Kate Eisemann, my wonderful photographer and good friend, has labored long and hard to alter the background in #1 (pale blue) and #2 (white) around my curly locks. If you haven’t already checked out her website, I highly recommend a visit and bookmarking. You can find her at http://kateeisemannpictures.photofolio.com/.
The overwhelming feedback from you turned into a very close race between #1 and #4 in my original post. Kate addressed the background issue, so here are the final three entries. Not to influence you, but, with the busy background eliminated and the other two shots previously in the running gone, I’m curious to hear your selection.
I’m deeply grateful for your input, support, kindness and time.





49 comments
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July 14, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Estelle
I originally really liked #2 (formerly known as #1) mainly because of your smile and it seemed less busy. Not now. I still love the smile, but the other two jump right out at you! I’m torn, I like one with the blue background because it is very flattering, but I think it might seem a bit busy for some uses. Good luck.
July 14, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Diane Schroeder
The new #2 looks great! Kate did a fabulous job.
July 14, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Karen Wiant
Cast my vote for #2.
Karen
July 15, 2009 at 12:09 am
Christy Mitchell
Hands down. #1 with the blue background. It enhances the coloring of your skin & makes your photo look more vibrant. “Alive” is actually the word. The other two appear to wash out your skintone and make you look pale.
July 15, 2009 at 12:38 am
Karen E. Kelley
My choice would be #1 with the white background. You are beautiful no matter which one you pick.
July 15, 2009 at 12:38 am
donnaelle
#1 blue background…..you are ALIVE with energy galore!
July 15, 2009 at 1:18 am
Carol Spong ASID
Either one of number 1 is great.
July 15, 2009 at 7:55 am
Kathy Magrino
I vote for #2 this time!
July 15, 2009 at 8:18 am
Mary Lynn
Ranking: #1 or #2…..I think the pure white background may be too stark.
July 15, 2009 at 9:05 am
Peggy Morgans
#1 white background
July 15, 2009 at 9:18 am
Lisa
I’ll say #1 blue background (your skin color is more natural and glowing in that one), although I miss the original #3!
July 15, 2009 at 10:07 am
Denyse
I still like #2 (formally #1?) the best!
July 15, 2009 at 10:26 am
Liz Carnahan
#1 with white background. I go straight to your eyes in that one, and feel your presence and energy most directly.
July 15, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Patty
#1 – that’s my favorite – you have the best color in this one.
July 15, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Marysia
HI,
The new 2 is perfection…..
July 15, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Pam Toner
#1 with the white background. this is my favorite.
July 17, 2009 at 1:34 am
Miriam Salpeter, Keppie Careers
I like #1 blue or white. Maybe you need both, depending on the use? I can see the blue being too busy for some uses as Estelle mentioned.
July 17, 2009 at 10:05 am
Cookie
I meant to tell you last night – I think #1 really jumps out. The other two are lovely but seem too sedate.
July 18, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Pat Frank Sher
Jane I LOVE LOVE LOVE #2. You come across confident, natural, art-sy & creative but that is tempered by the black wardrobe-in a nice way.
July 21, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Jessica Bram
I have to say, I really love your expression in #2. It really conveys your personality – warm and approoachable coach/friend. They are all beautiful (second choice would be #1 with white background) but there is something special conveyed in that one. You know my one quibble with it – but that may just be me.
July 22, 2009 at 6:36 am
Dave K
Personally #1 looks warmest and friendly. Also you face has more color in that one.
July 22, 2009 at 6:47 am
Janice O'Brien
HI Jane, All the photos show your openness, warmth and beauty. Being an Art Director, I choose 2 because you are wearing Winter colors, (the color palette to make you look best) and wearing black, white and red are colors that make you pop and look most natural. It’s fresher and crisper.
July 22, 2009 at 6:58 am
Cindy Clark
You are beautiful not matter what! I like #1 with blue background. Maybe the white background would be better in a newspaper or black n white print.
July 22, 2009 at 7:24 am
elizabeth
My vote is for either photo of you in dressed in blue. The colors of your wardrobe make you look vibrant and creative. I guess you could switch out the background for your desired use. Good luck…it looks like you may have opened Pandora’s Box and have too many different opinions!
July 22, 2009 at 7:27 am
Donna Frost
Still #1 but can’t make up my mind between blue or white background. I like the positive energy, read-to-go attitude. #2 is very friendly looking but I think your tilted head doesn’t look as self-assured as #1.
July 22, 2009 at 7:46 am
Meredith Gray
I like the clarity and vibrancy of #1. Originally thought the blue ground was too distracting but now that it has been softened I think the blue adds to the overall composition of the photo. It really makes you pop out at the viewer. It is strong and determined like you.
#2 gets a bit soft and the photo doesn’t seem as crisp to me. Either way, you look great in all selects!
July 22, 2009 at 8:25 am
Sherry
Hi Jane,
Both #1’s get my vote.
The photo with white background looks lighter overall. This makes your features softer. The mottled blue background is a bit more colorful and vibrant. I wonder if your photographer might be able to combine the softened features of the white background photo with the vibrancy of the blue background photo.
Best,
Sherry
July 22, 2009 at 8:54 am
Diane Overton
I still like #3 the best (I seem to be the minority on that one!). You just look so welcoming in that picture. I also like #2, backgrounds remind me of high school photos. And whichever picture you choose, you always look fabulous!
July 22, 2009 at 9:01 am
Kelly Schellert, ASID
I have to agree with everyone about the new #1-with pale blue background. Both #1’s jump out at you, but the white is very stark. The blue is not distracting anymore, but enhances your skin tone and plays very nicely off the red of your necklace. The whole composition of #1 with the pale blue background is the most flattering, most vibrant, and drew me in immediately.
You could use #1 with white background for things that the blue won’t matter (like black and white newsprint) and save the pale blue background for color articles/media!
July 22, 2009 at 9:07 am
debbie fay
now i’m likeing the blue background. i vote for #1
July 22, 2009 at 9:16 am
Julianne Stirling
I like #1 with white background. It is ‘clean’ and non distracting. All about your person.
July 22, 2009 at 9:40 am
Liz Carnahan
Even after the background alterations on #1, I still prefer #2! I find it very welcoming.
July 22, 2009 at 9:43 am
Denise Costabile
#! white background is my favorite. xo
July 22, 2009 at 10:04 am
Bonnie Jo Rohow
Number 2 seems like Jane!!! Bonnie Jo Rohow ASID,IFDA
July 22, 2009 at 10:09 am
Barbara Rassow
I go for #1…I like color. You look like the energetic woman you are! What does your gut tell you, Jane ??
July 22, 2009 at 10:11 am
Barbara Rassow
For my last comment, I was referring to the first #1, with the blue background.
July 22, 2009 at 10:15 am
Michael Millar
#2 – radiates authenticity.
July 22, 2009 at 10:37 am
Olga Adler
Hi Jane,
#1 white background – it is so you!
July 22, 2009 at 11:07 am
cebette
#1 with white background
July 22, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Nora Kovach
I think you look great in all three shots, but if I had to pick one it would be #1 with the white background. I think this head shot conveys confidence, and the pop of color conveys a vibrant personality.
July 22, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Barbara, your sister
#1 definitely. Sorry I didn’t weigh in earlier. They’re all nice but #1 is the best in my opinion.
July 22, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Janice Weinstein
Still like the warmth of #2…but love the fuller curls in #1…I don’t like the blue background as it reminds me of school pictures. Also…I like the idea of black and white, and a different necklace from your last head shot.
See you soon!
Jan
July 22, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Terry Scarborough
I like # 1 best; either background although probably prefer the white (the comments about school photos did make me think about that!) I like the direct “look in the eye” approach of #1. But for the record, my husband said “definitely #2–so obviously they are all great!
July 23, 2009 at 8:06 am
Liz Geoffrion
I still like #1. The lighter blue is an improvement and I still think it says “Artist” and is friendly and professional.
July 23, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Debra
I like # 1 – white background
July 27, 2009 at 11:18 am
Diane
#1 like both the blue & white background, but when I look at them individually I lean towards the white. Either way #1 & #2 are great pictures and you really will not be going wrong. Only reason I didn’t pick #2 is that your eye glasses are slightly more lowered over one eye, and since your eyes speak volumes I wouldn’t want any distractions from them….
July 27, 2009 at 11:43 am
Deborah
Hi Jane! They all show you so well! My preference is #1 with blue background. How nice to have the flexibility to choose between them depending on where/how they will be used.
August 10, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Brooke Feder
Your photographer friend, style consultant, and parents’ gene pool all should be thanked – these are great photos. I prefer the white background #1 photo. You posess and shine a lot of color in your life, therefore I like the color to be on your person, not in the background.
Cheers,
August 12, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Margaret H. Wagner
Dear Jane,
I choose #1 with the blue background. It seems to feature your face best in terms of skin tone — almost warmer in a funny way.