To Retouch or Not to Retouch?
This past week, the new Marie Claire Magazine got attention in the press for the model who appears nude, and not airbrushed or retouched. The model, Jennifer Hawkins, former Miss Universe (2004) and gorgeous model, has a body that would require minimal retouching anyway, when compared to the “regular” woman, which some critics are quick to point out. The subject has been getting a lot of attention recently, as there are concerns as to the type of body image portrayed as “acceptable” in the media, and how that impacts young people regarding their thoughts on body image, and self-esteem. For the full article, click here.
What many do not realize is that photo manipulation has been going on for decades. Here is a link that features notable historical images that have been altered:
The French government is now discussing placing a so-called “warning label” on images that are retouched or enhanced, and the idea is gaining support. Advertisers are concerned, as they want their products to be as appealing as possible, while others are clamoring for “truth in advertising.” To read more about this, click here.
Being a photographer, our job is to make our clients look their best – through lighting, posing, clothing, makeup, and yes, Photoshop. We frequently use a professional makeup artist to bring out the client’s best features, while minimizing other “less desirable” features. When clients view their images, we’re frequently asked to smooth a wrinkle here, slim a curve there. Nikkie and I try not to overdo retouching, because we want our clients to feel comfortable and look like themselves, but we also want them to feel that they look better than ever. We have to strike a balance between cleaning up “imperfections” while also keeping it “real.”
What are your thoughts?
Announcing S.N.A.P. – Shooting Naturally Artistic Pictures – Intro Photography Workshops!
For more information about us please visit our Website www.BlueFlairPhotography.com and click on PORTRAITS. The Photography Classes tab is on the bottom of the home page! We look forward to seeing you in class!!!
NBC Throws a Wedding at the Prado!
If you live in beautiful San Diego, you’ve probably heard by now that NBC San Diego is throwing a wedding at the Prado, for one lucky couple. Dozens of couples submitted a video application, and it’s been narrowed down to 3 great couples. Late tonight, one of these couples will get the call that they will receive a dream wedding!! I’m sure they’re all on pins and needles right now. Today’s the last day to vote – so please watch their short video clips, and vote for the couple you’d like to see have the wedding of their dreams!
BlueFlair Photography is absolutely delighted to be providing the photography for the event! Stay tuned, because each week, the public will vote on other wedding elements, such as the gown, the rings, the cake, flowers, and invitations! Each vendor will be outdoing themselves to win your vote. We’ll also be featuring the vendors here on our blog (in our Preferred Vendors section), so show them some love – and then go to NBC’s website to cast your vote. Winners are announced each Friday on the NBC 7/39 morning news!
Social Media & The New Business Image | San Diego Professional Headshots
Social Media networking is changing the face of business, in many ways. Now, instead of a handing a client a business card with a tiny photo of yourself, your clients are checking your personal website and social media sites, such as FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. There, they may be able to read reviews on your products or services, and most importantly – they have a chance to get to know you, without the hard sales. Especially in tough economic times, people will choose to do business with people they trust, whom they feel can provide a quality product and a good value.
It is more important than ever to present your “best face” at all times. Your potential clients want to know that they are in the hands of a professional. At the same time, they want to work with someone who is friendly and approachable. To show off your best side, professional portraits are recommended. Good lighting, composition, angles, and professional touch-ups all show that you take yourself and your professional image seriously. Ladies, you won’t regret that visit to the makeup artist who understands photography – it makes such a difference – and we’re happy to refer you!
Here are some recent images from our AMAZING Internet Presence Specialist, Bridget Ayers. Since she spends so much time on her laptop, we incorporated it into her images. She’s fun and funny, yet smart as a whip! She had both her hair and makeup done, and she had a couple of outfits for us to work with. She booked our deluxe session, and we worked up several business portraits, as well as some personal portraits. You can see how we rock the boat for traditional head shots, giving you that fresh, professional, and approachable look your clients will respond to. With our deluxe package, you will receive multiple web-ready images for your graphic-rich websites.
Check out these images, leave a comment if you please, and then if you’re ready to boost your social media presence, check out Bridget’s sites:
* Twitter * Facebook * The Get Smart Blog * Get Smart Web Consulting *
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Let Them Eat Cake!
Here is one of our favorite cover babies! We’ve been following Javen since he was still in mommy’s belly and out of nowhere he’s turned one! Mom just brought him in for his final Busy Bee session, and boy is he already on the move! It took both of us plus mom and auntie to keep him in one place long enough to catch a few precious images of him. Well truth be told we all had nothing to do with keeping him still…if it weren’t for the basketball and balloon we wouldn’t have stood a chance. Daddy and Granddaddy are ball players and it looks like Javen has the ball bug too.
Even the cake paled in comparison to the other round objects flying around the room, but we finally managed to interest him in the icing on the cake…though he was more interested in “painting” on our backdrop than eating the sweet stuff.
It’s going to be hard to be separated from this special guy, but we’re hoping to see him again when he turns 2! His incredible personality and amazing genes (not the kind you wear) has made him one dynamic kid. Great job mom & dad, not to mention the rest of the fam!
Like what you see?…..Then leave us some comment love!!!
Ready for the San Diego Fair!
Nikkie and I were delighted to find out that we will have 9 images displayed at the San Diego County Fair this year, along with many other talented photographers. We have a significant showing in the “Family Moments” category, as well as Color and B&W Portraits. If you visit the fair, feel free to vote for your favorite image! Thanks to our wonderful families and clients – you make our job easy!! Here are this years exhibits:
Anxiously Awaiting!
Here’s a sweet mama we had the pleasure of meeting recently. She brought a cute pair of baby shoes which made the image extra personal. Dad is a firefighter, and we can’t wait to incorporate that element (picture this: baby curled up in the helmet!) When we photograph a maternity portrait session, we encourage our moms to bring shoes, a baby blanket, a special stuffed animal, that we can incorporate into the images. Just imagine your child when he or she in 10 years looking back and knowing that you were already planning special things for them! What items would you bring into a session?
