OK, so I got some proofs from Stan! Time to put on your thinking caps, people. And your thinking glasses. He e-mailed me a whole shitload more photos, but I chose my top four, evenly split up between glasses and non-glasses.
So this is kind of embarrassing, what with it being so many photos of me, so pay attention without, you know, paying too much attention. Which one do you like best? These are un-retouched, but Stan will take whichever one we like the best and do some sort of post-processing to it wherein colors look richer and teeth look whiter and my boobs look two cup sizes bigger. (OK, not that last part.) Please help me pick one. Don't think too hard about it, just pick the one where I look least like an asshole. I happen to like D (like the colors, love the wall and the junkyard chair that we found in that alley, and love those shoes that apparently some of you HATE) but I am completely aware that part of the reason I might like it best is because it's the one where my face is the smallest. What can I say, guys, I'M SHY.
Anyway, Stan did such a nice job with taking the photos while making me feel relaxed (not easy) an completely nailing the "feel" of the photos I was looking for. I would recommend him to anyone. If you're interested in seeing more of his work (or possibly commissioning him to take some photos of your own), he a great portraiture-centered site, where he showcases some shots from his more recent photo shoots. I think you'll agree he does great work, and if you mention my name to him and the fact that you got here from my blog, he said he may be able to work out something special for you.
Thanks, guys. Also thanks for pointing out typos on the new book site, I'm still working on ironing out the kinks. (Including--sharp eyes on some of you people!--the fact that the cover image I posted is an old version, which did not yet include the subtitle.) The internet! It helps you get stuff done!
I vote B! I think you really stand out from the background and you look great in it!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like B and c. I don't like the glasses ones because of the lens reflection and that they hide your face. I like B I think the best because you look relaxed but I like that C is closer up.
ReplyDeleteC is the best. By far.
ReplyDelete(The reflection off your glasses detracts from the pictures, much as your frames are cute)
I like C then B then A then D. You look very cute in all the pictures, though.
ReplyDeleteI think he said he could take the reflection out of the glasses in post-processing. PHOTOSHOP MAGIC.
ReplyDeleteI really like C - very attractive and professional.
ReplyDeleteThey're all great shots, but I like C the best. If I had to pick a second place photo I would pick A.
ReplyDeleteI agree, C is my favorite, although maybe you look more like you in A (not that I really have any idea what "more like you" looks like, but at least more like my mental image of you).
ReplyDeleteC - you're positively glowing. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI like C & D. I love the shoes.
ReplyDeleteC looks very nice. Also, congratulations on your book! Can't wait to read it. (I am a University of Iowa student, so I am really, really hoping you can make it out here!)
ReplyDeleteCCCCCC - you look amazing
ReplyDeleteI vote C
ReplyDeleteC looks great! And I would agree with the previous comment that you're glowing in it
ReplyDeleteC is the best of the bunch. That said, it's a very nice photo of a lovely woman, but it doesn't come close to matching the mental image I have of you from the years I've been reading here: smart, funny, slightly snarky, still in touch with the nerdy girl she used to be and not ashamed to go geeky for Japanese pens, etc. The picture that conveys all that, to me anyway, is the one Cal took.
ReplyDeleteC
ReplyDeleteI think C is the the bestr picture, BUT you look so serious. I like the joie de vivre captured in A it goes along with the overall tone of your writing. But something seems off with the way your mouth photographed. Do you have any pics of C with glasses? COngrats on your book!
ReplyDeleteI vote for C. you look great and also professional. the way you're leaning forward makes you seem interested (like a physician just ready to listen to a history, haha) and just warm/open overall. my second choice is B.
ReplyDeleteClearly I lack originality, but I also think C is the best. Congrats on the book! Can't wait to read it. I'm sad it won't be out in time for Christmas as I really wanted to put it on my list ;)
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteC! Definitely C.
ReplyDeletelove C. d looks too staged and you're really lovely in c. good luck deciding!
ReplyDeleteC, then B (sans arrow pointing down to your head)
ReplyDelete- Another Michelle
Another vote for C, with A as a runner-up. C is a nice professional-looking picture, and A gives us a softer, friendlier side. I also second the comments from zinemama.
ReplyDeleteC all the way! You look great!
ReplyDeleteC
ReplyDeleteC! You look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love C and D. I vote for C, though, because on D you're a bit too far away from the lens.
ReplyDeleteThe blue of the wall in option B really -- and I do cringe inside for using this word, even though it's true -- "pops." Very flattering.
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteC! I love it!
ReplyDeleteC! Then B.
ReplyDeleteSo I felt the need to tell you I really loved C, then saw the storm of comments that already said that. You look great in all of them, though!
ReplyDeleteC all the way!
ReplyDeleteC, then B
ReplyDeleteC or A.
ReplyDeleteThe answer is always C. :)
ReplyDeleteC. no question.
ReplyDeleteC!!!
ReplyDeleteNOT A.
C. And I picked that one before I read any comments. A makes you look like a character from Southpark, no offense. :)
ReplyDeleteB is cute, but I think C would look perfect on a book jacket.
Thought I would add to the landslide.
ReplyDelete1. C
2. B
I will add my voice to the C vote.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of D... but there's something about the photo (maybe the lighting or maybe the distracting shoes) but my eyes keep getting pulled away from you as the focus.
I like C
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteC for sure! B is my second choice. I think you're too slouchy in D (or maybe I'm just projecting, I always see that I'm slouching in pictures and hate it! I used to have such good posture before medical school ruined me...)
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C from me!
ReplyDeleteThere's really no contest, it's C.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C! You look the prettiest there!
ReplyDeleteC, definitely.
ReplyDeleteMy first choice is B, second choice is C. I'm surprised that I like the ones without your glasses better, but you look so confident and pretty in B and C. :) I think it also has to do with your posture in those two.
ReplyDeleteI vote C!
ReplyDeleteD. Though it definitely needs some cropping.
ReplyDeleteI like C as well, but feel the background colors in C are competing with your outfit
I like B but think C is the most 'author-ish'.
ReplyDeletei like B the best
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C! But they're all awesome!
ReplyDeleteC, by far the best!
ReplyDeleteCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
ReplyDeleteYou look BEST in B, but the background looks really trashy and like a dirty bathroom is behind you or something.
ReplyDeletePeople like C because the background is A LOT better, but you look soo much better in B than in C.
C! C! C! C! C! =)
ReplyDeleteABSOLUTELY CHOICE C!! (but if you really really need a distant 2nd option, choice B)
ReplyDeleteC
ReplyDeleteNo contest - C!
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for B! then C :)
ReplyDeleteC, then A, then B
ReplyDeleteif you do pick B, have him remove the black outlines on the door that make it look like something is sticking out of your head. :)
ReplyDeleteC. Then B. The lighting in C is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteC! By far the best - great composition, and the difference in focus between the blurry background and you/the couch really makes pulls the picture together.
ReplyDelete1. C
ReplyDelete2. B
My gut instinct was: "C! All the way!" Then when I took another second, I came up with this:
C looks the best because it's the clearest and the colors look great. But I also get a bit more of a "mature" and "mom" kind of vibe from it. B, on the other hand, is a little bit too blurry for my taste (can post-processing fix this?)...but you also have this great, casual, author-y kind of nonchalance that I LOVE.
I know I know -- I thought too much.
My vote's for C, followed by B. The cropping on C makes it look as if you're about to pick up the book and read it aloud.
ReplyDeleteI think D is cute, but probably better suited for something more casual.
The photographer did a great job!
C!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C! It's perfect.
ReplyDeleteMy second choice is B.
Don't choose D because we can't see your pretty face- I look at the "who the author is" part of the book jacket and want to see who the heck this person is, so face portraits are best.
C is just beautiful - definitely C!
ReplyDeletec
ReplyDeleteOh I like both C & D the best I think... though I agree you are probably a little far away in D...
ReplyDeleteSo I guess C wins by default?
I like B the best. But C is good too.
ReplyDeleteB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You look relaxed and casual and the stance is very assuring yet laidback.
ReplyDeleteI vote C!
ReplyDeleteB, then C. I like the grungy background. :)
ReplyDeletedefinitely C! it's natural and graceful.
ReplyDeleteC or B!
ReplyDeleteC; you look very personable.
ReplyDeleteB would be my second choice. love the blue wall.
C, but D if you don't want a close-up. =P
ReplyDeleteC - great colors, and you look beautiful and approachable. Then B, but have him Photoshop out the 2-3 scratches on the door that look like antlers growing out of your head?
ReplyDeleteYou look really young and pretty in B!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look old in C.
B and C, definitely. Out of those two, B first. The colours and composition are amazing. And no offence, but the reason why I don't think D is the ideal choice here is because your posture is kind of funny there. And a definite no to the photoshopping of the scratches on the door! Except maybe the one that looks like an S could be a bit retouched so it won't stand out too much. The scarf needs to pop out more, too! Other than that, fantastic photos. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd see, you're not terribly unphotogenic! Not any less than pretty much any of us, sans the supermodels.
C. These are great pictures.
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteCCCCC!
ReplyDeleteC
ReplyDeleteC by far.
ReplyDeleteI vote C.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking "I'll click out of Reader and actually leave a comment as a show of support for my favorite medblogger" only to find that you have far more feedback than you probably need already. and who cares what I think, after all? but i like D the LEAST, precisely because I can't really see your cute face and also it looks a little fuzzy...but i'm not sure if that's just here or if the actual photo is fuzzy. I like C the most, mainly because the size is nice...not full body, but not a face-shot. I like B, too, except that you look like you're Dougie Howswer's 15 year old girlfriend in it. C captures the wisdom and maturity you possess, as well as your often-denigrated beauty. You really are a looker, girl! And I like A, because you're smiling! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhichever you choose, I'm sure it'll only add to the AWESOME of your book! I can't wait to get it. Very happy to see this long journey finally manifesting as a printed book we can hold. You've documented it every step of the way these past few years, so it feels like a baby we finally get to meet. So cool! ♥
C, with B a close second
ReplyDeleteC or B. C looks more grown up. You look very pretty in B, but also like your taking high school senior pics.
ReplyDeleteC, then B. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteDef C! You look relaxed and easy to approach. A great shot!
ReplyDeleteC! Definitely C! You look completely relaxed and absolutely lovely. I think it's the best one of the four.
ReplyDeleteC! Love it!
ReplyDeleteC = Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI like them all. C looks like a book jacket photo the most. I like B the best. :)
ReplyDeleteI've already preordered your book. I can't wait to read it.
C!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteC
ReplyDeleteI really like C. You're inviting the reader in with an intriguing and accessible expression. (Sorry for somewhat silly language, I'm an actress so have spent hours talking about headshots.)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteC! Though I do like D, possibly because I am used to seeing pics of you with your glasses on...
ReplyDeleteC, then B.
ReplyDeleteC! I think we have consensus!
ReplyDeleteD looks, well, a bit uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteBut before I saw all the other comments I thought C too.
C all the way!
ReplyDeleteI'm so behind - definitely C!
ReplyDeleteC and only C.
ReplyDeleteThe lighting just brings out the radiance in your face like in skin product commercials.
C, with B as a distant second.
ReplyDeleteAt first look, it would be C. But that is confounded by the fact that B looks a bit blurry.
ReplyDeleteYou look more fresh in B. Then C second.
I think you look most approachable in A or B, and since the colors in B are so beautiful, I'd go with that one. Good luck choosing!
ReplyDeleteFirst choice C then B.
ReplyDeleteI choose B!
ReplyDeleteC for sure. Great photo and seems authentically you.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C.
ReplyDeleteC! you look relaxed and very laid back and natural. very nice. =)
ReplyDeleteC is fantastic. B is my second choice.
ReplyDeleteC
ReplyDeleteA. I like them all, don't get me wrong, but I'm bucking the crowd and voting A because your smile is gorgeous, and it alludes to your sense of humor, which is why we (or at least I) love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteC
ReplyDeleteC or B. no glasses
ReplyDeleteC without question. You look calm and clever, with just a hint of "the cat who ate the mouse" in your expression. You are very beautiful. Show it off!
ReplyDeleteI'm voting for C as well
ReplyDeleteB then C
ReplyDeleteIn order of preference: C, A, B, D. (Hooray! Congrats! Yay!)
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteC
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeletewow it IS a bit of a landslide isnt it - and i must say i felt C was most attractive as well. yet another vote for C!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C. I love them all but that one is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteC, but I like D a lot too. I didn't pick it because it's harder to see you. Definitely not A. B is good.
ReplyDeleteI was all for C too, but then I clicked on the pictures and looked at the enlarged version... and C is still very lovely, but I get what you're saying about D, and I like it too. Also I think it matches your writing voice well.
ReplyDeleteSo my first choice is D, but C is a very close second.
C!
ReplyDeleteI think C is absolutely gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteCCCCC all the way!
C! Pretty!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C. Makes you look approachable and author-ish.
ReplyDeleteC hands down.
ReplyDeleteC, surely.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C
ReplyDeleteIt's C by a mile. You hottie.
ReplyDeleteA or C
ReplyDeleteC, for sure. Gawd.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C. But you need to sit up straight girl. Your posture is doing you a disservice.
ReplyDeleteYou look very nice in all of them, but C is the best. Yes, it has that 'sexy young doc' factor. You go girl.
ReplyDeleteC is confident but still friendly.
ReplyDeleteI see why you like D, it's fun, but the slouchy-ness conveys a bit of lack of confidence, which I think will not help you sell books.
A and B, I already forget what they look like.
I vote for C - Love the photos!
ReplyDeleteI like D, but with a tighter crop.
ReplyDeleteB -- without question. You look slim, attractive, and urban. C for second choice.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C. I feel like you look a little too young in the others. Not that being young is bad - just less credible! D is my second choice, though.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C. You look great in all - but I really like C the best. B is my second choice.
ReplyDeleteI gave this 2 minutes of thought - enough time to really think about it, but not overthink it. I also love D, but for an author pic, I think a closer face pic is important. So I pick C. C is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteB and C, equally.
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteCCC. but B is good too! you look fab, wayyyyy better than your er... formal portrait!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a big fan of C. But I like B too. They're all pretty!
ReplyDeleteC- classy chic
ReplyDeleteNOT D OR A- x for the slouching and x for the eyeglass glare
Love C, then A.
ReplyDeleteI love "C", that self assured, in control, trust me look--I too would do "B" for my second choice.
ReplyDeleteC is great. you look confident, but still approachable. A would be my second choice.
ReplyDelete(D is good, but i can't see your face!)
"C" is definitely my favorite.
ReplyDeleteB- seconding anon above that you look slim, urban, and attractive. bonus points for the shy- it's not too facially focused, so less revealing?
ReplyDeleteOrder of preference:
ReplyDelete1. C
2. B
3. A
4. D
C, without a doubt.
ReplyDeleteI'm a C fan, too. You look like you have a secret or something to say.(D reminds me of middle school portrait poses. You look good, though.)
ReplyDeleteC is by far my fav- I do like the colors in d, but you don't see enough of your face. great pics!
ReplyDeleteC! I vote C! It grabbed me right away.
ReplyDeleteAll the photos are great though! Stan seems pretty awesome.
B really "pops" and you look so relaxed, which fits your non-fussy style.
ReplyDeleteC is good too, but it looks a bit like you're gazing off in the distance.
D is OK but too small and you look kinda crouched over.
A is a little cheesy and the buttons on your jacket are distracting.
I love C followed by B. You look very pretty in all of them, though.
ReplyDeleteC is my favorite
ReplyDeleteC or B, leaning towards C.
ReplyDeleteI also vote for C.
ReplyDeleteA - you are smiling more in this picture.
ReplyDeleteAny would be good.
Definitely option C. You look relaxed, open, friendly and beautiful in picture C. What lovely options to choose from!
ReplyDeleteB
ReplyDeleteC feels like you are some sort of psycho-pop lady writer and D feels like you need some back support.
B is the ''i am street cool''
I like C best as well :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely C.
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteI vote for C!
ReplyDeleteccccccccccccc
ReplyDeletegut reaction: C
ReplyDeleterunner up: B
good luck! :)
I like B best. C is the second best, but I don't like that you're not looking at the camera.
ReplyDeleteC!
ReplyDeleteB or C. I prefer C. You look great in those two!
ReplyDeleteA looks like you're about to say something, which is awkward. In D you are too small and have a hunched posture.
C!!!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough all of them are really nice, I like C the most.
ReplyDeleteCCCCCCCC!
C fo sho.
ReplyDeleteC is the best!
ReplyDeleteI'm voting for C... you look lovely in it!!
ReplyDeleteMy favourites are C then B, but are there versions of them with your glasses on?
ReplyDeleteI really like your expression in A but agree with whoever said your buttons are distracting. The composition and colours of D are great, but you're too far away for a book jacket and I'm not sure the best way to crop it but still keep the cool composition.
C!
ReplyDeleteB! I really like that one best. C is #2, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteC is great! I love it -- you look very real and approachable, and it's a great photo. B would be my second choice.
ReplyDeleteI thnk B looks best
ReplyDeleteC is perfect!
ReplyDeleteC, then B. Great photos! Very glam :)
ReplyDeleteC is by far the best
ReplyDelete