R.L. Stein: Off Putting

I was flipping through the LA Times Festival of Books 2011 program guide and came across something incredibly off putting. R.L. Stein's portrait shot. Now, I don't expect much from author portrait shots (no offense) but I found this one stood out as particularly...the best word I can think of is smarmy.

Exhibit A:


As I did more research I found that this was not an isolated incident. It would appear that Mr. Stein is not just a master of young adult thriller and horror novels, but a master of the completely disinterested portrait shot. Please enjoy the remaining evidence.

Exhibit B:


Exhibit C:


Exhibit D:


Exhibit E: