. You’re an artist. This says that. #1 is my second choice. Still artist, but also professional speaker.
I like #1
I like shot #3, but I wish that it wasn’t a “head on” shot because I like the angle of your shoulders and face in #1. Tough decision. Definitely #1 or #3 – both are great! I would recommend against #4 because it’ll be harder for you to design marketing materials with a patterned background. Solid white is easier to crop and match other colors to.
Good luck!
Jane, first congrats on all the comments and feedback. Blog success feels SO WONDERFUL, doesn’t it? 🙂
Now, you know I HAVE GOT to weigh in on the photos. I really like #2 for a book jacket or professional speaker photo – but #4 (sans the background) really exudes the Jane I know.
Rock on!
#1
Jane,
I think all are very good. Nos. 1 and 3 are my favorites because your personality really shines through in these. No. 4 is okay, but I don’t think it captures your warmth and outgoingness as well.
Irene
#4 is my first choice
#2 is my second choice.
#3…you look younger than three years ago and more friendly.
You look fabulous Jane!
#1 or #3
# 4 is the Best!
Although I like the expression in #4, I think that blue background will cause problems in some of your marketing materials. So, I think #2 is the most professional.
#3 is my first choice and I like #1 also. I love the head on look of #3 a little different than a ‘normal’ headshot it says ‘Im straight forward and Im not trying ot hide anything…”
Gosh – that is difficult – they look all so great!
This is my vote:
Choice 1 = #1
Choice 2 = #3
Love it!
Johanna
First choice = #3
Second choice = #1
I liked #3 and #4, the dark jacket seemed more “severe”. I like #4 the best, you look
relaxed, fun AND professional- a great combination.
Number 4, without a doubt!
#4 is the absolute best…you look great! Your hair looks terrific in this one also!
Great idea to get imput…#3 is my first choice because it would speak to my audience. Designers,open, caring, good listener. That’s what I see. #3 is great for more corporate “gigs” a bit more formal in feeling, but nice photo. Good luck!
Heather
Not sure why you are changing it, since you really don’t look a day older than your fantastic existing photo even if it is 3 years old. True, new cool glasses.
That being said–
#1*****
#2 you look a few seconds away from saying “eeewww”
#3**
#4**** (with plain background)
xxx K
#4 is the Jane I know 😉
Also — I like the contrast of the background…Even though it’s a bit busy it offers better contrast (humble opinion) Kate, as always, is a great portrait shooter.
All white looks washed out to me (or perhaps the light from within Jane is brighter than the background ;0)
God bless you as you teach by example by asking for help …
Doreen
Hi, # 1 is the real you .
Marysia
Number 4 is the only fabulous one. You look lovely, confident, your hair looks best in this photo. Back could be better.
I thought I better join in on this “photo-opp party!”
You have such a wonderful way of including others on your journey to bigger and better things!
I like numbers 1 and 4 for all of the reasons others have already stated!
Jeanette
I like number 3 the best. You are confident, sincere, best eye contact, the person i’d like to sit down with and have a heart to heart conversation…
What fun!
I love #4, but mute the background…maybe just the blue color without the business.
Barbara
Same as the others, first #1, then #3. you’re looking good. N
I love #4. Clearly my first choice. Warm, approachable, smart, wise. That’s you!! Linda
I think #1 –
Not 2 (its the smile – just not right)
Not 3 for business – it looks like you are laughing (which is a good thing ! but probably not the best choice for your work image)
#4 would be my next choice but with a plain background?
Best Wishes for your continued success!
#1 is most inviting and engaging
# 1 ….Definitely.
By the way, your red-sided glasses kept my eyes going to them instead of to YOU…
Jane,
My mom, Jinny Avery sends me your newsletters. You are quite amazing in how you have launched your blog so successfully. I love the idea of the vote on the pictures– and yes I like 1 and then 3. You’re more “professional” looking in 1 and perhaps more approchable in 3.
Do you maintain this blog yourself–I have a real estate blog and it is a part of my website and looks nothing like this. I’d love to know if this is something you buy, maintain etc.
Many thanks–you are terrific! I hope I have the opportunity to meet you sometime when I’m in New York.
Lesslie G.
Lesslie
As they say in golf, four or is it fore