The other day I received and email that caught me off guard. From the beginning this email had a negative tone. Explaining how I need to update my photography website with pricing and more of my work to really showcase the photographer I am.
"Not that you asked, but I figure it's OK to show a little of my thought process. Your portfolio pictures represent you, not the models. I would suggest that you consider removing the blemishes on the adult model. Removing it is not a criticism of the model, she is cute even with the spot on her nose, but the image represents you. But showcasing an image that could realistically have been taken with a point and shoot, and never edited, doesn't show the full scope of your abilities."
The "adult model" he is referencing is ME. As you may or may not know, most of my photography up until this point has been self shot of myself. So, yeah, I am my own model. So obviously he didn't realize he was talking about me... but that blemish? Yeah... that's a beauty mark (mole, whatev)... my camera is definitely not a point and shoot, but thank you.
AND on top of everything else he offered his assistance on my next shoot! Saying that he would love to hold the reflector screen or any type of grunt work.
Mind you, I just put this website together about a week ago.
I'm not exactly sure what in the world made this man decide to email me with his criticisms... but something about it really just ruffled my feathers. Here, I'll let you see for yourself:
"Not that you asked, but I figure it's OK to show a little of my thought process. Your portfolio pictures represent you, not the models. I would suggest that you consider removing the blemishes on the adult model. Removing it is not a criticism of the model, she is cute even with the spot on her nose, but the image represents you. But showcasing an image that could realistically have been taken with a point and shoot, and never edited, doesn't show the full scope of your abilities."
The "adult model" he is referencing is ME. As you may or may not know, most of my photography up until this point has been self shot of myself. So, yeah, I am my own model. So obviously he didn't realize he was talking about me... but that blemish? Yeah... that's a beauty mark (mole, whatev)... my camera is definitely not a point and shoot, but thank you.
AND on top of everything else he offered his assistance on my next shoot! Saying that he would love to hold the reflector screen or any type of grunt work.
I respectfully decline, sir.
You see I have never claimed to be perfect or even close! And trust me, I have dealt with insecurities through the roof! But one thing I will NEVER do is discredit anyone's passion.
So yeah, maybe my mole looks like a giant pimple or a connection to a unibrow, but it's part of me. To remove that would be removing part of me.
In conclusion, I have compiled a list of really unattractive things about me:
1. Apparently my mole.
One time I got too much sun on my nose and my mole peeled off.
Didn't know that could happen!
2. My broken nose.
Right under my mole I have a scar that looks like a crescent. I head butted a girl. You heard right. Split my nose open, 5 stitches and 2 black eyes. My 8th grade picture was really attractive.
3. Scars
I have SO many battle wounds from soccer, working and life. Oh.. and I have a screw in my knee
Unfortunately I don't set off metal detectors (They still find a reason to pat me down)
4. Boobs in the 4th grade
Yeeeeeeah. Okay guys, I know you think boobs are cool....now.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I got made fun of for these puppies.
Ohhh now you like them? You. Can't. Have. Them.
5. A MILLION OTHER THINGS
But you know what? All of these thing have made me who I am, and yeah... a random man may think I am "cute" in spite of my "blemish" but I kind of like myself. And by like, I mean love.
And I'm pretty sure a few others do too.
That is all for now. But I have to ask:
How do you handle negativity? Insecurities?
I'd love to hear you thoughts.
There she is!! In ALLL her glory!
UPDATE!!
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I just saw this video over on A Cup of Jo and it made me smile.