By Lynette Eason @LynetteEason

Hi everyone, this is Lynette Eason here with my photographer hat on. I’m so excited that I get to be the conference photographer once again this year. And let me just say, if you read this similar post last year, keep reading because things are going to work a little different this time. Due to other photography duties, I will have limited slots available for the headshots. It’s first come, first serve and once the spots are gone, they’re, unfortunately, gone. So, if you’re thinking you need to get a new headshot, don’t wait to reserve your spot. All headshots will be done outside as long as weather permits. Obviously, if it’s pouring down rain the entire week (please, Lord, no? Let’s all pray for gorgeous weather!) then we will adjust accordingly.

Your headshot is your first exposure to possible agents or editors, whether that’s on your website or a one sheet or a business card. It’s proof that you take yourself seriously and are willing to invest in your career. Now, I understand that most people don’t enjoy getting their picture taken, but by trusting a professional to use correct lighting, instruct on poses that flatter, etc., you can walk away with pictures you’re proud of.

“But,” you say, “my friend takes great pictures with her iPhone. Why shouldn’t I just let her do it?”

Well, read through these other reasons why you should invest in a professional headshot.

1. Because…it’s professional. People looking to work with you will see first-hand that you take yourself and your career seriously. A professional headshot shows you care. And if you care about looking professional for a potential employer (editor/publisher/agent) then the message you’re sending is that you’re going to care about doing a great job for whoever you work for.
2. Another thing a professional headshot can do is make sure that your picture reflects your personality.
3. When you’re in the writing community, networking and building relationships are huge factors. A professional headshot reminds people of who you are. When you meet with an editor or agent—or both— at a conference and have work requested by them, having the headshot on your social media and other avenues allows them to immediately pinpoint who you are and takes them back to that meeting—which was hopefully a good one! And most likely was if they requested to see more.
4. A current headshot eliminates surprises. Your headshot needs to show people what you look like right now. If you have a headshot on your social media pages, your one sheet, or business card from five years ago and you looked completely different, then you need to update. When someone sees a picture of you—that you’re advertising as current—and then they meet you in person and you don’t look like your picture, it can be an immediate disconnect, and possibly send a message of dishonesty. Yes, I will “clean it up” some with editing, because the camera picks up and highlights just about every fine line, wrinkle, nose hair and zit. The truth is, most people don’t notice that stuff when they’re just having a conversation and our faces are moving and shifting with our expressions. But pictures are different. A good camera and lens picks up everything. So, a little editing is never a bad thing.
5. And finally, a headshot taken by someone who knows what they’re doing simply gives you confidence. Wear your favorite outfit, take time to fix your hair. Ladies, have someone do your makeup for you (this is not mandatory, just a suggestion—and it’s fun!) Guys, get a haircut, shave or trim your facial hair. Do whatever it takes to feel like you look your best and you will love your headshot.

Having said all that, I’d love to take that headshot for you. If you will sign up to meet me at the conference we’ll make sure you walk away with images that you love. Just for conferees, I’m offering three professionally edited poses for $125. This also includes a print release which means you have full use of the photos. This allows you to use them however you like. Social media, book covers, blog posts, etc. We can do them indoors in a studio environment, or head outside as long as the weather cooperates, to take advantage of that beautiful natural light. All I ask is that you arrive five minutes early for your appointment to take care of all the bookkeeping things, then we will jump right into the pictures. I look forward to seeing you!

There will be a different way to pay this year. I will only take check or cash at the time of the appointment. About four weeks after the conference (sometime around the beginning of July), you will get a download link and pin that will give you access to the headshots. The invoice you will receive will have your print release, giving you the right to use the photo as you wish, such as for a book cover, social media, etc.

If you have any questions, please reach out to lynetteeasonphotography@gmail.com.

See you soon!

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books including the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity series, the Elite Guardians series, the Blue Justice series, and the Danger Never Sleeps series. She writes for Revell and for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the Carol Award, the IRCC award, the Selah, and the Christian Retailing’s Best 2017 Award. She placed in the top ten in the James Patterson 2016 co-writer contest. The movie, Her Stolen Past, based on Lynette’s novel with the same title, aired February 2, 2018 on the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love (FHL) chapter of RWA as well as the Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter.