headshots - what do you think?

[jcarwen]

Work has picked up recently after a scary slow June, but it's clear that I need to do some serious business development to keep it steady. A lot of my clients are rolling back and new jobs are slim pickings. Step one is giving my freelancing website a major overhaul. It looks like crap and the portfolio is horribly out of date. And the whole

Comments

[jcarwen]

You all are so sweet and complimentary. Thank you!! But it's funny that people are so all over the place. It's like a kinder version of the debate in my own head.

Lehanna's thoughts about not wanting to be too flirty or playful are particularly relevant because my ideas for the website are somewhat playful and I'm honestly not sure if that's going to work for me or not. I guess it would be a turn-off for an old-school corporate client, but most of my clients are younger companies and start-ups, mostly in the tech sector. I think as long as I'm not being flat-out sexy, I can get away with some playful quirkiness. I'm hoping I can do that and still be professional.

#4 is my favorite of my face, but I don't think I can get over the weirdness of one shoulder appearing to be uncovered.

#2 isn't getting any votes so let's cut that too.

That gets me down to 1, 3, or 5. So anybody else who wants to weigh in can just focus on those, okay?

[arovd]

Ok I was going to say 1, 3 or 5. but apparently that's not going to be very helpful right now. :)

Good thing I finally learned my lesson and now read the other comments before posting!

On reflection, I'm going to have to go for #5. In that one you look not just smart and interesting but also it seems to have an air of reliable, which I'm guessing would be a good thing for attracting clients. :)

*hugs*

[arielmeadow]

I think I like #5 the best ... I like the color that your shirt brings to #1, but I feel like your jaw/chin sort of get lost in that one. #5 flatters your cute little chin, and I suppose less colorful shirt maybe means more professional? Regardless, #5 is my vote!

[arielmeow]

Yep. 5 for pro, 3 for playful - just the right amount of playful, IMHO. As with Jess, I think your special mojo differentiates you, and that's why I prefer 3: it's more expressive of that. 5 is definitely the one that is most all-around acceptable as well as being a really good picture of you.

[fireminx]

first or last - they're all cute, but those are my favourites!

[amaniellen]

I like #4, smiling with teeth showing, stripes. #5 may appeal more to the academic set, but I like how friendly and nice you look in #4.

[baronmind]

I'd say #3. It's playful, but not in an irresponsible way -- in an engaging, interesting one.