Should We Say No To Photo Retouching?
“Make me look beautiful” I implore my friend, the photographer.
“You ARE beautiful. I want to capture your uniqueness, not some cookie-cutter-type beauty. We are NOT going for glamor shots here.”
I look at him, slightly disappointed. “I don’t want to look unique. I want to look BEAUTIFUL.”
He sighs and hands me an Annie Leibovitz photo book. The book is amazing. It is filled with gorgeous portraits of people who are unique, interesting, and FLAWED.
I close the book and place it on the coffee table. “I wish I had professional makeup on,” I say. “Closeup photography can be so revealing.”
He looks slightly disappointed, sighs again, and starts the photo shoot. You can see the photoshopped result above.
Photo retouching has become the norm. Want to be considered beautiful? You must have no pores, no wrinkles, no moles, NO PERSONALITY.
Here’s an interesting demonstration of the effects of photo retouching. The model is young and beautiful, but even with heavy makeup, she’s human and therefore not flawless:
The photographer feels that he needs to do this amount of retouching for the photo to be acceptable:
Photo credit: kk+
Thankfully, the blogosphere is filled with women who are strong, smart, beautiful – and are not afraid to show the world what they really look like. All of the bloggers featured here have graciously allowed me to use their photos in this post.
Bossy recently showed us what she looks like first thing in the morning:
Catherine Connors, in her amazingly candid post What New Motherhood Looks Like, showed the world that her breasts are not perky anymore – but they are nourishing a tiny new human being:
Heather Armstrong of Dooce provided Leah Peah, who interviewed her, with a real, non-retouched photo of herself:
Kelly of SHE-POWER commented on this photo of herself: “If I was going to put a photoshopped picture of myself up, I’d choose a shot where I had make-up and eyebrows and then I’d erase those pinched lines on my forehead and give myself a tan!”
Suzanne Reisman said in her BlogHer post Join The 2008 Swimsuit Brigade For Honest Photos “Because women are bombarded with unrealistic images of women (so unrealitic, in fact, that they must be created through Photoshop because not even actual models are that thin, wrinkle-free, or flawlessly complected), we doubt ourselves.”
What these women did is important, because in a culture that puts a lot of pressure on women to be physically “perfect”, it’s important to see women who are BEAUTIFUL, strong and successful – in a real, non-airbrushed kind of way.
I didn’t think it would be fair to finish this post on photo retouching without revealing my own imperfectness. While I’m not brave enough to post a photo of myself first thing in the morning, or with no makeup on, I did ask my husband to take a quick snapshot of me as I am right now:
But the photo above lies: while it shows my shiny, reddish, discolored skin, the flash seems to have erased my crow’s feet. So here’s another photo by my photographer friend that shows them quite nicely:
So now you know: I am imperfect. And if we ever meet in person and I’m suspiciously wrinkle-free when I smile, you’ll know that I have finally succumbed to the lure of Botox, which I did consider briefly last year.
But more on THAT dermatologist appointment in a future post.
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Mike Goad responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 7:47 pm →
I don’t have a problem with makeup, but I don’t like the idea of botox or any other physical manipulation for beauty’s sake…, but then I also don’t like the idea of piercings or tattoos, either.
So far as photo-manipulation, I have almost never altered an image of a person to make them look better — and have never altered any to make them look worse.
Exceptions:
… red eye due to flash
… a picture of my wife and her 9 surviving siblings. I replaced the head of one of them from another image in the same setting so that all of them would be looking at the camera.
… temporary blemishes on a niece. She was at an age where I know she was probably sensitive about zits and I was posting it on a family website.
I use photo manipulation to adjust the photo’s contrast and saturation. I may remove a phone line from an image or remove flaws due to dust on the lens, but generally I don’t do much more.
Mike Goad’s last blog post..Bad Times
Leanne Magraith | Forever Change responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 7:57 pm →
Hi Vered
Gosh I had to look carefully to see much in the way of wrinkles on your second photo.
The photo on my about page has not been retouched, however I have thick photo studio make up (trowelled on it seems)and the photo was professionally taken – a far cry from my everyday no makeup look.
What I like about my photo is that the photographer caught me laughing so there are heaps of laughter lines and I happen to think laughter lines are beautiful.
Some of the runway models and pictures in magazine might look physically more “perfect” but so many of them look so damm miserable. Why does looking “cool” seem to be devoid of looking happy? What is it with marketing gurus and the like? It makes no sense to me.
Leanne Magraith | Forever Change’s last blog post..A Story About a Major Business Restructure – Part 3
Dot responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 7:57 pm →
Vered, thank you for this post. It reminds me of Jamie Leigh Curtis’s photos of herself in her underwear. I hope this doesn’t hurt your feelings, but when I first saw your new gravatar, I thought it looked plastic, like a photograph of a mannikin. The last photo of you above is really nice. There’s nothing wrong with crow’s feet.
As for myself, boys and men have convinced me, over the years, that I’m not attractive, so I gave up trying to be, while at the same time longing to be. It didn’t even occur to me to Photoshop my photos.
“Because women are bombarded with unrealistic images of women, we doubt ourselves.” While I totally understand why you are so concerned about your appearance and want to get botox, etc., I’m sure you’ve also thought about the fact that you’d be perpetuating this system with your daughters.
Dot’s last blog post..Haiku Friday
Evelyn Lim responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 7:59 pm →
It’s amazing what photoshop can do to a picture. Because I like design, I am now learning how to use this powerful software myself.
However, as a beginner, I do not know how to do up pictures of people. Almost all (or all) of the “live” pictures of my family or I are not photoshopped. Still, I would say that I am more inclined to using photoshop to enhance (and only if necessary) but not transform a person’s picture into someone unrecognizable.
Using make up is also another way for enhancement. I find it far easier to dab on some, rather than have to rely on a software.
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Heroes Of Healing: Neale Donald Walsch
Dot responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 8:02 pm →
PS – I do dye my hair. If I let it grow out, it’s a crooked, unattractive mix of white and mousy brown. If it was all white, I might stop dyeing it, but I might not. Looking younger, I think, helps people at work not expect that I’ll be slow and senile, unless I really am.
MommyNamedApril responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 8:24 pm →
I think your untouched photos are lovely. I admit, I have on occasion bent to the will of photoshop… but rarely and generally only to erase blemishes that aren’t there on a regular basis (i.e. scratches & pimples)… I want people to see me, not what I wish me was, or what me looked like five or ten years ago, but ME, now, as is, and how I present myself in public on a daily basis.
MommyNamedApril’s last blog post..What a BUSY Sunday!!!
purpledsky responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 8:54 pm →
Oh, Vered! You are beautiful! I like the un-photoshopped version. It showed your real, ethereal, classic beauty. You’re so right, airbrushing removes the person’s personality.
purpledsky’s last blog post..I’m posting through Blogger Buddy!
Stephanie responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:01 pm →
It’s so amazing how much pressure women feel to look perfect. My younger sister a couple months ago had a coworker tell her to stop smiling so much because it would cause wrinkles! My sister and I are in agreement that since you can’t help but get wrinkles, better smile lines than frown lines.
As for me, I have gray hairs, undyed, and I’m not into makeup. It’s kind of fun sometimes seeing just how nuts it drives people that I don’t bother with hair dye and makeup, because it does bug some people tremendously! Like others, I’ve on occasion photoshopped out something that isn’t normally there, but that’s it.
Stephanie’s last blog post..Write Letters – Free Fun Friday
Dr. Nicole Sundene responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:01 pm →
Wow I am so glad I got to read this. What a wondeful post and you ARE beautiful…I love the crows feet. I think women should feel proud to record every real smile they have ever had on there face. Why not? ok…the furrows I get between my brows from stress could be thrown out the window, but I love crows feet.
That picture of Suzanne up there really made my day! God bless her for taking a stand and being herself…her attitude is absolutely what makes that photo stunning.
Brionne responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:09 pm →
women being women naturally is a good thing. i am sick of being told that there is something wrong if a woman has hair on her legs or under her arms (yes i do shave) But i wonder why we have to do it! And now the whole brazillian waxing craze is absolutely ridiculous… Who is perpetuating the hairless woman ideal…is it Men or Women themselves???
any thoughts on this ladies?
Brionne responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:11 pm →
p.s. im sorry if im a little off topic with my above post… but its kind of similar to photoshopping photos… We seem to physically ‘photoshop’ ourselves by putting on makeup and shaving/waxing etc.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:20 pm →
@ Mike: Removing temporary blemishes was kind and thoughtful. Adjusting contrast and saturation sounds reasonable – you’re simply doing digitally what photographers used to do in the darkroom.
@ Leanne Magraith: I completely agree. I hate the way runway model look. I wish they would SMILE.
@ Dot: I agree! Photoshopping the first image caused it to look artificial and plasticky.
@ Evelyn: Photoshop is an amazing tool. But you’re right: it can easily alter someone to the point that they don’t look like themselves anymore.
@ MommyNamedApril: “I want people to see me, not what I wish me was, or what me looked like five or ten years ago” – EXACTLY.
@ purpledsky: “You’re so right, airbrushing removes the person’s personality.” – exactly – this is the point I was trying to make.
@ Stephanie: I know what you mean. One of my best friends didn’t dye her hair for a long time. She was perfectly happy with how she looked. But everyone around her kept harassing her, and she finally succumbed. So she basically dyes her hair to please others.
@ Dr. Nicole Sundene: Suzanne is an amazing woman. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the BlogHer conference. She’s just as smart and funny in person as she is when she writes.
@ Brionne: Oh, it’s totally to the point. You should read this article by Suzanne:
What Every Woman Needs: A Fit And Pretty Vagina!
Stacey / Create a Balance responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:27 pm →
This is a powerful post. I have wanted to upload more up-to-date photos of me onto my blog, but I never seem to like any of the recent photos of me. I think it’s time for me to stop being so critical of myself and embrace the reality of my photos. Thanks for this wakeup call.
Dr. Nicole Sundene responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:28 pm →
Just popping back in to let you know I was so inspired by this that I want to link to it in a blog post. Holler at me if that isn’t ok with you! Thanks
Dr. Nicole Sundene’s last blog post..My Favorite Health Bloggers
Carla responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:32 pm →
Vered, the lasted photo you complimented me on a few weeks ago on Twitter was taken w/o makeup and after working for nine hours and spending an hour at the farmers market. I was feeling self-conscious that I didnt have any make up or retouch the photo after I put it on the web. I have gotten more compliments from that photo (even emails from total strangers) than any other photo I ever had on any profile. I met a guy a week ago who saw that photo before meeting and he told me I look exactly like that photo.
I feel good that I didnt lead anyone to believe I look like something/someone that I dont. BTW, I think you are beautiful.
Carla’s last blog post..Green and Chic is now open!
Davina responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:39 pm →
Hi Vered. You have a beautiful smile and gorgeous eyes. Purpledsky is right that you have a real, ethereal, classic beauty about you. I grew up with 2 beautiful sisters and always felt unnattractive because of it. But it makes it difficult when you compare yourself to others. It is true what they say that you can be your own worst enemy. Some days I look in the mirror and think “not bad” and then other days, well… no comment!
Davina’s last blog post..Thanks, It Means The World To Me
John Rocheleau - Zen-Moments responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 9:46 pm →
The crowsfeet are cute. Smiles leave them on special people as reminders to the rest of us.
John
John Rocheleau – Zen-Moments’s last blog post..Desire and Seduction: 7 Ways to Turn Your Life Around
Brionne responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 10:05 pm →
@vared: Ahhahh that was worth the read thanks. thank goodness we (australia) is 20yrs behind the rest of the world…by the time vaginal improvement technology reaches us, i’ll be too old to worry about it LOL
Suzanne makes a good point “the beauty industry plays on the insecurities of women” Rather then helping, its actually making us think there is something wrong with us. Its sad that many women fall for their propaganda.
Linda Abbit responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 10:13 pm →
Vered,
You are beautiful, from the inside to the outside. To me, it’s a person’s inner beauty that matters most.
My motto is “Nothing elective” re surgery and I plan to age gracefully — wrinkles, cellulite and all!
Maybe I will add another close-up photo of me to my blog — will give it some serious thought now.
Maya responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 10:45 pm →
Thank you for this post.
Hats off to all these women you have listed here … it takes courage, but “real” is what makes “memorable” abd “real” is what makes “unique” and hence “beautiful”.
Maya’s last blog post..The key to happiness and balance is right with you, just learn to use it – Part 2 of the thinkmaya framework
Shamelle- TheEnhanceLife responds:
Posted: October 12th, 2008 at 11:15 pm →
Um.. I remain neutral on the aspect of retouching photos, because I believe that there is no “right” (or “wrong”) answer. It is really the individuals choice on how that person wants to be perceived.
I suppose it also depends on “WHY” someone is editing it?
* Is it because of insecurities? Lack of self confidence?
* Because we see and come across “perfect” media advertisements ? etc
* What about a official business photo? Does a person want their zit shown? :-0)
Shamelle- TheEnhanceLife’s last blog post..People-Pleasing: The Price Of Being Too Nice And What To Do About It
golightly responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 12:14 am →
Great post. So true. And you are beautiful.
I am not photogenic and the dark, deep circles under my eyes are scary, so I like photo shopping those out! I did add my self portrait to the Truthiness pool on Flickr when it was about self portraits first thing in the morning, so I am trying to embrace my natural beauty through the eye of the camera more.
golightly’s last blog post..He’s Giving Me His Best Shot
Dominique responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 12:45 am →
Hi Vered,
You look great in your photos:) I too believe that photos should have minimal touch up using adobe or other software.
I do not do any touch up on any of my photos in my blog.
Kelly@SHE-POWER responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 1:30 am →
Vered, you weren’t seriously unhappy with that un-photoshopped photo were you? You look gorgeous! And I agree you have a real classic beauty. This was a great post and I love seeing all these photos of such lovely women.
Just because I put up un-photoshopped photos of myself doesn’t mean I don’t agonize over my looks – I do. And I have yet to decide exactly how I’ll age (ie. with help), but I think society sets us up to feel insecure about our beauty. No one it seems ever feels beautiful enough. I would love your hair and un-freckled skin and bone structure, but I’ve got what I’ve got and I try to be happy with it and focus on the positives. Sometimes I think I was lucky because my dad had quite unorthodox taste in women and he was such a strong presence in my life I got the message early on that unique features like someone’s smile is what makes them beautiful.
It’s funny looking at the photo of the young model before retouching and after. The after photo isn’t more beautiful, it’s just more unreal, distant, like an image that has nothing behind it. You can’t see the person in the touched up image. Whereas, with just the make-up, you can.
Thanks for the link and doing a post to celebrate women. We all need to do it more often.
Kelly
Lance responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 2:03 am →
Wonderful post Vered! In sharing “real” pictures of “real” people – you show us that there is much beauty in this world – beauty that is not fake. Beauty that is real. Beautiful women, the real thing. You are beautiful – the real you! All the women you’ve included are beautiful. This is such a real testament to true beauty!
Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Avital responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 2:20 am →
Great post. Very brave of you. Though I was looking quite hard at both of your unretouched photos and couldn’t see those wrinkles you’re talking about. you ARE beautiful – your photographer friend was right.
Lara responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 2:34 am →
Great article. As said above I had to look twice at your second photo before I even noticed your crows feet. But there is nothing wrong with them! Just a normal facial feature on an attractive woman!
To be honest I hate the whole Botox and surgery thing. Its just been forced on everybody by the media. Now that its entering the mainstream there is even more pressure than ever before for everybody to look like a photoshopped photograph.
Every time someone has Botox we are just taking another step back. Creating even more pressure on women and young girls and now even men to look perfect. Its ridiculous!
Of course everyone will nod and agree but then go ahead and continue with this crap. But the media are gods and they can make us do whatever they like obviously. Its pathetic.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusk responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 3:04 am →
THat is excellent Vered. There is so much retouching in the media that it’s hard to know what people really look like.
I like to see wrinkles and moles and signs that a person has lived.
I went to see a clinic which deals in cosmetic surgery for an interview I was doing on the rise in the trend these days for ‘ordinary’ folk and as the interview came to a close the doctor said ‘so can I interest you in botox?’ I’ve never been so offended! I said ‘I’m not even 40 yet, surely I don’t need it’ and his reply was that you basically need to start before you actually need it and all I can think is people just won’t have any personality shown on their face anymore.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusk’s last blog post..Damn, I wish I’d written that
avastofb3ta responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 3:49 am →
wow. i looked at the pic of the breastfeeding lady and thought “that kids got more hair than me.” i remember my mum breastfeeding my little sister on a train.
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 4:04 am →
Hi Vered – The things you call crows feet are laughter lines – they look fine. The people in these pics are so brave – there is no way I could put myself on the internet in a swimming costume. Heather looks totally different unphotoshopped. There’s nothing wrong with how she looks but she just doesn’t look like the same person as on her website.
Miss Britt responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 4:22 am →
The last photo is my favorite.
Miss Britt’s last blog post..The Intimacy Kit – Can You Do Better?
Natural responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 4:35 am →
you can never trust pictures. i take horrible pictures myself, so I shy away from them. i look like trash in the morning..i have pores, wrinkles and i don’t care. everyday i leave the house without make up…..people tell me oh you look so beautiful with make up on. i rather they just see the ugly straight up…i can only look prettier if i wear make-up…but if you wear it everday and then one day you don’t, you look like death warmed over.
i’ll stay natural
Natural’s last blog post..Down In the Dumps: Write this Way
Emily@remodelingthislife responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 4:49 am →
It has never occurred to me to photoshop a photo of myself that I put on the internet. This post is powerful and strong and I like the message very much, Vered. You are beautiful in the later photos because you are real. As you said, the first photo of you, while flawless, makes you look fake and plastic. I suppose if going for the barbie doll look, that’s perfect
Thank you to you and the other women here who shared.
I posted a picture of myself at the beach last week with my son and I have to say that it never crossed my mind to get rid of all the stuff I didn’t like about myself in it. I just posted it because it’s happy and perfect to me just the way it is.
Emily@remodelingthislife’s last blog post..How Often Do You Grocery Shop?
Eric Hamm responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 5:26 am →
Thanks for sharing your un-edited shelf with us. I really appreciate (as many other do) transparency. It’s the only way to truly connect with another individual. And this includes REAL images of yourself. It’s nice to put a face to a ‘voice’ and if that face is an altered version of the original, it’s not really serving its purpose.
Really great post Vered! I enjoyed every bit of it! Eric.
Eric Hamm’s last blog post..Who Is Eric Hamm And What’s His Blog Doing On My Feed Reader?
BloggerNewbie responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 5:42 am →
Absolutely – naturally beautiful
stumbled for all to see!
Kent @ The Financial Philosopher responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 6:01 am →
Vered:
While you need to be happy with an image that represents your self, I submit to you my own observations: Let someone else choose the image!
The first image, the one you use as an avatar, does not reveal your greatest attribute — the one that reflects both your inner and outer beauty — your smile.
For this reason, the third image — the one you feel reveals your imperfections — is the one that reveals the greatest beauty.
Max Forlani responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 6:38 am →
Great post Vered, as usual. But I think the pressure for looking at your best no longer only applies to woman. Only last week, I needed to have some passport pics taken, and the lady asked me wether I wanted real or ‘Photoshoped’ ones!
First I almost felt insulted, but then I learned that more and more men apparently ask for it. The days of the natural, rough but authentic and characterful black and whites are gone I’m afraid.
Cheers,
Max
Max Forlani’s last blog post..Who Are You?
Emily@remodelingthislife responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 7:47 am →
I also want to add that I would much prefer the use of photo #3 of you as your avatar. I think by using #1 you’re simply perpetuating the belief that fake is better and more beautiful. Use the one of you that is natural and glowing and real. Just my 2 cents.
Emily@remodelingthislife’s last blog post..Sunday Link Love
Her Bad Mother responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 7:57 am →
You’re gorgeous. All the women you’ve shown here are gorgeous. Including, maybe, I think, me.
Her Bad Mother’s last blog post..Don’t Let The Turkeys Get You Down
CK Lunchbox responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 8:13 am →
My wife is photoshop wiz and constantly touches up her pics. I keep telling her she doesn’t have to be she ignores me anyway. I’ll have to show her this post. Of course me, different story. I blink in about 97% of my pics. The whole shot is perfect and I look like I’m taking a nap. So ya, my wife has several sets of eyes for me that she works in and you can’t even tell. This shouldn’t count right?
CK Lunchbox’s last blog post..Clooney & 12 Boston Creams
Scott McIntyre responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 8:28 am →
It’s great to see the new photograph, Vered… you look very fresh-faced!
I guess the decision to have an image digitally altered is a choice for the individual.
Of course, this isn’t usually the case with those people who appear in the public eye- their images are manipulated by society’s choice usually.
I’m sure I read that people prefer buying magazines when the cover star looks flawless.
Was there not some controversy recently when Newsweek published a photo of Sarah Palin un-airbrushed?
I saw an interview with someone who was furious about it, and demanded an apology for such an unacceptable act. This indignant person was a woman.
So, to photoshop or not photoshop… that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the wrinkles and crows’ feet of outrageous ageing. Or to take botox against a face of troubles!!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 8:46 am →
@ Stacey: Looking forward to seeing the real you.
@ Dr. Nicole Sundene: Of course it’s OK!
@ Carla: See? Real IS beautiful, plus people are not shocked when they meet you in real life.
@ Davina: We can certainly be our own worst enemies. Especially women.
@ John: You sound just like my husband.
@ Brionne: She does make a very good point.
@ Linda: I would love to see a close-up photo of you! Re aging gracefully, I want to, but sometimes I worry that I won’t be brave enough.
@ Maya: I just wish the media would not make us feel so BRAVE about showing our real faces. I wish it were the norm.
@ Shamelle: There’s nothing wrong with light editing of a formal photo to enhance the way you look. There’s nothing wrong with removing temporary blemishes etc. What I take issue with is the media completely erasing each and every flaw. I know that it often makes ME feel inadequate because judging by the media, women my age (37) look not a day older than 25 – so why do I look thirty-something?
@ golightly: Self portraits first thing in the morning… I don’t think I could ever do THAT.
@ Dominique: Thank you.
@ Kelly: Trust me, I agonize too. This is exactly what makes me mad: we all agonize about our looks. I know for a fact that even beautiful models feel insecure. It’ crazy. I totally blame the media.
@ Lance: I agree. All the women featured here are beautiful.
@ Avital: Thank you.
@ Lara: “Every time someone has Botox we are just taking another step back. Creating even more pressure on women and young girls and now even men to look perfect. Its ridiculous!” – a BIG amen to that. I also agree that while people pay lip service and talk about how awful it is, they still go ahead and get Botox. I almost did last year – changed my mind at the very last minute.
@ Tara: I know – dermatologists tell women as young as 25 to start Botox as prevention against wrinkles. It’s outrageous.
@ avastofb3ta: Catherine is beautiful – inside and out. Her children are beautiful too.
@ Cath: Whatever you call them, I didn’t have them 10 years ago.
@ Miss Britt: Thank you.
@ Natural: Oh, it’s too late for me. I always have lipstick on – and yes I look like death warmed over when I don’t.
@ Emily: I think it’s wonderful that you never even thought about photoshopping your photos. Re my avatar, I chose it because I like the neutral background. The photoshopping is meaningless anyway when the photo is so small. But I’ll think about it. Maybe I’ll just go back to my old avatar.
** Edited to add: well, the blue background is just too strong for the sidebar avatar. So I’m going back to the photoshopped one, NOT because of the photoshopping (as I said, you can’t see imperfections anyway when it’s so small) but because of the neutral background.
@ Eric: Glad you liked it. Being real and lowering down the defenses are important, but not easy to do.
@ BloggerNewbie: Thank you.
@ Kent: Thank you.
I was amazed to read in Stephanie’s comment above “My younger sister a couple months ago had a coworker tell her to stop smiling so much because it would cause wrinkles!” Smiles ARE beautiful.
@ Max: I agree that there’s more pressure than ever on men – I also believe that statistics show men are dyeing their hair and having Botox and plastic surgery more than ever before. But I’m sure you’ll agree that there’s significantly more pressure on women as far as “looking good” (whatever that means) goes.
@ Her Bad Mother: Absolutely. You ARE beautiful. We are all beautiful. It feels good to say that.
@ CK Lunchbox: Wow, copying and pasting eyes from another photo – Photoshop is amazing, isn’t it.
@ Scott: The uproar over the Sarah Palin Newsweek cover was indeed interesting.
Sarah Palin Newsweek Cover
Basically it means that airbrushing has become the norm. I think it’s sad.
Re magazines, the extreme retouching on the covers is one of the reasons I refuse to buy them.
Writer Dad responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 9:40 am →
You are beautiful, Vered. And I would love to hear about your flirting with Botox.
Kim Woodbridge responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 9:41 am →
I’ve never considered photoshopping a photo of myself but then I’m a bit of a dunce when it comes to photoshop. I just take photos until I get one that I like.
I’ve never worn make-up – I just can’t be bothered and I don’t like the way it feels and smells. I’m starting to get some gray hair – when it gets worse I will dye it but I’m thinking that instead of my normal brown color that I will do bright purple or red
Kim Woodbridge’s last blog post..(Anti) Social-Lists – 10/12/08
mark salinas responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 9:57 am →
No photoshop all that stuff cosmetic is bad, bad! My two cents anyway! Stay Naturale!
mark salinas’s last blog post..The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Vintage Mommy responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 10:01 am →
I’m more and more unhappy with the way I look, but I’d probably opt for liposuction as my first line of defense! Then I could move on to dealing with my face . . . but my budget and common sense prevent me from doing any of it.
Vintage Mommy’s last blog post..Our Adoption Story, Part 1
Bamboo Forest responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 10:25 am →
Interesting post.
Wrinkles are just a part of life. Since we all experience and will experience them; might as well not have it alter our inner state.
Perhaps we get preoccupied with wrinkles when we’re not focused enough on the true joys of life and what truly matters in this world.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..Cultivating Awareness: The Sure Path to Reach The Top
Oktober Five responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 11:20 am →
You’re not perfect. I’m unsubscribing.
Just kidding. I don’t know about photoshoping my mug for a more beautiful complexion, as that’s not something I’ve considered too carefully, but I am fully aware of the desire to mask or muddle pictures so that they are unrecognizable. For instance, using funky, distorting filters, cartoon likenesses, two-tone, or simply zooming in and only showing my corner of my bloodshot eye. Very attractive, I know. Instead, my gravatar is simply my website logo. So original, so lame.
Stacey / Create a Balance responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 11:31 am →
Ok. I just uploaded a picture of me on my most recent post. No makeup, no hair brushing, and big eyes. I went a little creative with Photoshop…buy hey, it’s a significant baby step. Thanks for helping me take the leap! Coming soon – no Photoshop!!
Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..My First Blogosphere Interview
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 11:41 am →
@ Writer Dad: Oh, you’ll here about it.
@ Kim: I’ll can’t wait to see a photo of you with bright red or purple hair.
@ Mark: Well, I do wear some makeup every day so I’m not completely natural… I guess the question is where do we draw the line. Is it at makeup? At injections? Full fledged plastic surgery?
@ Vintage Mommy: The real question is, why are you even considering these procedures, and whether the media plays a role in us being unhappy with ourselves.
@ Bamboo Forest: “Perhaps we get preoccupied with wrinkles when we’re not focused enough on the true joys of life and what truly matters in this world.” I think this is very true. We’re surrounded by celebrity culture that place a huge emphasis on looks. Sometimes it’s hard to ignore that.
@ Oktober Five: “Instead, my gravatar is simply my website logo.” Well, it certainly makes life easier. I just spent an hour playing with my own avatar and trying to decide between the photoshopped photo and the non-photoshopped one. Gosh I’m so vain.
@ Stacey: OK, so you look SO MUCH BETTER in that photo than you look in your “younger” avatar. I think you’re a lot like me – we tend to choose photos where we are guarded yet “smooth”, when in fact we look so much better natural and with a big bright smile.
Chris responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 11:58 am →
Hey, I already said you were hot before with or without photoshop. Anyway, I think I would like to be photoshop not because I want to misrepresent but I just want to look “beautiful” LOL
On Simplicity » Blog Archive » Weekly Links responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 12:04 pm →
[...] at MomGrind is always so real. She cements that reputation again with a post on Women Who Say No to Photoshopping. As a woman who’s been enjoying wearing less makeup for the last few weeks, I really [...]
Aunt Becky responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 12:44 pm →
Truthfully, I think you all look better without airbrushing. Bring on the wrinkles and blemishes, because at least those are real.
Homemaker Barbi (Danelle Ice) responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 1:41 pm →
I love it!! It is nice to see photos of models in cosmetic ads now with just as many eye wrinkles as I have (which I wish I could erase from my photos! haha)!
Homemaker Barbi (Danelle Ice)
Marelisa responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 1:42 pm →
I think we should do everything we can to keep ourselves young and healthy in terms of proper nutrition, stress reduction, getting enough sleep, meditation, positive attitude, mental stimulation, exercise, and so on. But I don’t believe in things like photoshopping photographs and getting botox. Once you’ve taken the best care of yourself that you can that’s it, that’s who you are. I think you’re beautiful Vered, and your kindness comes across even in pictures.
Marelisa’s last blog post..Five Amazing Stress-Busting Methods on YouTube
Stacey / Create a Balance responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 2:21 pm →
Now I feel so exposed. Thanks for helping me expose myself. Yikes!
Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..My First Blogosphere Interview
Zandria responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 2:22 pm →
I love the “just say no to photoshopping” thing. You’re beautiful just as you are, and so are the other people.
Zandria’s last blog post..The Economic Crisis Hasn’t Affected Me. Should I Be Worried?
MizFit responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 2:26 pm →
vered such an amazing post.
there are so many rants against photoshopping out there—but I ADORE the photos in your post.
Im always happy to be in
first thing in the morning.
sans makeup.
it’s who I am and, thank goodness, Im finally WHOLLY COMFY WITH IT!
MizFit’s last blog post..Monday Facetime: The Other Side of the PINK Couch.
Memarie Lane responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 3:51 pm →
A couple weeks ago I posted pics of myself giving birth at home. No make-up, my hair coming out of plastic shower clips in sweaty bunches, and my ugly bra showing. But it looks better than any of my premeditated shots have.
The first pic looks like Girl With a Pearl Earring.
Memarie Lane’s last blog post..Marie Du Jour
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 4:20 pm →
Hi Vered – sorry I was so busy reading the post and looking at all the links that I forgot to thank you for the link. Thank you.
Ellen Wilson responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 4:32 pm →
Vered,
You crack me up! Oh it is so hard isn’t it? I have my husband take around a million photos of me until I will post one. He said, “These photos look stupid. They look posed, like they haven’t caught you off guard.”
It’s true, I cringe before the camera when I set up the tripod and run to catch my posed shot.
I don’t know, maybe he’s a better photographer than me.
I do think he’s better able to capture who “I am” than I am.
PS You are beautiful. I wouldn’t worry about it.
Jamie responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 7:27 pm →
Thank you Vered for posting this. After two kids, and more than a few trips to McDonald’s and CiCi’s Pizza with the kids, my body more closely resembles a stretched out prune than those teenage models.
I’ve considered having plastic surgery to turn back the hands of time, but there is always something more pressing for finances. I don’t know if I will ever decide to have work done. I hope in time I will adjust to my new body and become content.
Jamie’s last blog post..For Sale: Ran Great Yesterday
Don Mills Diva responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 8:13 pm →
You are gorgeous my friend, inside and out.
Don Mills Diva’s last blog post..The masochism of beauty
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 10:21 pm →
Hi Vered – Say “no” to botox. You’re a beauty just the way you are. Ask Ido, I’m guessing he agrees.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..A.S.K. Darren Rowse of Proglogger – How Do We Increase Our Readership
Raag responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 5:09 am →
Vered,
Your oval face is such one. With a smile of yours reaching your eyes you are so true.
That’s it for me.
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 6:00 am →
I love the shot of the mother with a baby. Breast feeding is a beautiful thing. I don’t know why so many people have to treat it as something that needs to be hidden away from us.
Vered, I love that you expose your natural self. You are so beautiful. Your lips and eyes tell stories that only you have.
Just yesterday I was thinking about how men and women are viewed. Men don’t wear make-up and don’t get as much plastic surgery. Our society puts too much emphasis on men’s power and women’s beauty.
We are so beautiful in our distinct ways. One of my favorite things to do is sit on a park bench and people watch. The mannerisms, colors, and smiles are always so amazing.
Karl Staib – Work Happy Now’s last blog post..The Magic of Allowing Employees to Do What They Love
Dr. J responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 6:42 am →
My dad is a surgeon also. I saw where a plastic surgery conference was having a presentation by make-up and hair stylists, and questioned him on that. He said, “Don’t think it’s so silly, they will do more for a persons appearance than you ever will!” Ha Ha!!
Urban Panther responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 6:51 am →
I was very fortunate to have my daughter professionally take my photographs. And even at that, for the first 5 minutes or so, I as so self-conscious. If I pose this way, will I have a double chin or make my face wrinkles even deeper? Then I just relaxed and went for it. The studio does do very basic touch ups, but only on shadowing. Otherwise, what you see in my photos (my gravatar is a close up of one of them) is really who I am. It’s the smile and twinkle in the eye that really shows through on photos and creates beauty, and that is what shows up in your photo, Vered (touched up and un-touched up).
@Mike Goad – interesting about not liking tattoos or body piercings. I don’t like body tattoos that run all over the arms, backs and legs, but I do like discretely placed and unique tattoos. I have a Pictish (ancient Scottish tribe) Crescent, which I designed, on the inside of my right wrist. I can see it, but most people just get a flash of it. And I have a belly piercing. I got it because my stomach was starting to get a little rounded (hey, I am 45) and I wanted to celebrate my body and say ‘belly, you are beautiful!’. I LOVE my belly piercing, and again, it’s very discrete. Only the Lion gets to see it daily, and others only when I am wearing a bathing suit.
Urban Panther’s last blog post..Through someone else’s eyes
Rita responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 8:59 am →
Vered,
You could put-up a picture of a paper bag…it wouldn’t matter to me. I don’t CARE what you look like, to be honest with you. I already know that you’re beautiful.
Rita
Suzie responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 9:03 am →
You look beautiful. Thank you for being brave and posting those shots of you and other beautiful women
Suzie’s last blog post..My Drug Store My Friend
Shevonne responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 11:03 am →
You are beautiful and unique, and that is the best kind of beauty.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 11:35 am →
@ Chris: I know what you mean. I remember the post you wrote on how important beauty really is.
@ Becky: I love my airbrushed photo… but yeah, it’s fake. My skin is not that smooth.
@ Danelle: I’ve noticed it too – some beauty products ad are doing a gentler airbrushing.
@ Marelisa: You have a very healthy approach. My goal is to adopt your approach, but it’s not easy. And thank you!
@ Stacey: Nah, you don’t need to feel exposed. I told you: it’s a great photo.
@ Zandria: Thank you!
@ MizFit: I think it’s great that you are comfortable with yourself with no makeup on. I always have lipstick on… often mascara too. But I use less makeup than what I used to wear in my twenties so I guess I’m going in the right direction.
@ Memarie Lane: I went over to your blog – that post was amazing and the photos are beautiful.
“The first pic looks like Girl With a Pearl Earring.” – I’m taking this as a compliment… so thank you.
@ Cath: You’re very welcome.
@ Ellen: I’m very jealous of people who are able to flirt with the camera. I cringe too! And… thank you.
@ Jamie: “I hope in time I will adjust to my new body and become content.” – I hope so too. Also, healthy eating and exercise are cheaper – and healthier – than plastic surgery.
@ Don Mills Diva: Thank you!
@ Barbara: Ido definitely agrees. He can’t stand it when I fret about my imperfections – perceived or real.
@ Raag: Thank you!
@ Karl: “Breast feeding is a beautiful thing. I don’t know why so many people have to treat it as something that needs to be hidden away from us.” A BIG amen to that, Karl! I agree that people are beautiful – just the way they are. There’s beauty in each and every one of us.
@ Dr. J: It’s true. Makeup and hair have the power to completely change a person’s appearance.
@ Urban Panther: “It’s the smile and twinkle in the eye that really shows through on photos and creates beauty” – I agree – and this is true for real-life beauty too, not just for photos.
I LOVE that you decided to celebrate your belly when it became rounder. I always thought you were a very attractive woman, not just because of your looks – but because of your maturity and self-confidence. The Lion is a lucky guy.
@ Rita: In my perfect world, no one would pay attention to what anyone looks like. Beauty, age and skin color would become a non-issue.
@ Suzie: Thank you for your support!
@ Shevonne: Thank you.
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 12:29 pm →
Vered,
Your picture is beautiful. You don’t need any photoshopping at all. I think the best pictures are the ones that are just taken naturally and are not posed.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations’s last blog post..October Tomatoes
Dr. Cason responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 4:24 pm →
Now Vered, Come on! The teeny little bitty lines of the crow’s feet are lovely. They show a woman who smiles in joy and revels in her innate beauty.
I have yet to photoshop out any imperfections on people. It’s what makes them who they are.
Surcie responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 5:41 pm →
I totally agree with the “Girl with a Pearl Earring” comment. When I saw your photo, the first thing I thought of was Vermeer.
Hey, thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m so glad to have “found” yours!
Surcie’s last blog post..October Surprise
solicitor in bulgaria responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 5:47 pm →
How photoshop can turn your pictures into someone looking fabulous….but do you really want that?
SpaceAgeSage -- Lori responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm →
You are beautiful and a beautiful person. Even if you didn’t post your photo, your words speak volumes about the beauty, generosity, and character of your heart.
SpaceAgeSage — Lori’s last blog post..Yes, I survived the week-long media fast — and learned lots!
Kristin responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 7:10 pm →
I’m a sucker for real and honest photos. As one who has gone through (and is still dealing with) many a body image issue, I am always floored by women who post and share their real pictures. Each and every time I see them I think – but you’re *gorgeous*!
It’s hard to believe that it might happen on the other side of the computer screen… but it must…
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 7:23 pm →
@ Wendi: I agree that natural pictures are the best. Especially for kids, by the way. Trying to get them to pose always leads to miserable results.
@ Dr. Cason: Lines do show personality. Problem is, they appear in your late thirties, so they’re also a sign of aging and mortality.
@ Surcie: I’m glad we found each other.
And… thank you.
@ solicitor: I guess many people do.
@ Lori: Thank you!
@ Kristin: I agree. It must. I hope you get to a point where you feel good enough about yourself to share the “real” you with us.
links for 2008-10-15 « Shut Up, Sit Down responds:
Posted: October 15th, 2008 at 2:30 am →
[...] Women Who Say No To Photoshopping [...]
Jason Gignac responds:
Posted: October 15th, 2008 at 8:53 pm →
Your posts are always so thought-provoking, they’re taking away from me finishing homework!
I gave up on trying to post a response to this here, and finally just wrote up my thoughts on my own blog, here. I really enjoyed your post, thanks for getting me thinking
.
Jason Gignac’s last blog post..Response to MomGrind’s take on Photoshop
Seventies Fashion: Unisex | responds:
Posted: October 17th, 2008 at 1:01 am →
[...] been a SERIOUS week here at MomGrind. Both of the posts I published – the one on Photoshopping and the one on Poverty – generated amazing discussions. Thank you so much for reading and for [...]
Sire responds:
Posted: October 18th, 2008 at 12:05 am →
You look beautiful in both shots, but I would really have liked to see the first photo without the ‘photoshopping’.
Sire’s last blog post..Proof That Regular Commenting Does Pay
Sandier Pastures responds:
Posted: October 18th, 2008 at 6:19 am →
You look beautiful as you are, crows feet and all! As for me, I don’t retouch my own photos because one, I don’t have Photoshop installed in my PC and if I did have, I don’t know how to do it YET. So what you see is what you get. I don’t even mind putting photos of me taken with my cellphone camera, showing all the imperfections. I don’t wear makeup but not afraid of how I’d look like in the morning.
By the way, I just found out that your feed was not working at Bloglines. Any idea why?
Sandier Pastures’s last blog post..Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt – Family
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 18th, 2008 at 1:07 pm →
@ Jason: Glad I make you think.
@ Sire: I can’t post so many photos of myself here, people will think I’m vain.
@ Sandier: It’s amazing that photoshopping has become the norm. Thanks for the tip on Bloglines – I’ll investigate.
Sire responds:
Posted: October 18th, 2008 at 4:10 pm →
Vain, you? Never!
Yvette responds:
Posted: October 19th, 2008 at 8:09 pm →
I think there’s so much emphasis on perfection.
Just remember that there’s always someone out there that thinks you are great the way you are.
Retouching has distorted reality. It’s adjusted people’s expectations of women. It’s adjusted womens’ expectations of themselves. It’s sad.
I hope this way of thinking spreads. I’ve struggled my entire life because I’m worried how others will judge me. It doesn’t matter anymore. I know those that love me find beauty in my imperfections.
Kellen responds:
Posted: October 20th, 2008 at 8:21 am →
What a wonderful post! Congratulations to you and every woman who participated in this article. If more women would do this and insist on this perhaps we could have healthier relationships with our bodies instead of binging on food then vomiting it up or blowing up our faces with Botox until they appear surreal.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm →
@ Yvette: “Retouching has distorted reality. It’s adjusted people’s expectations of women. It’s adjusted womens’ expectations of themselves.” I agree. The photos of the young model amazed me. I am a fairly intelligent person, yet I didn’t realize that a model could have such imperfect skin.
@ Kellen: I believe that I would feel much more comfortable with my own imperfections if I wasn’t surrounded by so many “perfect” images.
Pink Ink responds:
Posted: October 30th, 2008 at 6:50 am →
After seeing the before and after of the model, I feel much better now
.
I’ve asked my husband to take my photo for my blog and I wasn’t so much going for “pretty” as one that would show me at my best. And I think one can look their best without being Photoshopped.
I love your “real” examples…they are beautiful.
Pink Ink’s last blog post..A Long-Distance Family
Women In The Media | responds:
Posted: November 4th, 2008 at 2:23 pm →
[...] you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy these too: Women Who Say No To Photoshopping You Read Women’s Magazines? I’ll Give You Ten Reasons To Stop Plastic Surgery Pressure [...]
Women's Magazines | responds:
Posted: November 4th, 2008 at 2:27 pm →
[...] you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy these too: Women Who Say No To Photoshopping Women In The Media Plastic Surgery Pressure Top Ten Fashion Mistakes The Funniest Hairstyles Of [...]
I Read A Vogue Article And Now My Brain Hurts | responds:
Posted: November 26th, 2008 at 8:23 am →
[...] this article? Try these too: Media Portrayal Of Women Women Who Say No To Photoshopping Plastic Surgery Pressure Beauty Standards Have Sure Changed Non-Botoxed Actresses. Awesome. [...]
liz responds:
Posted: November 26th, 2008 at 10:28 am →
I’m 24, and I consider myself both young and a feminist. I’ve taken classes on why not to read women’s magazines, and so forth. So I understand that my opinion may not be the majority.
That said, I’m working hard on cultivating a good crop of crows feet. I honestly hope that when I get older, I have a lot of lines around my eyes. Because the only way to get those is to smile a lot.
And what could be more beautiful than the evidence of a happy life?
Emily responds:
Posted: November 26th, 2008 at 1:49 pm →
I’m 15, and I feel the pressure to look always perfect, not only in photos, but all the time. I’ve kind of gotten over it, but it’s so difficult! A tiny breakout makes me want to hide under a rock or stay locked in my room, because I feel like people will judge me since I don’t look “perfect”.
However, I love the pictures of you. You look amazing.
Mrs. Micah responds:
Posted: November 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pm →
Wow. It’s great to see real pictures of real women. I realized after reading that all the images of women I’ve seen today were either ads or in films. Either way, manipulated. Of course I saw a number of real women in the flesh, but somehow that’s different. These photos were quite refreshing (and made me sad to realize the amount of photoshopping in our culture)
One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I look quite attractive when wearing makeup. This actually gives me the courage to not wear makeup. I figure the other pretty women out there are probably about the same as me under the makeup. And since I’m not competing for a mate, I feel completely comfortable around these more “beautiful” women…most of the time (some days I do wish I could run home and grab foundation).
Then my job situations made not wearing makeup at all work out. When at home, I don’t need it. When at the library, I’m the youngest female on the staff and already fending off male patrons…no need to be prettier. When in the hospital, I’m working with new moms, most of whom aren’t wearing makeup either…or with the babies, who don’t care.
But now that I’m working full-time, I’m probably going to start doing it again since it’s a more professional atmosphere. I’ll wear it at first and observe what my colleagues do.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: November 30th, 2008 at 5:28 pm →
@ Pink Ink: “After seeing the before and after of the model, I feel much better now.” EXACTLY. We see manipulated images and we think this is how other women look, or how we’re supposed to look. It makes us feel bad about ourselves and reach for products that would make us look (and feel) better. Mission accomplished!
@ liz: “I’m working hard on cultivating a good crop of crows feet.” I LOVE your attitude.
@ Emily: Thank you.
I am 20 years older than you are, yet we’re facing similar issues (well yours are acne and mine are wrinkles but the underlying issues are very similar). My oldest daughter is 6 years younger than you are. It scares me to think that she is going to face these issues too. I just wish it would change already. I don’t know if it ever will and this scares me even more.
@ Mrs. Micah: I do wear makeup. It does make a big difference. I agree that makeup can make you look older, or more professional, depending on the look you’re going for.
Female Athletes Say Skimpy Outfits Are Not Sexist | responds:
Posted: December 2nd, 2008 at 8:23 am →
[...] Try these articles too: Media Portrayal Of Women Stop Reading Women’s Magazines Women Who Say No To Photoshopping [...]
Ageism Is The Last Acceptable Form Of Discrimination | responds:
Posted: December 20th, 2008 at 3:04 pm →
[...] what should I do as my face progressively shows more signs of aging? Hide behind scarves and sunglasses? Resort to Botox injections and expensive, painful, RISKY [...]
20 Ways To Help Your Child Develop A Positive Self Image | responds:
Posted: January 12th, 2009 at 9:44 am →
[...] need a man to rescue her: she can take care of herself; talk about the media, advertising and photo retouching; point out to strong female role models and let her know she can accomplish anything she puts her [...]
Supermance responds:
Posted: February 4th, 2009 at 2:11 am →
woman are all beautiful, they dont need to wear any make up, IMHO …
Sex Sells? You Tell Me | responds:
Posted: February 8th, 2009 at 9:34 pm →
[...] extremely young, dangerously thin yet magically large-breasted, very made-up, artificially perfect, airbrushed [...]
Does Sex Sell? | Bite-Dose responds:
Posted: February 10th, 2009 at 9:31 am →
[...] extremely young, dangerously thin yet magically large-breasted, very made-up, artificially perfect, airbrushed [...]
PhotoHand responds:
Posted: March 24th, 2009 at 2:51 pm →
The truth is that photography makes mountains out of moles. It emphasizes every tiny flaw that you have. It is an established fact that even those women who are very happy with their reflection in the mirror, hate their photos. Annie Leibovitz’s photos surely go though post-production. No celebrity would want to grant eternity to a temporary pimple, a skin rash or dark under-eye circles resulting from a temporary hangover. Successful photographers employ lighting specialists, makeover artists and stylists to help celebrities look “naturally beautiful”. Still, during post-production, a photo retoucher will tweak the hue and saturation, change the filter, reduce the appearance of those characteristic flaws, add or reduce the contrast, etc. There are a lot of tricks of the trade that can change the mood of a portrait in so many different ways. In effect, the portrait will be more YOU than any candid shot of you. Luckily, these days photo retouching is very affordable to everyone and you can get a nicely retouched portrait at the price of a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
nude. at apricot tea. responds:
Posted: July 9th, 2009 at 9:31 am →
[...] you see; celebrate & appreciate your unique beauty, sans makeup. If you need an extra push, this article should be of some inspiration for [...]
Lizzie Miller Glamour Magazine responds:
Posted: September 14th, 2009 at 8:22 pm →
[...] who looks like them presented as beautiful. I’m just as tired as anyone else of the crazy photoshopping going on in women’s [...]
Rebecca responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2009 at 2:32 am →
In my opinion, when we’re confident of ourselves, we must be beautiful. Thanks for the share
Crystal responds:
Posted: October 30th, 2009 at 3:54 pm →
I really think that crows feet are one of the most attractive things on women. They’re just…cute! For me, it’s all about crows feet and freckles. D’awww.