DJGold

DJ Teddy Bear

Not to pick on John, but his Avatar has bothered me for a while. I went to his web site and noticed a similar problem.

Because the Avatar always appears on the left side of the page, John appears to have his back to his words.
<< (His image was fixed below!) >>

This next one is on his home page - on the right side of the page. Besides the fact that it's not a great picture, it has the same "Back to his words" problem.

Notice the difference - This appears on his bio page, on the right side. In all the pictures he is looking at the camera - looking at the person reading his words. But on the bio page with the photo on the right side, he also faces his words.

Now take CJ's Avatar. Different problem because it has two people in the shot. But because it is CJ that does the posts and administration of this board, CJ should be on the left, facing his wife as well as his words. Particularly since CJ's wife is facing forward.

Now take JR's Avatar. This same shot, a larger version, is on his website. Both people are facing each other. But it is JR who is also facing his words. And, yeah, JR did it right on his web site. That photo is on the left side of his home page.

I point this out not to pick on anybody, but merely to show you. It can be hard to keep body language under control when doing a face-to-face meeting. Particularly subtle body language like this. But it is exceedingly easy to take a photo in Photo Shop (or just about any photo software) and flip it.

See my Avatar? I face the other way in the original photo.

DJ Teddy Bear · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:45 am Post subject:

By the way - Avatars? It's no big deal if you're facing the wrong way. We're not here to be sold on your words.

But on your web site, every little thing can make a difference. Stand up next to your words and not with you back to them.

CJ Greiner · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:56 am Post subject:

You know what... that's a great point!

These avatars, and even the images on the websites are so small and lacking in detail that I don't think anyone would notice the difference if they were flipped.

My avatar:

<-->

:idea:

brett · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:31 am Post subject:

I agree CJ.

jwg · Joined: September 15th, 2004 Posts: 1089 Location: Erie, PA

Pickin on me?? You talkin' to me?? LOL.

I guess I never thought of facing my words or looking away. Well, everything has been changed.

DJ Teddy Bear · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 1:16 pm Post subject:

Well, if I was pickin on ya, I would have said something about the black jacket, black tie, black mike and black hair, against a BLACK background! ... but I won't ... LOL.

But seriously, getting a good picture can be a challenge. Flipping it is a snap.

JR · Joined: March 11th, 2004 Posts: 409 Location: Phoenix, AZ

I never thought specifically of the photo placement with respect to body language. I tried it on both sides and what I have just seemed to look better in that position. But as you point this out I'd better take a look at a couple of other page/picture positions. I can see where a couple of changes may make a better impression.

By the way, I did splurge on the pics. I thought it would be good to have "Glamour Shots" produce them (as I'm sure you can tell from the bottom right hand corner of each). I'm pleased with the product.

djdonny · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 5:10 pm Post subject:

.yletelpmoc uoy htiw eerga I

,yddeT

JR · Joined: March 11th, 2004 Posts: 409 Location: Phoenix, AZ

djdonny wrote: .yletelpmoc uoy htiw eerga I

,yddeT

Now that's rich! :hahaha: Way to go Donny; very creative

PartyPerfectDJ · Joined: October 1st, 2004 Posts: 118 Location: Lynn, MA

SORRY!

Your all wrong! :lol:

Rule 2 or 3 or something. Never show your mug shot!

No one will hire you because of your looks, but they sure will NOT hire you because of them. Personally I just hate pics of myself, but I am a fairly handsome guy for 40. But it is just my opinion.

I have seen so many DJ websites where before I read a thing the pic says NO WAY.... Too Old or Too Young and etc! Remember you have to appeal to Sweet 16's to 50th Anniversaries.

Check www.arsensound.com and tell me you would hire him!

Usually the DJ looks like a goof in the pic. Let the customer meet you or ask for a photo!

As for quality, there is no excuse for that, I have better pic on my website than pro photographers!

brett

Gotta love it!!

Yeah.. nice pic from the web link...

jbrown157

I can see your point about the mug shot, but... No matter what, I am still going to be a 50-something, short, bald and overweight guy (but I'm a darn good DJ!). They might as well know it up front! Some people might not think I look like they think a DJ should look like. Oh well... it's their loss!

As a great philosopher once said; "I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam!"

DJ Teddy Bear · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 7:35 pm Post subject:

Donny -
You're a kook. Love it!

PartyPerfect -
I didn't start this thread as a debate if you should or should not use photos. Clearly, that's a personal choice, and you have valid arguments against it. I totally agree that the DJ in the web site you linked looks like a joke, or worse. But even if that was the look he was after, it was terrible lighting!

All I am saying is, if you're gonna use yourself in a photo, don't turn your back on your words.

DJ Teddy Bear · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 7:39 pm Post subject:

On a side note, I'm a member of a local DJ association. We meet monthly and have a bulletin board (not nearly as lively as this). I encourage everyone there to use their photo as an avatar to make it easier to remember who is who between posts and meetings.

The Dogman

Thats some very good observations about the pictures. Might I add that your body language can also say a great deal about you in general. For the other company I worked for, before I went on my own, I would train djs for them. I always had a problem with people who would cross their arms on their chest. Stuff their hands in their pockets, of just plain lean on the table. Why did I have a problem you ask, because that showed signs of being BORED.

Im very concerned about my body language and I always wanted the newbies to be aware of it also. I always wanted people to see me as upbeat,fun,and energetic. Not BORED and thinking when does this end.

Also think about your mannerisms when you have a consultation, do you say ah ah ah ah or and and and to often. To me that can be a turn off. Just thought I'd add my two cents on body language

jeaniec · Joined: July 14th, 2004 Posts: 25 Location: Sedona, AZ

I appreciate discussions like this because it brings something to light that few people are consciously aware of. Thanks, Teddybear. I'm going to go over my site and see what I can change. Never thought about the black on black thing, either. I have a picture like that I was rather fond of....hmm. I see your point, though.
Peace,
DJ Genie :wink:

Michigan DJ

jwg · Joined: September 15th, 2004 Posts: 1089 Location: Erie, PA

Actually Teddy...

My hair is red and the pic on my bio page was taken at a wedding I did a few years ago in front of my then setup. I blurred out the lighting around my head via photo editor. It looks like a black background, but was actually some things I blurred out behind me.

inrealitydj · Joined: January 1st, 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Anna, OH

About the pictures. I have a new twist on you all. I had a "charicture" made up for my logo and a way for people to see me in a different light. Visit my site at www.inrealitydigitaldj.com and tell me what you think.

Marc

djmc · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 8:27 am Post subject:

Wow, this thread made it into 2 pages really fast!