Self-Portraiture

Ladies, I was very flattered when the wonderful department I am affiliated with this year invited me to be included in their newsletter. The move to this university has been fantastic in every way, and it is great to actually feel like the people you are working with are happy to have you around....

Well, I was told that this newsletter circulates nationally, and since I am going on the job market, this is a really good way for people to find out who I am and what I do.....

....also, it is a way for single, straight, men of color with PhDs to check me out! I'm just saying.....

I am a serious academic ;-)

Anyway, all this meant that I needed to submit a headshot, something that junior academics like myself don't have lying around. Although I have been trying to keep up with the fabulous photographic genius featured on many of your blogs (especially the Brunsli), I am a slow learner. I quickly deleted many of the really bad mistakes (I have an earlier post that talks about photography, lighting, and locks), but I'll share some of the day's pics.

So this is the first one. It is not a horrible picture, but the problem for me is the blouse. I bought that top when I had long braid extensions that were chocolate brown in color. I put on the red necklace in the photo to break up the color, but this look is not conveying what I want. I think this picture says "young academic trying to look mature."


Although the round neck is an obvious improvement in the photo below, this picture is ALL nose! This is probably the biggest problem that I have with self-portraits, my nose is centered in the photo. Now I have worked very hard at accepting my features (oh how those kids teased me for my hair, lips, and nose! Man, integration aint easy!). Anyway, I would love to hear tips about how to figure out the camera positioning to avoid shooting these nosey photos!


In this picture I look shocked, like I still can't believe they gave me that fellowship. Again, the wrong look to accomplish both of my goals...


In this picture I have that 'crazy' eye, like I would stalk those single, straight, men of color with PhDs (and active Christians).



This one is the winner (don't offer alternative opinions...), I think I look young, smart, hip, and ready to party at the next conference (but in an intellectually sophisticated kind of way)! Obviously I am teasing (sort of... ;-)



And now for three gorgeous brainiacs who need no help with their headshots: