Don't confuse profile photo phobia with photophobia which is light sensitivity of the eyes. The photo phobia I'm talking about is the fear of posting a profile image that is a reasonable likeness of yourself. Businesses have logos and people have photos, when on social media sites it's your personal image we are looking to see.
We were all greeted with the white silhouette on blue background when we first opened our Facebook account. Fortunately, nearly everyone changes it to something more personal. Believe it or not, I've got a couple of friends who have been on Facebook for 3+ years who are still showing that pale white head with the swirly top that reminds me of soft-serve ice cream everytime I see it.
Pets seem to be the most popular stand-in for their camera shy owners. Second place goes to the kids or grandkids followed by the miscellaneous category that can be just about anything like cars, flowers, cartoon characters, etc. As many businesses know, the internet is a wonderful way to brand their company. Like businesses, people should consciously craft their self image as their own personal brand. Everyone wants to represent themselves in the best light possible. A good profile picture is the first place to start.
The evolution of digital photography has turned everyone into a photographer. Though that's not always a good thing, chances are you've been captured on several cameras dozens of times in the past year. If you need a new profile picture, collect the shots that include you and select the one you like the best. Crop it down to a headshot and post it to your profile.
A professional photographer will always provide great results, if you don't know one, ask your friends for a referral. If that's too formal, consider asking a good friend to take some casual shots for you.
Resist the urge to take your own pictures with your cell phone. The inability to get your camera any further than your arm's length away will result in an oddly composed photo. There is almost nothing funnier than the smug shot of a guy with the glare of the flash bouncing off his bathroom mirror. Yes, we know you were hamming it up in the bathroom all alone with your camera!
Most of us cringe at the idea of having our picture taken. We're certain that we are not photogenic and pictures of us always look horrible. The real problem is we can't see ourselves as objectively as everyone else does. But remember, everyone else does see us just the way we are everyday. And that's the person they're looking for when they log onto their social media accounts. Smile and give us your best shot!
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Hahaha! I laugh at the idea of a professional photo shoot for my Facebook profile picture! I too am guilty of uploading a picture of my dog, kids, or even my hand drawn smiley face for my profile photo.
ReplyDeleteGood point, though. The other photos I like for profile pics are the ones taken at a distance of about 150 yards away. At that distance, you have NO idea what the person in the picture really looks like.
I've always been the one to run and hide whenever anyone pulls out a camera. I had an aunt who used to do the same thing, she'd either look down or put her hand over her face just as a pic was being taken. She died several years ago and I've realized that we don't have any good pictures of her. That's sad. She probably thought she didn't look good in pictures, but we loved her just the way we saw her. That's why I think people should get past their worry and post a pic. And yes, I hired a professional because I really, really hate having my picture taken too!
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