Sunday 23 August 2015

Portrait outside Pentonville Prison


I need a photo of me to go in my sketching book: I always think it's more friendly to be able to see the person who is 'talking' to you in a book of this kind. I have loads of publicity shots (I've never been a shrinking violet), but the more perceptive amongst you might have noticed that I changed my hairstyle about a year ago: my spikes have given way to a quiff. Which means older photos are not so good. 


So, while I was visiting my publisher, all kitted out in my best frock and with photographer Phil Wilkins on hand, I suggested we take a picture of me 'in action' with my sketchbook. I thought we would do something in the street, but my designer thought the local cafe, where we had just had our lunch, might be fun.

Quarto's offices are 100 yards from Pentonville Prison and the cafe is literally opposite the prison's main gate, which is why it's called the Breakout:


We went just before closing, so we wouldn't be disturbing any punters, and I sat at a table in the window on the far right of this photo. We shot loads of subtle variations on the theme. We tried a serious 'I'm concentrating on sketching' pose:



...and an 'I'm just sketching whatever is outside this window' one:



We also of course did the standard 'smiling at the camera' pose:


At one point a man came rushing in from the street, said: 'Don't take my picture, I just escaped!' then ran off again.

I am not sure yet which picture we are going to use in the book. They are all nice (thanks Phil), but I think the last one is the most friendly and welcoming. What do you think?

16 comments:

Rainer said...

The last one is the best one.

Rainer said...

The last one is the best one.

Anonymous said...

Last one...remove Or dull the white salt. Beautiful smile!

ummul azkee said...

the last one was really nice but I like the pic when you look outside the window..its look classic...

Eleanor said...

As a photographer and editor i would publish the last one - minus the salt as Rainer said, and also minus the white cap on the right. Both could be photoshopped out! This proves you sketch anywhere at any time!

The top one is good but looks self-conscious. The one where you are concentrating would work (back cover??) if cropped to just past your left ear (avoid the sauce!) and above your left hand. That way it totally illustrates careful observation. But not for the 'meet your author' bit.'

Cindi Myers said...

The last one minus the condiments.

Capt Elaine Magliacane said...

The smiling you is a very nice picture, I like the one where you're looking out the window. The first one makes you look stern and unfriendly… hopefully they won't use that one.

Christine said...

Definitely the last one with the afore mentioned modifications... It has that "Trust me I'm an artist look". No..seriously.. You look very friendly and approachable in it.... which reflects your real life personality so very well. It would certainly encourage me to dive into the book...which I will when I get my hands on it :)

Stella said...

The last one - very friendly and approachable. Like the other commenters, I would make the condiments disappear. Looking forward to seeing your book!

Miú said...

You have a sweet, youthful smile, Lynne - and you do it with your eyes as well. Plus those cute dimples... Well, that's a winner. Last one for the cover!
Oh, as to the one with the stern look - only for an analytical philosophy book. :)

MiataGrrl said...

I like the top one -- I feel like you and I are having a drink-and-draw and sketching each other! ;-)

- Tina

Margaret McCarthy Hunt said...

The first or the last. Lol great story at the end.

Miriam said...

You have a lovely smile! I'd say the last one.

Carol said...

The last one!

Unknown said...

Last one, but all lovely.

Larry said...

Yes, the last one.
The 'cafe' used to be one of my local pubs!