Yesterday’s shoot began like an episode of “Nip/tuck”- “Tell me what you don’t like about your body.” It was in response to my 29 year old client’s “Let me give you the head to toe of my body issues.”… she got the reference.
Once again, a beautiful girl (even by the toughest standards) stands before me picking herself apart. I guess she doesn’t know yet… I’ll take whatever she brings to my studio and find the beauty in it. At my shoots, there are no “bad” parts… well, nothing a little lighting, “bend your knees”or “lift your arms up”, can’t fix.
It brings up the question of why my Under 30 clients still compare themselves to the distorted view in magazines and on TV. No, they don’t take into consideration the hours and dollars of retouching, or that 90% of people on TV have had some type of plastic procedure or injection. I remind them.
The Over 30 (well, really over 35) client wants to look the best they can for themselves. They no longer use the mirror to judge and critique, but to compliment and find beauty inside. A recent client, mother of 4, early 40’s, my height (6’) and weighing about 90 pounds more than me, is the perfect example.
Being an out of towner, I hadn’t met her prior to the shoot, so when I opened the door to find a stunning plus size woman with a giant smile, I thought I might have my work cut out for me. Boy, did she teach me a lesson! Her comfort and personality came through loud and clear. I ditched the baggage I thought might hinder the pictures and shot what turned out to be one of my favorite, and most interesting, shoots. Her pictures are gorgeous, and the challenge pushed my limits of practicing what I preach about capturing beauty in everyone. I might add that she was equally enamored with the results and chooses to show them to anyone who’ll look. It was the honesty of who she is and my connection to it, resulting in some beautiful shots. I opted for shadows, and tighter frames (can’t leave you without a tip or two).
The point is, with maturity, hopefully, we start to experience some comfort in our skin and lose sight of the 5’10, 120lb., blonde, blue eyes, puffy lipped, mannequin ideal.
Remember, pretty can turn to ugly in less than five minutes, and nothing beats confidence accompanied by a wink and a smile.
On another note… nipples, hard or soft in photographs? The last 2 clients in a row made the same request of hard nipples for pictures (I’ve had that specific request only once before). Now I have a little ice bowl designated just for shoots.
