Okay, I’ll show one last one. This one, without wine.
As to the one I posted yesterday:
In response to comments about the hay looking fake–please give Jerry a break! This was just a quickie mock-up of the possibility. Jerry is an expert. IF the photo is chosen, with the hay bales (in whatever quantity and arrangement as per my publisher), the original photo will be photoshopped with complete expertise and no one will ever know the hay wasn’t there. Actual bales of hay will be arranged and will model. This was JUST an off-the-cuff sample to demonstrate the possibility, so please just critique the idea, not Jerry’s skills, as his skills are without question and I’m lucky he lets me post his mock-ups. And he may never again, LOL.
One More
Jul
6
6
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VGibs says:
I like them both! But the hay is my fave!
On July 6, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Ramona Slocum says:
I like both of them too. We can see your face up closer in the one.
The open door and hay showing to me is inviting for us to come on in, see my book and read it.
MN Mona
On July 6, 2013 at 1:16 pm
liberalhippiequeen says:
I love them all… cannot wait for the book ! And your hair is gorgeous (reminds me of my hair lol ) 😀
On July 6, 2013 at 1:17 pm
denisestone says:
I still LOVE LOVE LOVE the pic with the fake hay in the open door frame… fake hay or not, it really INVITES the reader INTO the book… the other pic makes me think that you are just moments away from getting your faced pecked to death by the chicken. LOL.
On July 6, 2013 at 1:27 pm
blabass says:
Hay! I love the whole barn, hay, boots everything!
On July 6, 2013 at 1:28 pm
crannynanny says:
Sorry, still like the first publisher’s preferred. Hen here seems to want to escape.
On July 6, 2013 at 1:38 pm
GrammieEarth says:
I’m sorry Jerry 🙁 I don’t even know how to Photoshop, it was merely the sad hay I was talking about, certainly not your skills. The idea is great as well.
Since the loft picture isn’t going to happen, the door is the best one! I’d vote for taking away the right side hay so the sun comes through the slats. That is all… keep up the good work 🙂
On July 6, 2013 at 1:50 pm
riverhaven7 says:
Oh dear! Sorry Jerry. I like the door with hay photo if the hay is perfect! Could he photoshop Maia in there too? LOL!
On July 6, 2013 at 1:50 pm
mamajoseph says:
Hay or no hay doesn’t matter. I still like the open barn door photo.
On July 6, 2013 at 1:54 pm
ruralrevival says:
I love the hay shot!
On July 6, 2013 at 2:01 pm
tractor57 says:
The only photo I didn’t like for a cover is that one in the shorts (nice photo but maybe not the right one for a cover). I like the barn door ideas as a welcome to my world meme. The latest example of that I like the best. No criticism at all of Jerry and I do appreciate the different ideas.
On July 6, 2013 at 2:05 pm
GA_in_GA says:
Bottom photo, with ‘better hay’ but leave at least some of the light filtering in through the back of the barn on the left
Top photo looks ‘strained’ for you and the hen
On July 6, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Journey11 says:
The doorway with the hay is my vote. Seeing it in context with the title along the bottom really helped. I like how it speaks “come on in”.
On July 6, 2013 at 2:18 pm
meigseer says:
I really like the new photo (top one). That chicken wants to give you a peck on the cheek. 🙂
On July 6, 2013 at 2:22 pm
bonita says:
Well, since you asked. . . (not like anyone here ever offered an unsolicited opinion LOL).
Great to see your face in the newest. However, if you are thinking of redoing the open barn door, with real hay, inviting the reader in. . . then perhaps Jerry can squeeze some more face in that shot? I know it’s a wide shot and there will be some problems of scale, but it could be ideal, :C’mon in and howdy do.”
[I have deep respect for photographers, such as Jerry, who interpret the spoken wish into visual reality. They often have to deal with “I’m not sure how to describe it, but I’ll know it when I see it!.” Thank the Lord this is all digital and you’re not chewing up film!]
On July 6, 2013 at 2:26 pm
bonita says:
p.s. I nominate the Goldie the Chicken for a Farmy: category–best feathered photo prop!
On July 6, 2013 at 2:30 pm
prvrbs31gal says:
I like the one with the hay!
On July 6, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Jane L says:
I would still vote for barn door/hay version. I do think it’s improved without the wine, but the chicken unfortunately hasn’t. Not that you want to hear this, but I number one preferred shot is chicken in the hayloft. i
On July 6, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Jane L says:
I haven’t been drinking (yet), I swear!
On July 6, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Cheryl LeMay says:
The newest one doesn’t work. The chicken doesn’t look happy and you look half afraid it’s going to peck at your face. The original with or without hay is still the best. Maybe lose the hat so more of your face shows?
On July 6, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Farmerpeg says:
I love photoshopping and do it all the time, and if you don’t tell anyone no one is ever the wiser! I had no idea it was photoshopped until you mentioned it. I personally don’t like the chicken in any of the photos, I think it looks really miserable and uncomfortable. I would think happy chickens are more what your publisher would want. That one looks like it is headed off to slaughter. Also with the hat and the hair hanging in the face, it is too much. Either ditch the hat or pull some of the hair back so it’s falling to the side rather down your face. My personal favourite is you with the two horses, but think the cow photo represents you and your farming experience more.
On July 6, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Pam full of joy says:
As the title of the book has the first word “Chicken” including a chicken seems best….as opposed to walking with cows or horses. 🙂 Standing in the barn door has the best composition of the many elements. Less hay seems good.
I agree with the sentiments it would be lovely to see more of your lovely face yet it seems it isn’t going to happen.
Thanks to Jerry for putting up with Suzanne and with us. I know that the publisher’s creative staff will do their wizardry to has the photo seem as if the reader was walking up to the barn, Suzanne happened to be in the barn with a chicken in hand (keeping it out of the road?), turned around to see who belonged to the footsteps and flashed her million dollar smile that says “So glad to see you. Come in. I’ll put you to work and it will be fun!” 8)
On July 6, 2013 at 3:25 pm
LindDis says:
The one in the doorway with the hay photo shopped. That is a really good one!
Linda
On July 6, 2013 at 3:55 pm
oneoldgoat says:
I like the one with the barn door open, the hay inside — the bottom one on this post. I think the chicken looks like she is saying ‘Oh dear Lord, let me outta here’ which is exactly what my chickens would say if I tried to hold them :). If I saw this cover, I would buy it! Although I would buy it anyway since I love your website and have been reading you since forever 🙂
Beth
On July 6, 2013 at 4:23 pm
quietstorm says:
Can Jerry Photoshop your hair over your ear in the original picture…the one you hate and the publisher likes?
On July 6, 2013 at 4:25 pm
AnnieB says:
I still like the “Suzanne in the barn door” photo, with or without the hay. You look great top to toe, and it has that warm inviting feel that so many others have mentioned. It just seems perfect to me for a book cover!
On July 6, 2013 at 4:54 pm
WildTrails says:
Hay, any way you and your publisher’s like it, you in the open door is going to be great! Thanks for sharing a little of the process with us, was fun. 🙂
On July 6, 2013 at 5:30 pm
bumblebee says:
I too like to see more of your lovely face.. I hate to mention anything negative,(sorry)but I feel the poor chicken could maybe be held a bit differently, looks as if it’s very uncomfortable, being forced to be held and wants to get away. Each picture with the chicken like this bothers me….. After all, it is “Chickens in the Road”…. I would like to see the chicken cradled in one arm, comfy happy, and comfortable…. I have had chickens in the past and adore them. Just sayin’….. I also CAN’T WAIT to read your book!!! 🙂 Love you!!! HUGS
On July 6, 2013 at 5:57 pm
jamitysmom says:
I like the one with you in the doorway with hay behind you, it is a very inviting look. I too, though, would love to see more of your face! You are very pretty! Show it off!!! This is YOUR book! Just my opinion, mind you! But I do love this as the book cover. I don’t mind the way the chicken looks because I’m sure she was really trying to get away, as any chicken would, haha. I vote for the hay in the barn (a little sun streaking through would be awesome). Boy, are you regretting asking our opinions yet?? Love you, Suzanne! The book will look awesome, I’m sure. :hug:
On July 6, 2013 at 6:09 pm
MousE says:
I was kind of surprised how critical some comments were, I must say. It was just a mock-up. You’re trying out some ideas for heaven’s sakes.
Anyway having said all that, I love the barn door one, with or without hay. It’s YOUR book. I think it’s nice you asked your reader’s opinions so if forced to choose between the two, I would go for the one with no hay.
Cheers Suzanne! Go have a nice glass of wine! :snoopy:
On July 6, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Faith says:
I can see Jerry is brilliant and patient…poor guy 🙂
I love seeing your face close up like that (beautiful of you!) but I agree with everyone else, the chicken looks miserable. I guess they don’t care to be held when they get bigger? I am with Bonita, I like the one of you in the doorway and would like to see your face clearer. I don’t suppose animals are to cooperative sitting for pictures either. Chickens and goats maybe and a cow or two would be darling surrounding you on and around the bales of hay… (hehe all this and a close up of YOU hehe)I would love to see video of you and Jerry trying to get that one! This is kinda fun huh, Suzanne?
On July 6, 2013 at 6:29 pm
nursemary says:
I am cracking up at Faith’s suggestion. I would fly in and pay for a chance to witness that photoshoot! I’ll hold the glass of wine till its needed!
On July 6, 2013 at 7:14 pm
yvonnem says:
What GA_in_GA said:
“Bottom photo, with ‘better hay’ but leave at least some of the light filtering in through the back of the barn on the left.”
That should be perfect!
(I have to mention though, (sorry!) I agree with MMHoney’s comment the other day about the photo of you milking with your hair pulled back in a pony tail at Stringtown. After all, that’s why you wrote this book, your life at Stringtown, right? Just seems to me you would use photos from there. You’re in a totally different place now, and photos from Sassafrass Farm don’t seem to really fit….but, I know nothing about all of this book “biz”!)
Oh, and Jerry has done a wonderful job! :hug:
On July 6, 2013 at 8:24 pm
EMarie says:
I agree with MousE, and I’m so glad you’re including us–who hang on your every life-event–to offer our opinions on YOUR book. It will be so good,I know. I’m eager to read it. Jerry rocks!
On July 6, 2013 at 9:49 pm
EMarie says:
BTW, I’m still digging the open barn door, hay or no hay, animals or not.
On July 6, 2013 at 9:51 pm
MMHoney says:
YAAA – THANKS YOU YVONNEM
I HAVE READ ALL OF THE COMMENTS AND FRANKLY MY HEAD IS IN A SPIN. IT SEEMS TO MAKE THE PAST INTO THE PRESENT – IS THIS BOOK TO BE A BLENDED FAMILY… IT JUST DOESN’T FIT TOGETHER.
I THINK IF YOU ARE TO HAVE A BOOK ON YOUR LIFE AT STRINGTOWN SO BE IT ~~~~ tHAT IS A PART OF YOUR PAST…YOU HAVE MOVED ON IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE….OH WELL WHAT IS A BODY TO DO???????
On July 6, 2013 at 9:58 pm
Pat says:
You still look great in that barn door, hay or no hay. As others have said, it looks welcoming, like you! :yes: I was hopeful that Jerry would comment the other day since he is the professional. Hope. too, that he knows we all appreciate him and his wonderful pictures of you. :yes: I can’t wait for the book, regardless of the cover photo. :snoopy:
On July 6, 2013 at 10:34 pm
Rah says:
I still prefer the one of you in the doorway, with or without the hay. Like others, I think it would be nice to be able to see your face and hair better, perhaps without the hat and with your hair pulled back a little so the radiance of your face is visible (which, I think, is probably why the publisher liked that other shot). To me, the charm of this photo is that it is real (photoshopped hay notwithstanding)–your clothes are “just folks” clothes and boots are dirty, but it looks like you just heard someone drive up and opened the door to say “Hi, neighbor, I’m in the barn. Come on in.”
I cannot even imagine what it is like to write a whole book then have to go through all of THIS for the cover! Whatever you ultimately decide will be wonderful.
On July 6, 2013 at 11:06 pm
holstein woman says:
Without reading any other comments as to not be swayed or not I would love to have a friend like Jerry who comes and does the wonderful photos he does for you. His work it terrific.
No KEEP THE HAY!
On July 6, 2013 at 11:54 pm
whaledancer says:
I think the new one is the best shot of you so far. Great smile! But the chicken, not so much. Overall, I think I still prefer the barn door one. Maybe it’s the chore boots…
On July 7, 2013 at 12:49 am
stableperson says:
I am still for the barn door pic with hay on the left and view open to the back on your right.
I do love the new pic as a STRONG contender; but, the barn door beats it.
The barn loft door is so fantastic…welcoming and fun for a cover.
On July 7, 2013 at 1:44 am
Diane says:
Sorry Jerry for the bad critique about the hay. We just want the best for Suzanne I guess and the forum is mostly woman this is what happens when we notice things not quite right. lol.
That being said and the great explanation Suzanne made about why the hay looked so fake I would say I do like that photo the best. I might not have the hay stacked up so high so that we can still get the impression of that back wall with the light coming though. Just something about barns and how they look from the outside is what makes them charming. OK now I cant wait to see the finished product!!
Thanks Suzanne for letting us all chime in and give our opinion. Its fun to see what everyone thinks. So I hope you can make the final decision here soon. 🙂
On July 7, 2013 at 7:17 am
Deb Kolasky says:
The doorway shot, with the photoshopped hay and while you are at it, put Maia in there too.
On July 7, 2013 at 9:45 am
Country Girl @ Heart says:
I know it is probably a little late to say this but I think the other shirt softens the look. I am drawn to the first photo, and I think it is because of the shirt. I am sure you will pick a great one that you can live with. We readers will be more interested in what is on the inside :happyflower:
On July 7, 2013 at 10:17 am
Rainn says:
Oh my goodness! Just love all the controversy!!!! Hopefully the book itself will get as much talking about business!! The pictures are all great! If you definitely won’t use the one with the legs?!?!!!!- the best one by far-then the open door either with or without the hay! Course I really love u pulling GB- and the horses one is really nice……… The glass of wine is delightful……glad I’m not the one that has to pick……… For obvious reasons…..haha!……… Couldn’t choose..
🙂
Rain
On July 7, 2013 at 10:07 pm
Leck Kill Farm says:
I vote for open door with some type of suitable hay.
On July 8, 2013 at 3:33 pm