My MOH (of DOOOOM!) offered to retouch my wedding photos. Gasp all you want, but she's amazing at fixing skin, makeup, shadows etc. So I assumed I would take her up on that.... until I saw the Real Beauty Campaign viral video....
After taking a look at the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty I decided I ethically couldn't "fix up" my photos.... It's also one of the reasons I don't love professional photography... I just don't feel like its really me in any "fixed up" photos. I prefer the look of organic photos... call me crazy...
I'd love my photos to all be SMP or Martha material... but it's just not going to happen. I love looking at the eye candy but I have a confession to make...
So our "organic" non-re-touched photos may not be perfect but perfection is simply unattainable. I'm not a perfectionist, I never have been so why did I really want these photos to be perfect? Perfect enough to compromise my ideals?
After really giving it some thought what do I want out of my photos? I want to look happy, regardless of my terrible smile, my chubby cheeks, or Dirk's ability to create a double chin despite his being thin. I want photos like these...
Sure they'll never be on the cover of Martha, but don't they make you smile? Do you hope for these kinds of funny photos? What are you looking forward to in your wedding photos?
6 comments:
interesting idea..i remember once in hs i had my senior pictures taken, and they photoshopped my nose freckle out in every shot. I got mad and made them put it back in. lol. I like photoshopping pictures, just because it's fun and I appreciate the art behind a good edit, but I totally understand what you mean about it not seeming "real". your photos will be just as beautiful and meaningful, retouching or not!
I can't argue that photo finishing/retouching makes pictures more beautiful/glowy/romantic. It's just not for everyone [read: me] I always have the option of doing it later :o)
Doesn't mean I didn't love all your photo-shopping tutorials though! :o)
Just found your blog on a WB post!
Oh wow that's so sad--the video. Makes me wonder when, if ever, people will stop going for the perfect look in magazines :( If I was the girl on the billboard I don't think I could stomach it.
While I don't mind them changing the lighting in a photo or taking out my zit, if they went in and thinned my waist--as much as it would look better--or slimmed down my arms I would be hurt that I wasn't accepted as beautiful. Totally understand what you are getting at.
i think maybe it's not so much that you don't love professional photography as much as you mean you don't like over processed fake over posed photos? because the images you show are fun and real. and a professional photographer that specializes in the documenting a wedding day instead of directing a wedding day is great at getting those kind of real photos.
i know not all professional photographers are into doing that extent of retouching like that model... now i don't think there is anything wrong with taking out a stress zit on a wedding day ... that we do retouch, but we definitely don't go stretching necks or shrinking waists... we go for shooting moments and emotions... like what you have posted.
in fact a professional that focuses on documentary style photography is more likely to get those fun moments that show your personality. i had a bride once say she loved how "honest" the photography of her day was and i thought that was really interesting the way to describe it.
anyway sorry to keep posting on your blog but i find it really interesting.
blessings,
katrina
@Katrina
I think what you said was exactly right, we've all had our share of "cheesy wedding photographers" that put us in ridiculous poses and make us feel rushed. Or even photographers who get overly excited with the editing.
That doesn't mean I don't love good work- but like anything else good work is harder to find and in a higher price range, as it should be. As you've seen by the numerous photos of yours (which I hope I have credited appropriately) I love your documentary style and obviously honest photography.
Please continue to comment as you please, I'm honestly flattered you find my writing even at all interesting. I'm a huge fan of your work so it's an honor!
P.S. I may have to take you up on the offer to help me find a reasonably priced photographer for my off-season wedding. {I love doing things off-peak because it's less stressful!}
you are smart to plan in the off season ... other options include planning a friday or sunday or even weekday wedding. most brides planning a destination wedding are having family and friends stay for a few days so it's really easy to plan a non saturday wedding.
most often times vendors and venues can offer a slightly better rate because of that.
planning a stress free wedding is really helpful ... ;) i'm glad you're enjoying it!
feel free to call or email us anytime... we're happy to help.
katrina
Post a Comment