Friday, November 13, 2015

Is it Time to Change my “About Me” Photo?



Recognize this photo? Did you know it was a picture of me? Maybe not. It’s a lot bigger here than it is over there on the side bar.

I’ve been at this blogging thing for almost 6 years (first post was back on Thanksgiving 2009) and commenting a little bit longer. When I set up my account to comment on blogs, I chose a picture that was me, but so small you couldn’t recognize me (somehow I thought I would be stalked or something!). Plus it was a picture with my sweetie (taken when we were driving out to Virginia in Aug 2008—I believe that’s the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance). Now that I’m published, I’m wondering if it’s time to change my About Me photo on Blogger.

I know some people change their photo to match the holidays (hello, Ivy!). On Facebook, profile photos get changed all the time. I don’t do that. What you see is what’s been there since I created the account.

These are the photos I have with my other social media sites:

FACEBOOK
(taken 4/3/10 in Pittsburgh at the old Igloo -- that's my daughter next to me)

 
 
WORDPRESS/GRAVATAR
(taken 9/1/08 in Jamestown, VA).
Actually, only my head shows up there. Gravatar only lets you use a portion of the picture.

 
 
GOOGLE+
(taken 3/14/14 in Solvang, CA)


 
GOODREADS/AMAZON/KENSINGTON/ANY TIME SOMEONE ASKS FOR MY PHOTO
(taken 12/13/09 at a Christmas dinner)


I’m using the cover to Blind Temptation as my profile photo on my Facebook author page, and I recently set up an Instagram account, but haven’t decided on anything yet.

So… Give me your opinion. Should I find a more recent picture? Use one from my other social media sites? Have a professional photo taken? Or just leave my Blogger photo alone?

Have a fun Friday the 13th and a great weekend. I plan on it. I’ve got a football game to go to tomorrow!

Stacy

9 comments:

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

no opinions here. I've been struggling with the same thing. I've used cheesy shots for years...should get a pro shot made maybe-probably, myself

Maria Zannini said...

I use a picture of myself that's 20 years old. It's my favorite picture because I'm with my dog, Chelly. She's gone now but it gives me comfort to see her face daily.

Author pictures/avatars should express who you are. It doesn't matter so much what it is as long as you use it uniformly across all your social media platforms. What you're going for is continuity.

This way someone who doesn't know you well can come to a site and say, 'Yes, she's the one I read over on Stacy's Rantings. I'm in the right place.'

Stacy McKitrick said...

Mac - Hmmm... Maybe I should go down to Tampa and have you take my picture, and then I could take yours! Haha! :)

Maria - I know now it's a dog, but the first time I saw your picture, I thought you were holding a tiger cub or something wild (the picture IS small and my eyesight isn't all that great...). Since my mug is pretty much on all my social media sights, maybe it's time to change it here so you can see more of it! :)

Jennette Marie Powell said...

IMO a good quality headshot looks more professional (and "headshot" includes pics a little wider out, like Maria's, but where you can still recognize her). Yes, online friends and readers might recognize you at a con or such because of your headshot. Hasn't happened for me yet, but I'm prepared. :) A professional photo is worthwhile, but some snapshots are almost as good. FWIW, I like the "anytime someone asks for my photo" pic. Who cares if it's old - it's a good picture, and you haven't changed!

Stacy McKitrick said...

Jennette - Hmmm... I'd like to think I haven't changed in 6 years, but I know better. I'm older and heavier for one! :) Probably why I haven't bothered with the professional photo. Not until I've lost some weight. Like that will ever happen. Haha! :)

Michael Seese said...

I think the last one is nice. Of course, I've used the same photo on all my social media sites for around 5 years.

JeffO said...

It's a nice photo of the two of you, though you're kind of hard to see. I should probably update my own as well, as it's at least three years old now, but I really like it.

Enjoy the game this weekend!

The Happy Whisk said...

And sometimes, I'm a vintage bread box to match our new bedroom.

I say, go for the picture you love the most and have fun with it. I did know that was your and your honey bunny. Nothing wrong with that, at all. It's sweet and personal.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Michael - Guess you're like me. I found a photo I like and never thought about changing it. Well... until now. Haha!

Jeff - See? That's EXACTLY what I was going for when I set up my Blogger account--Hard to see. Haha! By the way, Wayne won! Whoo hoo!

Ivy - I might change my photo with another one with my honey bunny. Just to play around (because it's kind of a funny photo).