Choosing a head shot

It’s that time of the year again.

I am reprising the mezzo role for “The Messiah” and I need to pick a photo and a biography to send to the director by Sunday.

This is the head shot I used last year.

I like it, but I’m wondering if I should use one where I’m not smiling.

How about this one?

I’m not sure about it because my mouth looks tight and funky.

Or, should I just try to shoot a different one altogether?

As for the bio, I always hate writing them. They make me feel silly. It’s probably a good thing that I don’t do things that require them more often, because I would be in a constant state of nausea and hive break-outs. I also just don’t dig talking about myself in the third person.

After I write a biography and re-read it, I can’t help but think that everything ends up sounding like this:

“Loralee is highly accomplished and superior to everyone. You should feel lucky to be in Loralee’s presence because when Loralee sings angels and gold dust are shooting out of her ass and you all are unworthy to witness the experience. You should kiss the ground that Loralee walks on. EVERYONE wants to be Loralee, so neener-neener. ”

If I had my way I would just use this and be done with it:

“Loralee has performed various opera roles which can usually be divided into the following categories: Witches, Men, Vamps, Alcoholics, Step-Mothers, Nuns, and Bitches. She is also adept at playing Whores who end up sleeping with/and or murdering, Witches, Men, Vamps, Alcoholics, Step-mothers, Nuns, and Bitches.”

Fortunately, I compiled a fairly good bio last year that is straightforward and not too self-important. I have only done one production since the last performance, so I can just tweak a little.

Yay.

Now I just need help with the photo.

So? What do you think?

Smiling photo? Non-smiling photo? New photo?

Help?!