But I Don’t like Makeup…I’m Plain
Yeah, I’m sure we all have thought of ourself as a “Plain Jane” a time or two. Something has been bothering me so profoundly about this. nothing wrong with not being “girly” or “fancy.” However, to see yourself as just a person that needs to blend into the background… that’s not ok!
I had a friend visit me in San Diego last month. When I told her I’d love to photograph her, she told me that she was, “Just a Plain Jane. Nothing special here. I don’t really like makeup either.”
Seriously?????
it made me angry. it made me sad. this friend was a person as we were growing up that prided herself in doing her hair and makeup. Dressing and taking an extra moment to be her best. she set the trends. I just couldn’t believe what she had said.
(let me just say, She is beautiful. She will always be beautiful with or without hair and makeup.)
to really not think you deserve to be photographed because you’re a “Plain Jane”? it’s confusing… I know life can kick us while we are down. I know we can fall into a rut or dark place from it. I also know that those challenging things in life can make us see ourselves in a different light. with all of those life challenges, don’t you deserve to be captured in a photo, seen, and feel beautiful? every person has something special. there is a bright eloquent interesting light in all people. you don’t have to put on false lashes, lipstick, and a ball gown if you don’t want to. nothing is wrong with your natural glimmer. My job is to photograph people the way they want to be photographed. (sorry, my tangent be damned. let’s get back to my story.)
I have to be honest, I didn’t really have a great comeback to her statement. it was a shock that she would say that about herself. I’m mad at myself for not immediately coming back at her with, “ Your f-ing Beautiful! you can be photographed anyway you want!” Then taking her swiftly to my studio to show her exactly how incredibly amazing she is.
i think a lot of women get caught up in the idea that you have to be photographed in a specific way. Like losing that last 10 pounds before you can book a session. why? aren’t you incredible before that 10 pounds too? Don’t you know i can make magic happen with light, camera angles, posing, and a little photoshop?
Yes, we all want to look our best if we are going to be paying a photographer to capture us. i also realize that many women and men haven’t had their photos taken since their wedding or even high school. there is an absolute fear there. i get it.
My goal is never to make a client feel uncomfortable. if you don’t like makeup and your hair done, then don’t get your makeup and hair done. if you want a little lip gloss and your hair brushed… it’s up to you. that’s why i do a full consultation and design around whatever my client’s comfort level and dream is. What I do want is for every person and would be client to really love the experience i give to them. i’m here to guide my client through the shoot. I want my client to not only love the photos, but to love themself.
Because even if you “Don’t love makeup,” it doesn’t mean you can’t be photographed in the best way possible. you’re not a wall flower to blend into the wall paper. you’re a force and important person that needs this.
let that all sink in. belive it.