This is a matter of personal choice. I, personally, like the idea of an artist having their portrait on their website. I feel like art is such a personal commodity (after all aren’t our buyers purchasing a bit of us when they buy a piece?) that a little insight into the artist’s life is warranted. It’s like a personal introduction to the artist and it makes the whole transaction seem less anonymous.
How (or if) you choose to show yourself is entirely up to you. I currently have a picture of myself at an art show where I walked in and was surprised to see that I had won one of the major awards. I love this picture because I was completely surprised to be recognized for my work.
Some artists choose to show themselves at work throwing pots, turning wood, pulling prints, painting en plein air, etc- all highly effective images that help bring visitors into your studio.
Others, choose to include images of activities from their life outside the art field, yachting, horseback riding, hiking, etc- which is great, too, because every part of our lives inform and influence our art.
Still others choose to have a more formal portrait. A professional studio-type shot always looks great.
It all depends on your personality and what you feel comfortable with.
Personally, I love the dramatic and artistic action shots, like the fabulous photo shown here of metal artist O. K. Harris taken by Karen Kuehn.
Some other great shots I’ve seen:
A potter friend of mine had a picture taken of her that showed her removing glowing hot raku pots from the kiln at night. She used it in her booth display at art fairs. It was a stunning shot that stopped people in their tracks.
Years ago, when I worked at a fine craft gallery, one of the jewelers we represented used a black & white shot of herself, dressed in an evening gown, her hands in long lace gloves holding a blowtorch – it was awesome, one of the best artist shots I’ve ever seen.
So, think about including an artist portrait on your website. Decide what type of image fits your personality and go for it. Let the world see who you are.