Don Crowther on Marketing Photo Choices
A friend that I respect a great deal had an interesting blog entry that I wanted to share with our authors tonight: Tips For Using People Photos That Get Results
The one take-away that I got from Don’s article is the importance of looking INTO the camera because eyes starring at your reader usually strikes more intensity or emotion than if you look off into the distance.
Well looking into the camera could be one possible idea, yet Charisma also teaches us to be approachable and staring at someone in some cultures offends too? And if you are more approachable and less intimidating you may also find this to your advantage. Well this is what other side of the argument would state. From a human psychology standpoint. Too dominating and you will exclude some types of personalities and it also may depend on the subject matter too and the reason for the article. I would not say that I personally believe this is the best bet in all cases.
In fact maybe a combination of this might also be considered, such as a slight looking away of the camera with a glance of acknowledgement of the reader. In other words the reader is a friend and you look up or back because you now see them and are very much aware of their pressence. I had considered this when digging thru which photo to use. I think you need to put thought into how you present yourself. It you jump at people with a full on HELLO shot that may not be good for all circumstances and there is something to be said in Charisma approachability and the human mind. Humans are social animals. So, perhaps there should be more consideration if you plan on using a photo to show that you are in fact a real person.
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