Avatars - what they say about you....

[photostein]

If you are a professional photographer and have an avatar that is simply a shot from your webcam in front of your computer monitor, I don't think I will be calling you, nor asking your advice.

Presentation is what it is all about.

I am not in the profession any longer, but take a photo here and there, but I am very meticulous about the work I advertise. Anyone seeing a photo I took, will see what I think is the best work I can produce with my current know how. It may not be to their liking, but it is what I would portray to a potential client.

I have yet to place up an avatar because I haven't produced the type of shot yet that I wouldn't mind a client seeing. I have shots taken, but I am still thinking about which one. Portrayal is important to me.

Just something to think about in case a client jumps on this site and sees your work denuded.

[Jake]

Before I purchase a book, I make sure the cover is pretty.

I'm sorry, but judging people based on the avatar is a little silly. (imho).

[Tom]

I don't think it is silly at all. You can't help what potential customers may judge you by, you can only help what you give them to judge you by.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

I don't think it is silly at all. You can't help what potential customers may judge you by, you can only help what you give them to judge you by.

Really? Potential customers on TPF?
Who are you marketing at?

I'm sure there is a chance of getting a client here, but not enough for me to worry about a stupid avatar.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

Really? Potential customers on TPF?
Who are you marketing at?

I'm sure there is a chance of getting a client here, but not enough for me to worry about a stupid avatar.

Agreed 100%

[lscottpht]

Actually, I've had several clients from TPF; in fact, some of my favorite clients are TPF'ers. I actually just got another TPF client this past week. But, I'm not so worried about the avatar thing, to a certain point. I don't think it would be good to post anything too sexy or provocative. That, I think, would have negative effects, but avatars show your personality; so, I think it's good to show people the real you rather than keeping it more business like. I think Jake's avatar is perfect for him and any client that would be looking at this site.

[SevenAndMe]

This is not a site for clients.

The pros on here have their own web sites where they present their client face.
This is a fun web site for local area photogrpahers with various interests and experience.

Tks.

[Mindy H]

This is why I use my logo.....so nobody can see my gray hair that I need to have colored. ;o)

[Jake]

Originally Posted by lscottpht

Actually, I've had several clients from TPF; in fact, some of my favorite clients are TPF'ers. I actually just got another TPF client this past week. But, I'm not so worried about the avatar thing, to a certain point. I don't think it would be good to post anything too sexy or provocative. That, I think, would have negative effects, but avatars show your personality; so, I think it's good to show people the real you rather than keeping it more business like. I think Jake's avatar is perfect for him and any client that would be looking at this site.

Yep!
And I bet those clients you got from here didn't put any thought into what your avatar was either.
Although you are hot, so that may have helped

thejakestir added 1 Minutes and 24 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

And also, a client that judges me on my avatar, is a client I don't want anyway!

[lscottpht]

Hahaha! I don't think they did, but they can barely see me in my avatar, anyway, which is the way I like it! Don't want to scare them, but thank you for the "hot" thing!

Oh, and while we are talking about biz stuff, my second shooter used to return emails to potential clients in a very business like way. I think of my potential clients as "friends", and I'm a lot more casual in my approach (which I think they like). Clients connect with you if they see personality there, not just "blah" business stuff that puts you in there with everyone else. My clients IM me all the time, and I like that. I've had great success booking weddings just off of emails. I very rarely meet with clients in person, and I attribute part of this to my approach. Anyway, just an FYI letting you know that it works well to "be yourself".

[groovyone]

I find it funny that the OP has no avatar.

[Angelo]

I do agree with Dan, I interview people and the person's presentation, even as he's walking into my office makes a difference whether to hire or use the services he/she are selling.

Small things like an avatar mean a lot to some people. And, don't mean much to others...:^)

[Jake]

Originally Posted by Angelo

I do agree with Dan, I interview people and the person's presentation, even as he's walking into my office makes a difference whether to hire or use the services he/she are selling.

Small things like an avatar mean a lot to some people.

Going to an interview is a lot different then posting on a forum with your fellow photogs. I agree that presentation is very important.
BUT, I would hate to see everyone on this forum start acting like it's a job interview and not being them self.
If every one is concerned with what a client might think, then no one would post about problems that might be having, or equipment issues and whatnot. This place just wouldn't be the same.

[z-monster]

Originally Posted by groovyone

I find it funny that the OP has no avatar.

100% with ya Keith!

Perhaps the title should be changed to "I have no Avatar but I have every right to judge you by yours"

I'm on here because I love photography. My avatar is myself after I landed. Skydiving with a camera mounted on your head isn't easy but the rewards are great. For me the two hobbies go hand in hand.

[ngoduyviet]

Hire me hire me, I'm comical yet deadly serious in shooting you...r pictures

Judging people by avatar? seriously?