Wednesday, July 16, 2008

To cheer myself.

I've started looking for a photographer here in Knoxville. Because I have to, you know, have a portrait done. For the back cover of the book that I should be working on right now instead of typing this.

So that's positive, right? I'm moving ahead on the book. I'm going to write a really darn good book and have a nice picture on the back.

I don't like headshots that look like they were taken at Sears Portrait Studios (I have nothing against Sears Portrait Studios either, I'm just saying. This is a freaking book and my freaking name will be on the freaking cover and I want something freaking fancy on the freaking back). Thus, I have done exhaustive internet searches and found the following places that I might consider having my headshot done at.

Megan Parker Photography


Angela Herzog Photography


Shannon Kelley Photography


And Jennie Andrews Photography


Aren't these all fun websites? The pictures are gorgeous.

If you were picking, which one would you choose and why?

26 comments:

Zephyr said...

First choice, without a doubt, would be Jennie Andrews, because her portraits are beautiful and unique and interesting. She has lots of samples of adult photos and they all have something unique about them. They just draw me in and make me look, fascinated, until the next shot appears. She does the type of photography I could see myself doing, if I knew how to do it well enough to actually do it!

Second choice would be Shannon Kelly. She has some really great sample shots too, though a bit too much kid photography to really get a feel for how she can do with adults. It's just easier to get interesting kid shots. And too many of the adult sample shots look rather pissed off or have really odd framing of the image and feel out of balance rather than interesting.

The other two... not so much. One has pretty basic adult photos, and the other shows NO adult photos at all, just kids.

Girl from Pennsylvania said...

You should check out Erin Browne Photography. I have had three friends use her for weddings, engagements and babies. So perhaps she could do a single person too. erinbrownephoto.com

And she has a blog. See, she is cool.

erinbrowne.blogspot.com

Stephanie said...

I personally would choose Angela Herzog because she seems to be the "most bang for your buck". The other ladies are great and all, but very pricey. I really wish I lived there now since Angela only charges $50 for a session and you can get a High Resolutin CD of your proofs for only $50. Maybe you should take your family to be done while you are at it.

BandK said...

I liked Jennie Andrews also, because 1) she has a blog, so she has to be cool; and 2) she showcases a wide variety of work. She shows portraits, weddings, kids -- all of it. She has a mix of kids and adults in her samples.

Megan Parker I liked too, because I liked the baby feet. That isn't a real reason; I just liked the baby feet. Heh

And I agree with the Lara, first commenter, who said one of them had NO adults at all. In fact all of the rest of them have a dearth of adults in their samples. And Jennie was the ONLY one who has samples of portraits. And they are very natural and real looking.

Mrs. Booms said...

No one else has said it yet, so it makes me doubt myself but I like Shannon Kelley because she just seemed instantly, like kick ass.

And I like kick ass.

Next, I liked Jennie Andrews. Her shots were very cool.

Jana said...

Without a doubt Jennie Andrews. Those pics are fantastic! They were so real... I thought she did a good job of catching real life in the most positive way.

Living said...

i liked Megan Parker the best then Jennie Andrews.

Anonymous said...

I love the picture of the bride in the water that Jennie Andrews had on her site. That was a really cool shot. She gets my vote. Not that it really counts for much, but you know.

Unknown said...

I liked Megan Parker best and cant wait to see who you choose!

Hang in there Chicka!

Anonymous said...

I would pick Jennie Andrews because she has wide variety of samples. Anyone can make a baby look cute, right? The trick is making adults look attractive, mysterious, fascinating, artistic, whatever you want to portray.

Misty said...

I, being a photographer, am a fan of the book jackets that have totally natural photography. you know, the ones that look like the author just sat on her wrap around porch and had someone snap a photo... I don't know, it shows humanity, not smugness...

And hey, I gave you an award on my blog. Just thought you should know. :)

Dawn~a~Bon said...

try this:

Elizabethoneillphotography.com

She did pictures for my coworker's wedding and they were amazing. I haven't looked at the other links yet!

Dawn~a~Bon said...

First impression, on a very quick scan, Jennie Andrews. She makes her subjects look unique and fascinating. I want her to take *my* picture, and I hate being photographed! So yeah, I like her!

notsosmallfries said...

Ok, the first two have no adult only pictures. That makes me hesitant about them.

The third one, Shannon Kelly, has adult pictures, but the mostly seem to be self-portraits. I do notice she sometimes suffers face shadows. For family portraits, I might not be as picky. But dude, this would be what you put on a published book.

And now, Jennie Andrews. She's awesome. Her portraits are interesting, have good lighting, and are just beautiful. Totally her. TOTALLY.

Creamy Silver said...

I've explored them all and I think Jennie Andrews stands out like no other. The protraits are beautiful. Her perspective, the warmness of the photos. That's my pick.

Maybe you could work out a deal, along with photo credit on your book, to have a family portrait done as well.

Kiki said...

Jennie Andrews without a doubt. Her work is beautiful and alive. You almost get an idea of the subjects. Pick her! Pick her!

Devon said...

hands down.. jennie andrews. i thought her pictures were definitely unique.. crisp.. clear.

Amy W said...

Hands down, I liked Megan the best. I just loved her shots...

Suzy said...

I'm in show business. I got new headshots every 2 years. For over 20 years. And here's the deal. YOU HAVE TO MEET WITH THEM ALL FIRST.

Most people don't realize this but if you don't LIKE the person, you're not going to take a good picture.

You make an appt. You bring your questions with you:
A. Indoors or out?
B. Who does hair and makeup and do you provide it or do I have to pay?
C. What kind of clothes do you see me wearing?

I have been to some GENIUS photogs studios. Some were just not into me and I could feel it. I learned the hard way, after taking a recommendation from one of my agents, that YOU need to meet them and see if you two are on the same page. If you are, you'll take a good picture.

Frannie said...

I like the first one and the last one!

Anonymous said...

Looks like everyone on your list is a good choice. If I were given the choice, I'd go with the person who would tell you to first finish the book before having your photo taken.

:)


Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/


Looking for photo ideas? Please visit 12 Photo Ideas To Try This Summer

Angie said...

www.danbrowningphotography.com

Because. . .they're about 1/4 mile from my work, and about 2 miles from my house.

And, I would come cheer you on. And make you smile. . .and feed your family. . . and. . and. . .and. . .

Jenski said...

I would vote for Jennie Andrews first (!!), because she has a great first name...and lots of great adult photos in her gallery too. :)

I also like Angela Herzog's black and whites. In general, I do NOT like websites that play music though.

Alpha Dude said...

Quite frankly, I think the picture in your profile is pretty darn terrific.

Blessings.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I would choose Shannon Kelley just because her site looks funky instead of poofy, if that makes sense.

Go Chick!

Wenderina said...

I liked Megan Parker. She seemed to capture her subjects and each portrait was really unique.