I asked my son, Nik, to take a few photos of me to use as publicity shots for the cover of my upcoming novel, Lone Dog Road.
Because Nik knows me inside and out and has a wonderful eye, he was able to catch something about my character in each of the ten or so photos he took. From those ten I’ve chosen two as options.
There are others I would use if I were working on a more meditative, spiritual book. But Lone Dog Road is a road novel, a novel of different characters, Native, white, and Black, speaking in their own voices and sharing a common journey through a parched and difficult land. I need a photo that will draw in folks who might read a novel of that sort.
Sadly, photos matter. So, I’m down to these two. The differences are subtle, but real. You may not even see them. But if you do, do you have any preferences or thoughts?
I prefer 1050. A little more serious
First photo: You have given us something if we’re up to discovering it. Second photo: You’re introspective; interesting if we want to know you but not necessarily drawing us to the book itself.
First one – more contemplating and better light on the left.
The top photo has your face shadowed and does not look as good as the bottom one.
Both are great. The photo on the left is more contemplative. The photo on the right slightly more shaded, but a little more responsive (not smiling, but perhaps thinking about smiling).
Bottom – lighter
I like the one on the left. It feels a bit more contemplative. In the one on the right, there’s a hint of a smile that almost looks like a smirk to me.
I prefer the first. You have a glimmer of humor sliding off your lips and hope beaming from your eyes. Number two is a bit too serious and pensive. Life is too short not to have people wonder what the glimmer and beam is all about. A secret unto you!
I like the one on the right. The lighting is a bit better, and I like the hint of a smile, almost like you are about to
tell us a secret. I see wisdom there.. it is just more engaging. Yes, subtle, but it is there.
The second photo, to me, speaks of one who’s traveling through a “parched and difficult land.” I want to read about a “Lone Dog Road” from that guy.
The first photo seems like there’s a bit of a twinkle in the eye. Another book perhaps.
Just my first impression. I’m sure to read
that book regardless.
Cindy C
The photo on the right is more subdued. The one on the left is lighter, happier.
Sorry, I got that backwards.
Left is subdued, right is happier.
I like the one on the left best. You look more contemplative.
The one on the right looks more forward thinking or optimistic.
The one on the left looks more pensive/reflective.
Since I don’t know the tone of the book it depends maybe on what you would want to convey with the photo.
In the top picture I see hope in your eyes.
In the lower one your eyes have a seriousness presence.
I hope this helps.
In the top picture I see hope in your eyes.
In the lower one your eyes have a serious presence.
I hope this helps.
The photo on the right with the slightly open mouth has a soft wonderment and openness of inquiry which captivates your writing to me.
And I own all of your books and have bought copies for those I believe will be expanded by your powerful writing.
Thank you,
Josie
one on the left
The lower photo i see on my cell phone seems a little more indicative of a story “through a parched & difficult land” in my view. The upper photo has a tiny hint of something “fun.” Whichever you choose I’ll look forward to the publication of Lone Dog Road.
Hello Kent,
Looking good in both but would say the second photo is more appealing.
Thanks for the update. Can’t wait to read the book!
Bill
I like the one on the right better. Thanks …
I like the first one. I feel that you have a warm and welcoming expression.
Second one. The lighting seems a bit better.
There is a subtle difference Kent, enough for me anyway, from when you visited us in Boulder.
Both px speak volumes about the kindly wise elder, who listens to others and his own thoughts and feelings before saying anything.
It really is how you speak from the heart, as we all need to, like you.
And so, the second px is my vote.
It looks more like you’re listening.
Lone Dog Road will say the rest.
From the heart.
NB
Please don’t stay up so late, Kent.
If possible.
I know, it takes a while for dust, thoughts and feelings to settle.
It’s really the only time for things to come clear for a lot of us.
The one on the right – there’s a twinkle in your eye that hints at the wisdom there.
The second pic leaves me with a sense that you are revealing a mysterious knowledge of your appreciation for Life! Thanks for Sharing!
You are right… he has a keen eye . I vote for the lower/second because there is less limb distraction. Both are terrific shots kudos
Kent,
I vote for the top one. There’s a bit more hopefulness in the eyes and a little upturn of the mouth. Your words are always so inspiring and introspective. Can’t wait to read your book.
Bob Becker
The one on the right, the expression shows curiosity and slight hint of humor.
Best,
jim
The second one, i.e. the one on the right. The first one is still, kind of introverted and even slightly sad; The second one has an open, inquiring expression as of a man poised for intelligent creative action.
Hello, I am drawn to the one that your not smiling in. You have a beautiful smile though.
I prefer the photo on the right. They really are quite similar but I think the one on the right, while quizzical and thoughtful, also has just a hint of a smile which suggests to me some acceptance of the challenge of our human lives.
Second photo , for sure… less shadow on your eyes..
I vote for the bottom photo. It feels more contemplative and and thought provoking. It seems like it would highlight the theme of the novel.
The top one. Looks like you’re looking at something you like
The photos are definitely different. In the one on the left (mouth completely closed) you look serious, thoughtful, perhaps even a touch sad or depressed. You wrote that Lone Dog Road isn’t “a more meditative, spiritual book”, but the closed-mouth photo left me with the impression that the book’s content could be on the heavy side. My first impression of the other, slightly open-mouthed photo was that you might be about to say something lighter (not terribly meditative or spiritual). Given how you’ve described the story, perhaps the slightly open-mouthed photo would be best? Either way, I can’t wait to read it!
the one on the left – it seems to be more of a close-up shot. looks good!
First one is mere serious, maybe sadder. The second, i see you with wisdom and some mirth that comes w the wisdom. I prefer the second, but not sure what you want to get across, to project to the audience..
I look forward to reading the new book!
Best,
Debby
I like the one on the left (bottom pic on my phone)
By the way- if I turn my phone on it’s side the 1st pic on the left becomes the bottom pic- so is now the 2nd pic which might mess up your vote counts…
I prefer the one on the left: a bit more somber, serious, meditative…..but warm and wise.
Top photo tells me that you have something to share. Bottom photo tells me that you are introspective. I would find the top photo more compelling for buying the book.
The first one. More serious and contemplative.
In the portrait on the right your face holds more of an expression that hints at an adventure to be had…wry and wise.
The top photo shows me you are thinking about an idea you like… which probably happened many times when you were looking for the right words to create your story. I would choose that one.✌️❤️🪶
I like the one on the right best. Less sad. And you look like you’re about to tell a story.
The one on the left. Less clutter. Light is slightly better. And you look very thoughtful.
Prefer the one on the left in terms of media reproduction. The one on the right is nice but missing enough contrast, especially if your book is not using glossy.
I would choose the photo on the right. I’m seeing a little irony there, some questioning, a bit of humor and a twinkle in the eye, even a bit of a challenge and hope. On the left I am seeing a more contemplative and perhaps sadden expression, more serious in any event an perhaps more suited to the “more meditative spiritual book”.
Sure looking forward to your book.
Bob
Syracuse, NY
I would choose the photo on the right. I’m seeing a little irony there, some questioning, a bit of humor and a twinkle in the eye, even a bit of a challenge and hope. On the left I am seeing a more contemplative and perhaps sadden expression, more serious in any event an perhaps more suited to the “more meditative spiritual book”.
Sure looking forward to your book.
The one on the right seems lighter. Actually, it IS lighter, and because of that you seem slightly happier. I like it better.
This is kinds of a slam dunk. The one on the right has the hint of a wry smile. That’s my preference.
I love reading everyone’s comments.
With all we know about Kent and his wonderful books, these are accurate perceptions sans projections, because the spirit that lives in him is apparent.
He has imparted that spirit to us, taking us places we may never visit and knowing people we may never meet.
It is how we can know those special places in our heart.
I feel the better for it.
Thank You Kent
Left is my preference but I can see that the right one might be more “friendly” 🤔
I like the one on the lower left. You are giving us a thoughtful story, unbiased, for us to respond to however we do. In the one on the top, you’re giving us your impression of the story rather than letting us respond on our own.
I love the one on the left, you look so deep in thought and purpose. Whichever you use Kent would be right for your new book. I cannot wait until it is published.
Anne Murray UK.
I like the one on the left. You appear to have something serious to reveal and that attracts my attention.
I prefer the picture on the left. Your face is balanced as you look at the camera (audience).
I prefer the one on the left. My impression give’s me the feeling of a more thoughtful mood- perhaps thinking of past characters, or an end to another story. Just lost in thought.
My vote is for the one on the left. It just feels right
The one on the right shows your complexity as a writer and as a person.
The one on the left makes you look world-weary
The right pic has an air of wisdom with a knowing chuckle thrown in.as well as a hint of a smile.
In both pics, you look away and up from the camera as if you have secrets (mikkyo in Japanese); the one on the left says you’ve seen it all, and it throws you into despair. The one on the right depicts you as “been there; done that,” and you still say, “coming back for more!” That seems to tickle your creative self which is pretty much who you are for purposes of this voting opportunity.
In summary, it’s the right — wise smile-chuckle, mikkyo, indomitable, creative tickle says most of it for this book’s purposes: SO IT’S THE RIGHT SIDE for sure.
The lower left photo
You seem more serious in the photo on the left–perhaps even a little more wistful. Also, the shadows are not as dark. I’d go with that one.
I vote for the one on the left – it struck me as more reflective. Which led me to wonder what you were thinking about –
.Kent,
The one on the left is the deep, quiet, spiritual soul; the one on the right has a lighter spiritual quality with a funny question in mind.
That’s my take. I will buy the book with either picture because I am so taken with your deep quiet spirit and your appreciation in all that you see. Your writing has touched me deeply. In fact, I am one of your biggest fans and share your work with my friends and all my family.
Second (bottom) photo.
The top one I almost see a little smirk. The bottom one generates sincerity to my eyes. Without reading your book, I’m not sure which reaction you are trying to evoke from your audience.
I prefer the one on the left as well. Looks a little more somber, maybe a bit sad but serious at the same time.
The one on the right!