Moments in time
Ever since The Legal Genealogist launched, in January of 2012, the one comment that’s been directed this way more than any other has been…
“Ditch the mug shot.”
So okay maybe the formal official photo is a bit of a mug shot. I mean, after all, the reason why it was taken in the first place was because I needed to renew my passport.1
And so okay maybe I’m a little older now.2
And so okay maybe I should update things.
But I really truly hate to have my picture taken. I’m usually the one taking the pictures, not the one whose picture is being taken.
Still, even my baby brother has been whining about this, and…
I broke down.
So… whaddaya think? In with the new, out with the old?
SOURCES
Judy Dahling – the new photo of course!
I vote for the smile and the sparkle in the eyes! 🙂
Love the new picture!
Love the new, smiley one!
Yes, Judy, I have thought the same about the old photograph. And it doesn’t even really look like the real you, it’s so grim! I much like the new one.
Yes – the new one! I love the smile and the natural look!
The new one shows a more approachable you. And I think you look younger!
Gotta go with the majority on this one – I like the new picture better.
New, of course! It is a lovely, true image. (Dare I add that there was something unnerving about the juxtaposition of Legal and that mug shot? At least you weren’t wearing stripes. Or orange.)
I love the new picture. Very approachable.
Go for the new one! That’s the Judy I met in Fort Wayne…
Keep the new one. You have a beautiful smile that should be shared with the world. It also helps the reader to see that there is a real person behind all of the amazing work that you do!
Both are great pictures, but the smile reflects the humor I see in many of your posts! 🙂
Definitely the new one!
Love the new one. Out with the old, in with the new!
The new one actually looks younger because it sparkles.
Yes you have a beautiful smile – new picture gets my vote!
The previous photo simply did not do you justice. The newer one is great. You may not like the camera, but it likes you!
I love the new picture!
The new one is the Judy I know!
The new one captures your soul….and you look younger and happier! I always say that a smile takes at least 10 years off your face and adds 10 more good ones to your life!
I also vote for the new – you look like you’re having a much better time. 🙂
Yay! Now I have a visual that conveys the personality, warmth, and sense of humor (as well as the obvious intelligence!) that are so apparent in your blog. Even if you decide against the new photo, I have a better sense of the “real” Legal Genealogist.
New photo is great…shows much more of your personality!
Your personality shines out in the new one – great picture. You look like the Judy I see at conferences and institutes!
The new photo is much better. The old photo was too serious. The new photo is still professional but much friendlier.
You’re smiling in the new one — definitely a better choice!
Coming out of lurking to say I love the new picture!
I knew you were adorable. I’m going to smile every time I see your new photo. Thanks.
YES! THAT’s the person I know! The old photo is just a logo, effective, but definitely not you.
The new one is much better. I shows a hint of your sense of humor and the warmth of your personality.
In case anyone is keeping track, the official vote count is 999,999,999 to 1 for the new photo. Give or take a few hundred thousand. (And no, actually, I wasn’t the one who cast that one vote!)
NEW ONE! Now I would talk to you if we were sharing a table!
Yes, yes, yes! Love the new one!
As painful as it sometimes is, the baby brother might be on to something…speaking from the voice of experience. Yes, the new photo portrays you as smart and happy….
Of course use the new photo! It will match the warm and funny person who writes all those interesting posts.
Love the smile …. and the law books in the background. The new photo says “The Legal Genealogist” loud and clear.
Love the new photo! It shows off the twinkle in your eye, and that you’re not in jail somewhere…
And it shows like library and law geeks are cool too! 🙂
The new one is terrific. Ditch the old one.
Judy, The new picture is awesome. You look so happy and extremely interested in the other person (the picture taker). It gives off an aura of being totally in touch with whomever you are interacting with. Keep this one and ditch the old one! Louise
Definitely the new. Those of us who read your blog and have had the opportunity to seek your assistance know what a fun and kind person you are. The new photo reflects those aspects of your personality much better than the old photo.
Nice shot by the way!
Yes, yes, yes to the new photo! The new one welcomes me to your blog. The old one, not so much. I’m with you, Judy, in not liking to be photographed but you photograph so beautifully when you’re smiling, interested, and engaged (as opposed to looking serious for a passport photo).
Love, love, love the new pic – keep it :=)
The new one shows your dynamic, energetic personality. When I first spoke with you on the phone, I was surprised with the warmth and passion you have. Not at all like the picture. The new one conveys your inner spirit. Like my middle child would say, “GOOD JOB!”
Oh yes! Love it!
I am new to the site after getting my DNA results from Ancestry.com recently. I have to say I was initially taken aback by the harshness of the first pic. Like most of the posts have said it looks like the mugshot of a serial killer or something. The new pic is definitely softer and it still looks professional and formal. In with the new!
I’ve been called a lot of things… but not a serial killer!
The new picture is great!
I like your new photo much better, I always thought your old photo looked like a police line up photo, but I never wanted to say that until now.
I love the new picture and it really shows your warmth. Good move!
Thanks to everyone for the many comments on the new photo. Given that the vote was almost unanimous, the new one stays.
GO WITH THE NEW ONE! Seriously, I have dealt with some pretty rough characters in my time by I don’t think I would even approach the person in the old photo. They look like the might bury me in a basement or something, a-la Arsenic and Old Lace.
🙂 That almost makes me want to keep it!