Take 2

[snousle]

Here's another try at a professional shot for my web page. Not for use forever, the question is, is it good enough for now?

Comments

[dhpbear.livejournal.com]

Great photo, Tony!

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

I like it!
Of course, nothing about it except the white jacket says "food," but that's minor. As a "for now" photo, it's great.

[snousle.livejournal.com]

Props add too many additional variables. The problem with these is that there is always a fatal flaw. Focus, exposure, and pose all have to be right at the same time - having some plate of food also needing to be right makes it nearly impossible, at least until I get these other things under control.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

I like what the guys below have to say about it being "welcoming." A suggestion if you do re-shoot with the hand on the knob, and you do feel like tackling props:

Same shot, hand on knob, you holding a string grocery bag (sends a message of eco-friendliness) full of groceries (really good-looking ingredients from your area, maybe a bottle of wine), as if we had just caught you returning from the market. Contrived, sure. But it sends the right welcoming message for your client base.

OK, I obviously need to get a job at Mode.

[winstonthriller.livejournal.com]

I like it better than the last one where you were squinting a lot because of the light.

I've heard that hands should either be seen or not seen--no hands half in/half out of pockets. Dunno why--that's just what I've heard.

[thornyc.livejournal.com]

I like this one a lot: softer light, warm colors, no squinting.

You're upfront about the long hair, which I don't think would be any problem given the more laid-back nature of your area (in might be in more uptight, conformist areas, of say, New England or parts of the midwest).

Very personable.

[chrisglass.livejournal.com]

I like it. Tight crop, but that can be beneficial online.

[snousle.livejournal.com]

It can be cropped looser, but I figured that I looked small enough already.

I wonder if the door handle is a bit contrived. I wanted it there because it is the actual door to my kitchen and I like it a lot. Don't know if there is value in that beyond personal sentimentality but maybe it provides some sort of sympathetic magic.

[chrisglass.livejournal.com]

In my brevity I failed to mention: I love the door. The color of the wall. It's lovely. The fact that it's the door to the kitchen makes it even better.

YOur website picture

[(Anonymous)]

Probably not what you want to hear, but your picture on your Big Meat post is a good one that would look good on your website.

Bob Bedolla

[jstregyr.livejournal.com]

Yes, much less squinty; very warm and friendly.
Almost a come-hither look, as if "enter into my kitchen and sample my... food".
;-)

[that-grr.livejournal.com]

i like it

my suggestion put one hand on the door knob with the door slightly open and use the other hand in a come on in /welcome gesture


warm welcoming neighborly

[bigjohnsf.livejournal.com]

I hope I'm not infuriating but, I like the first one better.

One of my teachers once said, "A portrait is a picture of a woman wearing a dress, a fashion shot is a picture of a dress being worn by a woman."

This is a nice picture of you.

Clearly, this is a picture of you standing by a door. But, what door? Why is this door in the picture? Is it the door to your kitchen? You know that, but the viewer doesn't know that. So, the viewer thinks you are standing in front of a door cause you couldn't think of anyplace better to stand. It might be nice if the door were open showing your kitchen, but that would probably be even harder to light.

Or, you could pull back farther and show a bit of the building with you standing in a welcoming pose on the stoop. You'd be a bit small, so you'd also have to do a head and shoulders shot.

The other picture is fine, except the lighting is a bid weird and you are squinting. Oh, and the door again.

I like the idea of you holding or preparing or presenting food. But, I'm not sure what the takeaway is from a basket of garnishes.

Have you tried looking on the web to see what other people have done?

[gloeden.livejournal.com]

I like it.
Def good enough for use, I think.

[urso.livejournal.com]

It's a wonderful photo! You look friendly, competent, and professional.. and the colors are nice and simple. What more could you want?

[snousle.livejournal.com]

Just so long as my horns aren't showing it doesn't scare clients away, I'm happy!

[urso.livejournal.com]

But I like your horns!

I'm sure Satan is competent and professional... not sure about friendly, though.

[allanh.livejournal.com]

Silly. You can't have horns.

You're not Jewish.

[allanh.livejournal.com]

I like this for a first go-round.

For the next one, I'd like to see a seemingly candid shot of you holding something like a bowl of fresh berries and laughing while someone is joking with you.

Chefs laughing are sexy. Men in general who are laughing are sexy.

But, hey ... you already knew I have weird taste.

...

[dorisduke.livejournal.com]

Ya know Tony you are a great looking guy. Very expressive eyes.

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

I'd hit that.

Err, I mean, you're a valued friend and this photo captures you very well.

Fuckit. I'd shag ya in a second.