Ugly Women in Red Deer – Do They Exist?
Ugly is a strong word that is thrown around in our society with a shocking regularity. We use the word for many different reasons but as of late I have been hearing it more and more from the matriarchs in the family home – especially during ordering sessions. I have been hearing Mom’s comment about themselves in the most unflattering of ways as of late – nitpicking their bodies, image, hair, clothes, etc. and to be honest it is a topic that I felt was worth taking a few minutes of time and sharing my thoughts about. I also wanted to note that none of the women in this blog post openly shared with me any concerns about themselves – they are just some gorgeous, powerful women I photographed this year and really wanted to share their beauty.
.jpg)
Let me start off by saying YOU’RE NOT UGLY. You’re not fat. You’re not what you think you look like.
.jpg)
Women in Red Deer are not ugly…just the inner dialogue is.
We are all highly critical of ourselves – including yours truly. Last week I listened to the song “Everyone’s Free to Wear Sunscreen” by Baz Luhrmann that was popular the year that I graduated High School in 1999. There are a few lines of the song that hit me like a brick when I heard it again. They are:
You will never understand the power
And the beauty of your youth until they’ve faded
But trust me, in twenty years
You will look back at photos of yourself
How many possibilities lay before you
And how fabulous you really looked
You are not as fat as you imagine”
In about 3.5 years, it will be my 20th High School Reunion. That fact makes my stomach turn for a few reasons, however, I am not a child anymore. I am a grown women with a University Degree, marriage, four children and a career in a completely different and unrelated field of my degree. A LOT has happened in the last 16.5 years since I did graduate High School and a couple of those things were both grey hair and weight gain. Darn it all.
.jpg)
Really though. I look at pictures in my yearbook and how I was likely about 50-70lbs lighter, fresh, tight skin, fairly carefree and with a whole lifetime of possibility and options awaiting her. I was gorgeous. I was toned, athletic, tanned (yeah – I know) and just reflected the kind of life I had. In grade 10 I went to Mexico City, Mexico with my the school’s musical theatre group and the picture on my ID badge is me all time favourite.
The song was right….you don’t understand the power and the beauty of your youth until they’ve faded” and “Trust me, in 20 years you will look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how many possibilities lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine”. You are not – which leads me to this post today.
.jpg)
For women in Red Deer who are having photos captured by Suzanne Taylor Photography, whether it is just them or them with the people they love and who love them back my main priority is to capture the Authentic Self (which there will be a follow-up blog post to this within the week). I constantly hear feedback during ordering sessions from Mothers that they don’t like their chin, hair, face, clothes, makeup, etc…the list goes on for at least a full page. I have heard every complaint about the book – really. Now, my job as a photographer is to make you look great in images – and I will – to my standard.
.jpg)
What is the Image Standard for Women in Red Deer?
What is that Body Image Standard for women in Red Deer? It is tucking in the things that are not flattering to the image. I little bulge from standing awkward or leaning because of kids. Removing hair because it is in the wrong spot in front of your eyes – or maybe making your hair a little more voluminous because moving a lot can really do a number with a beautiful hairstyle. As a neutral 3rd party, I look at you and immediately focus on part of you that I notice first. There is an EXCELLENT change I am not going to meet anyone and think ‘oh man – she is ugly’. When I meet people I look at your smile, notice your personality and find the best way to capture some amazing images so that everyone can be satisfied with the pictures I will take. Mom’s are normally the most critical with some Dad’s following after but usually, I hear the most sadness from the proud matriarch that usually runs the house completely selflessly, ensuring that the kids look amazing and leaving the house with messy hair, old clothes and sometimes matches socks?
.jpg)
Here is the reality of your images. I would never proof something that didn’t meet my standards to be edited and I rarely proof something less than perfect to my customers. My job as your photographer is to capture a very brief period of time where you have been able to get yourself together, rushed or not, and sharing beautiful and authentic moments with your family. You know who also will want to see you as being authentic and happy? The people you’re being photographed with – your children, family and partner. To them you are perfect and you embody what they love about Women and Mothers because you are what you model to the most important people on earth to you. Your children see you every day and likely don’t think you’re anything less than perfect because you are who you are and to them its everything.
.jpg)
Warmly,
Suzie
Please Visit Me On:
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter
