Help me choose a CD cover!

[disykat]

I'm with the others. #2 for classical. I loved the colors etc. in #1 and would definitely use it for jazz etc.

 

[RadioNate]

#2 just jumps off the page. Everything about it just grabs me far more than #1 does. #1 isn't a bad photo but #2 has a special something extra.

Don't ask me what it is...

 

[MICKEY88]

tough call, I like #1 because of the eye contact, but as others have mentioned your face is in shadow, fill flash or a reflector would have solved that problem..I'm also distracted by whatever is sticking up in front of you, I would probably clone that out

#2 face still seems a little underexposed, fill or reflector again..

plus bottom left of photo is a little distracting... I would probably clone in flowers to match the rest of background..

fill flash would have made your eyes pop in both shots...

 

[~Serenity~]

I picked #2 because your skin looks gorgeous in it, and the flowers complement you more.

 

[Scurvy]

#2 just jumps off the page. Everything about it just grabs me far more than #1 does. #1 isn't a bad photo but #2 has a special something extra.

Don't ask me what it is...

My thoughts exactly. I can't put my finger on exactly why I like the second one better, but I like it much more than the first one.

 

[JenSop]

Wow everyone! Thanks for the insight and help!

I need to let everyone know that #1 has had no editing whatsoever yet, so there will probably be some brightening going on in the face. And knowing my photographer, I'm guessing she's going to get rid of that weed that's in front of me.

#2 has already been edited. (I wish my skin looked that even in real life. *sigh*)

So she has informed me that she will work on editing #1.

In the meantime, though, I think #2 might be the cover and #1 might go inside under the clear tray with the Thank You section.

And thanks to those who checked out my website! Your compliments are very very appreciated!

Plus - I just got the edited recording in the mail today! Now I can spend a whole lot of time listening to make sure everything turned out to my liking!

 

[JenSop]

Okay, so does anyone else think I look older in #2? That's one of my hang ups with it right now. I think I look more youthful in the first one...

 

[Toad_Passenger]

I voted for #2, and, no, I don't think it makes you look "older."

Can I also add how impressed I was with the website and the works that you have to sample on there.

I can't believe someone with that kind of talent lives mere minutes from me and my family. Good luck with your career, it will be great to hear about you in the future, and say, "Hey, she's from around here! (And we know her from the DIS!)"

 

[JenSop]

I voted for #2, and, no, I don't think it makes you look "older."

Can I also add how impressed I was with the website and the works that you have to sample on there.

I can't believe someone with that kind of talent lives mere minutes from me and my family. Good luck with your career, it will be great to hear about you in the future, and say, "Hey, she's from around here! (And we know her from the DIS!)"

Aww.. shucks. Thanks! If you're around during the holiday season, I run a Christmas caroling business called Olde Towne Carolers. We sing all over the area during the holiday season - including Christkindlmarkt. We'll be doing two performances this season - one with the carolers and one just me singing solo with my accompanist.

Thanks again for the compliment! Hoping to get some samples from the new CD posted there soon too!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If you have ever watched Top Model shows you know that you can never scrunch your neck like that. It ruins the shot.

So I obviously picked 2.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Okay, so does anyone else think I look older in #2? That's one of my hang ups with it right now. I think I look more youthful in the first one...

Doesn't matter how old you think you look the shot is ruined by your head positioning. If you want to redo the shot with more color then you can do that however I suggest reading up on how to do a cover shot.

Extend neck, always make yourself appear "taller". It shows through confidence.

When you scrunch your neck like that it is not appealing as a cover shot.

If fact you look WAY older in the first shot, now that I went back and looked at it. Not sure how you are seeing that photo as more youthful because it is not at all.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I think you look older in the first one. And for some reason, not sure why, it seems to be because of the slightly different shade of your hair, plus your skin doesn't look as smooth, though I know you said it hasn't been edited yet.

I think you look classier/more sophisticated in the second shot. Could that be why you think you look older?

 

[JenSop]

Doesn't matter how old you think you look the shot is ruined by your head positioning. If you want to redo the shot with more color then you can do that however I suggest reading up on how to do a cover shot.

Extend neck, always make yourself appear "taller". It shows through confidence.

When you scrunch your neck like that it is not appealing as a cover shot.

If fact you look WAY older in the first shot, now that I went back and looked at it. Not sure how you are seeing that photo as more youthful because it is not at all.

Um, thanks for the advice. I hope I'm reading this wrong, as things in posts/emails/etc. can sometimes come across as harsh when they're not meant to be.

I have no training as a model or a photographer - I have two degrees in classical voice. Sadly, I'm really short, and there's really nothing I could do to make myself look tall. (Don't I wish!) My photographer is pretty darn good considering she's a great friend and doesn't charge me. If I were rich and famous, I'd have lots of money being thrown at me to put this all together, however, being "just another singer" I have to fund this kind of project on my own and wait for the sales to cover the costs. (Same way I did my first two CD's.)

Again, I hope I'm reading this wrong and that you're really trying to be helpful and not overly critical. (I'm a soprano, so I'm highly insecure! )

 

[Liberty Belle]

For some reason, I can't hear your recordings - I just see a red x.

You're very pretty and I think you have a youthful vibe, but I also think you look really young! Oh, and you have such a pretty smile on your web page and in your trip report (took a quick peek).

 

[Wishing on a star]

Second Shot - NO question!
The stats on your poll tell no lies!!!!

I would zoom/crop to eliminate the cleavage.

Try that, and there is no question that this shot is just simply beautiful, etherial, much better in every way.

It is not that I have anything against cleavage!
But, it is just not working for you in this particular shot, and is contrary, I imagine, to the 'vibe' you are really wanting to go for.
When I scroll that bottom 1/2 inch off my screen (thereby cropping), this shot is just amazing!!!!
This, also, eliminates the brown leave/mulch/dirt color.... so thereby is, IMHO, beneficial in that respect as well.

PS: I don't think anyone is trying to be negative.
Just offering some contructive comments/criticism.
I do have to agree with the comments about the position/pose in the first shot. What might seem more youthful in the first shot is very clearly the lack of poise and confidence... looks like a less self-assured girl or teen might appear on camera. It does show a lot of personality!!!! But, it just isn't as 'mature', 'graceful', etc...

There is also no doubt that the clarity/lighting/resolution/etc. on the second shot is much better.

Go with the second one.
It is GORGEOUS!!!!!!

 

[Mermaid02]

Hi everyone! I need help!

I'm releasing my third CD later this year and need help choosing the cover photo. I've got it narrowed down to two different shots, but can't make up my mind because I like them both for different reasons.

The music is classic Viennese and American operetta.

Please vote for your fave. (And if you don't mind, let me know why you chose what you did. Thanks!

I think the 2nd one is just prettier.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

There's just something about photo #2 that goes better with your style of singing/voice. Had you been releasing a Taylor Swift/country type of album, then I'd say #1. They just have a different vibe about them.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Um, thanks for the advice. I hope I'm reading this wrong, as things in posts/emails/etc. can sometimes come across as harsh when they're not meant to be.

I have no training as a model or a photographer - I have two degrees in classical voice. Sadly, I'm really short, and there's really nothing I could do to make myself look tall. (Don't I wish!) My photographer is pretty darn good considering she's a great friend and doesn't charge me. If I were rich and famous, I'd have lots of money being thrown at me to put this all together, however, being "just another singer" I have to fund this kind of project on my own and wait for the sales to cover the costs. (Same way I did my first two CD's.)

Again, I hope I'm reading this wrong and that you're really trying to be helpful and not overly critical. (I'm a soprano, so I'm highly insecure! )

You can be insecure all you want. However I am going to give you blunt advice since you asked.

You appear taller and more confident in the second photo. When you do a neck extension it is an illusion. It is a great shot.

I am confused as to why you think the first one is good. It is not a good shot, sorry. I am just being honest with you. You would have needed some movement in that picture to bring it to life.

ETA...so you understand what I am taking about and don't think I am out to get you.

I am speaking of the photos as "CD covers" and not the "picture". Does that make sense? The first one is pretty, I am not saying it is not pretty. However as a CD cover there is too much background and your head positioning is wrong.

 

[Wishing on a star]

While some opinions and critisicms may not be 'tempered' well enough.
They are certainly valid.

The poll shows a nearly 95% favor to the second shot.

Like I just posted, sometimes the numbers don't lie...

OP: go with the second one!!! (and crop a little)
Just beautiful!

 

[JenSop]

Thanks everyone. I do appreciate the opinions - it really helps - and gives me a real clear idea as to how people see things. Sometimes we're too close to our own projects to really see them objectively.

Just to show what worked last time, here is my cover from last year's CD.

I really liked the pic in it, and felt that I didn't look as good in any of the shots from this time around. So I guess I kind of feel like I'm not having that same "AHA!" moment as when I did the photos for last CD.

But I really think I am going to go with #2 - it's also the favorite amongst my facebook friends as well. Thanks again everyone!