Friday, January 21, 2011

Reflections

Selfie

I always thought that the photograph reveals more about the photographer than the subject. I wonder if it is doubly so with self-portraits?

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Do's and Dont's of Facebook Profile Pictures

So, I've been looking around to see if anyone has written about what NOT to do with your profile picture on Facebook. So far, I have not found anything of value, and decided to write it myself. Here is the DON'T list, the BORING list, and DO list at the end. Of course, I have friends who will read this ...just know I love you. Here is just my two cents from photographer and opinionated woman perspective. (Gulp.)




Dont's



Pouting (also known as "duckface" or "chicken ass mouth"). Just don't. You don't have Angelina Jolie's lips, you never will, and you know what - you look great the way you are.

Picture from 5 years ago. This is called cheating, Einstein, and people see right through it. There is no use in pretending, be proud of your age.

Your pet. If your dog told you to put up his picture on your profile, get rid of that dog. All he wants to do is get more people to say he is cute, and get more dogie treats; and you don't want a fat dog.

Picture from far away, where your face or your body just appears to be fly spit on the lens. What can I say? Useless!

Underwear, bikini, speedo, or swimming shorts photo. What are you trying to prove? Sorry, but that just makes you look desperate for attention. Desperate is opposite of sexy.

Face close up taken from 85 degree angle. Don't you know that everyone makes fun of those pics? And the first thing people think is that you are hiding a double chin, or worse? It's so MySpace, and so 5 years ago!

Passport photo. You didn't see that one coming, did you? Well, I have seen those shots, and they make you look stiff, unnatural, and finally, like you have no life at all.

Stolen picture. Your friend took the picture, what's the problem with that? Probably not a big deal, I agree, but there are exceptions. If you use a photo someone else took, don't present it like it's your own. Give them credit for it, and ask for permission to use it. It is good all around. Spread the goodness.

Food. Unless it's SPAM, I don't want to see it! In other words, jokes are fun, and just for a limited time. Otherwise, if you are a cook, chef, pastry chef, or alike- make a group, business fan page, or something of the sort and use your food pics there. Do you want your friends to think of food, or of you when they see your profile pic?

Blurry or pixelated pictures. Well, who's ever liked a picture like that?!?



Boring....



Picture of you, your husband/wife, and the children. You love your family. I love your family. But... I can't see anyone's face on that tiny square. I confuse you with all other friends who have family pics as well. You see the problem?

Picture in your wedding gown. Ok, this one is good for a month when you got married, but why year, two, or more years later? We know you looked lovely as a bride. I am starting to think you may be stuck in the past?

Picture of you with a drunken crowd. Ok, moving right along. I don't even want to think of this one.

Your baby. Yes, cute overlord...er, overload. Moving right along, too.



And now...


Do's



Show your face and - smile.

Use recent photographs.

Don't overthink it.

If you are skilled with the camera, or post-processing - be creative. In this case, you can use pictures that don't exactly show your face, but have aesthetic value.

If you are not skilled with a camera, have your picture taken by a friend who is.

Don't be afraid to use your best shots. If you are not sure, ask a friend to help out.

Check what picture looks like as thumbnail. Sometimes a picture which looks great in original size looks unrecognizable as thumbnail. Go for instant recognition.(Black and white works great!)

Have fun with it, and change your profile pic from time to time!
mala mačka (little cat)

Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year...

Square Of Inception

Let's remember on the first day of this year that we are all more alike than we are different, that "we are all bloody under skin". Let's act in nurturing ways, let's forgive, let's laugh. Let's make this new year a party in which each one of us brings something to the table. Much Love. Mariana