How to write a good bio for website

[Claire]

Silly question, but I'm designing a new website that'll be more businessoriented.

Apart from the usual Home, Portfolio, Pricing & Contact page I want a About Me page. Problem is I get stuck here. I wrote something about how I got into photography & was about to snore when reading it. :rolleyes: It sounds like everybody's story...

I can write, but I'm not that used to selling myself yet. Any hints what to include in a bio?

Forgot to add, site's aimed at portrait & wedding photography. Mainly portrait.

[ssim]

I'm in the midst of working on a new site as well and this is one of the hardest things for me as well, writing about yourself. I spent a fair amount of time looking at established full time photogs sites to try and get some insight which didn't help alot as they were also all over the map.

What I have ended up doing is going with my philosophy and approach to the customer, some about my experience and some personal info. I have kept it fairly brief.

What I have avoided is the typical "hobby to business" verbage. I've always found that to be amateurish. The other thing I have avoided is listing my gear. I make a statement that we are adequately equipped to handle any job and that if we feel we are not, we will turn down your request. The normal customer, imo, doesn't know an XTi from a 1Ds. What mattes to them is the final product.

[Dchemist]

Hi Claire,
Rather than taking the approach of why you became a photographer you might limit the statement to why you photograph and what you try to accomplish with your images for those for whom you work. It is your "story", the one you would tell when customers consider you for work. When I have had to do this for work I write as much as I possibly can including thoughts that may end up having no relevance. I then put it away for a few days and then return to it and edit it, eliminating everything that is not central to my story... Lastly you need a few sets of unbiasised eyes to read what you write and let them comment and see if the story works. Good luck, Dennis

[Claire]

Hi Claire,
Rather than taking the approach of why you became a photographer you might limit the statement to why you photograph and what you try to accomplish with your images for those for whom you work. It is your "story", the one you would tell when customers consider you for work.

Hi Dennis,
I have thought of trying to mesh the whole "My Philosophy" & "About Me" into one text. I don't want to sound too "hobby to business" as ssim mentioned. At the same time I kinda am keeping it as a semi-hobby/business thing, but I think presenting yourself as professional as possible is the best thing.

I'm trying to figure out how personal I should be/not be. How much should I really mention about me & my photo background?

[sageone]

At the end of the day, the About Me section should be how you want to come across to your clients. I did mine in a ho hum sort of way...just a regular guy who loves photography and is good at it. People have commented on my bio and said that it just seemed natural and not polished. I honestly just whipped it up but have received decent feedback from my site and bio.

[Dchemist]

Hi Claire,

I would be personal... after all you are sharing some of yourself when you press the shutter and the emotion you are trying to deliver is what people want to see and it is the reason they will hire you. It is not easy. The actual experience part "10 years in photography" might be somewhere on you site but it is not part of your story - the idea of an "about me" and a "what I offer" page might be the way to go. It clarifies the subject matter... the fact that you want to be a "limited or casual professional" is fine - you are just selective on what you want to do as you have time -- many people (including me) do this. I think ssim is correct: avoid the hobby beginnings - it is not relevant to today.

Good luck, Dennis

[sageone]

Check the gallery section of potn and visit some others' sites...get some ideas, approaches and adapt to what works best for you.

[Claire]

Thanks everyone. I looked at some pros' blo's and got some ideas.:) Will try writing a draft tonight.

[coreypolis]

describe who you are, why you do it, you passion and intrest

add a picture!

[Vegas Poboy]

Try writing key facts about yourself and let someone else write your bio and tweak it from there.

[michael_]

At the end of the day, the About Me section should be how you want to come across to your clients. I did mine in a ho hum sort of way...just a regular guy who loves photography and is good at it. People have commented on my bio and said that it just seemed natural and not polished. I honestly just whipped it up but have received decent feedback from my site and bio.

i just noticed a spelling error in your about page http://www.demphotography.com/about/ , 3rd line "photograpy business". Just thought i would give you the heads up

[nevilleb]

Make it funny. That'll keep 'em awake. A small example can be found on the 'About Neville Bulsara' (http://www.nevillebulsara.com/nevilleb.htm) section of my website

nevilleb

[coreypolis]

read this bio:
http://www.christinalouvierre.com/index2.php

[NickSimcheck]

When I look at an "About Me" page I'm not looking for your credentials, I'm trying to figure out what kind of person you are.

I mean, if you went to Brooks sure, if you've been doing it for 30 years sure. But don't list out every client you've ever had and all 143 awards you've received.

So be personal, try to explain the kind of person you are... Shy, outgoing, funny, reserved, etc.

[NickSimcheck]

When I have had to do this for work I write as much as I possibly can including thoughts that may end up having no relevance. I then put it away for a few days and then return to it and edit it, eliminating everything that is not central to my story... Lastly you need a few sets of unbiasised eyes to read what you write and let them comment and see if the story works. Good luck, Dennis


I have done the same thing, and I agree 100%. If you write out a plan, a paper, or whatever... Let it sit for a day or two then go back to it. You might be shocked at how different you feel that day and what you want to remove or add, and in the end makes a much better outcome.

[Claire]

Thanks.:)
I think I'll stick with part of my old website bio, but try to amend it.

Now I'm stuck on the "Philosophy'' part.:confused.

[christinal]

thanks for the link:) when I saw my stat counter i was confused and registered here cool place:)

[coreypolis]

thanks for the link:) when I saw my stat counter i was confused and registered here cool place:)
hey Christina, I was just echoing the nice comments DJ said about your Bio page, great job and welcome!

[Claire]

Welcome Christina! :)

[michael_]

read this bio:
http://www.christinalouvierre.com/index2.php

PERFECT bio page and the music goes so well with it when reading it, hell a tear came to my eye for some reason (i know im a big girls blouse :P ) but yeah perfect bio if i was looking for a photog i would so consider her.

[Claire]

I'm being a bit lazy. Will go for my previous bio (http://www.nounaandersson.com/about%20me%20page.htm)until I come up with a new one.

[PhotosGuy]

I gave these guys a choice of two for their site. They didn't use this one!
:D
Frank Cizek, an amazingly versatile example of arrested development, has managed to avoid actually working for a living for the greater part of a half-century by expanding his artistic and photographic talents in diverse directions. Becoming somewhat bored with still images, he briefly produced and edited a 13-week series for local Michigan PBS stations which was sponsored by K-Mart. Finding it much to difficult to be producer, director, cam operator, editor, Best Boy, etc., all at the same time, he ventured into software training, reasoning that one doesn’t have to know everything, one just needs to stay ahead of the students, an example of this theory having been by brilliantly made by his High School Algebra & Geometry teacher who learned he would be teaching those subjects one week before classes started! Through no fault of the teacher who was excellent, if not brilliant, Frank flunked his first year Algebra, but managed an A by the skin of his teeth the second time around. Frank hopes to be equally brilliant during his endeavors at Media Power.