Images of self

A couple of things have prompted this post.

I seem to have been sucked into Twitter recently, I’m still not exactly sure why it appeals so much but it is annoyingly addictive whilst remaining relatively useless (to me). The odd snippet of information here and there is all well and good but I do wish I could find something a little more productive during the “down” minutes that, these days, find me heading towards Twitter. Twit.

One thing, and it’s been commented on elsewhere, is the tendency for people to use photos of themselves on the site, rather than the old school style graphical representations (the new ‘head’ up there on the banner in my case). This is not necessarily a bad thing, it does somewhat depend on the photo being used I guess, but still begs the question: “what prompted this change?”

I’ve not followed this trend, yet, for one very good reason. I don’t really have a photo of me that I like. Well there is one but it looks like I’ve got a plant growing out of my head, and it was about 2 stone ago and.. well, vanity is such a sin it would be a shame to waste it, right?

Today I spent a little time looking for tips on taking a good portrait photo, with the thinking that I’d set up my camera on the tripod, set the self-timer for stun and try to take one myself. The efforts are wholly uninspiring.

Now, if this was JUST for Twitter, then yes I’d probably just go with something daft, but I may need to have a “headshot” photo for other reasons (more on that later). Do I really need to go to a professional? I do know a couple of photographers who might gimme a few hints, or even offer a free (short) session but it does seem a little OTT. Mind you, I suppose all these people who already have headshots had to go through the same kind of thing.

In a related note, having recently used the rather fantastic vzaar to record a video to post with an item I was selling on eBay, I was reminded what my voice sounds like. I had forgotten how nasal I sound and that I have a tendency to mumble, ohh and of course I had forgotten the basic fact that I SOUND NOTHING LIKE I IMAGINE!

It’s odd how we build up our own idea of how we look, act and sound, yet the reality is usually further removed than many of us would like to admit. The truth of the matter is that I’m a little taller and thinner, than I imagine, my face is more defined, my voice is deeper and more authorative, and I’m never ever cute, just “dashing”. Yes, yes, that’s the truth of the matter and I won’t hear another word said on the topic.