Meg Waite Clayton

Author of the international bestsellers The Postmistress of Paris, The Last Train to London, and 6 other novels

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The Dreaded Author Photo, Version 2.0

I’ve written before about how much I hate photos of myself in general, and in particular the dreaded author photo, which will survive in books for generations. I’ve collected a few helpful hints over the years about how to look better in photos, including:

  • Use more make-up than you would imagine (camera flash can wash out make-up);
  • Wear solids, and simple clothing (the attention should be on your face, not your clothes);
  • Take advantage of flattering red afternoon sunlight, and stand in shade to avoid the harsh shadows of direct sun;
  • Have the photographer shoot you from above, to draw attention to your face rather than your body, (and slim the latter, too);
  • Invite someone who makes you laugh to participate – your smile will look natural, and you’ll have a lot more fun!

    • I’ve just come across a terrific video on the subject of how to look better in photos which includes those tips and more. It’s full of great advice for author photos and for photos in general. But it does leave me with one question: would you ever dare to put hemorrhoid cream under your eyes? – Meg

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    Meg Waite Clayton

    
Meg Waite Clayton is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of nine novels, including the forthcoming TYPEWRITER BEACH (Harper, July 1, 2025), the Good Morning America Buzz pick and New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice THE POSTMISTRESS OF PARIS, the National Jewish Book Award finalist THE LAST TRAIN TO LONDON, the Langum-Prize honored THE RACE FOR PARIS, and THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS, one of Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Essential Best Friend Novels of all time. Her novels have been published in 23 languages. She has also written more than 100 pieces for major newspapers, magazines, and public radio, mentors in the OpEd Project, and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle and the California bar. megwaiteclayton.com