The day I took these photographs was
obviously freezing. In fact, many of the
pictures you see in this blog were taken in weather that a sane
person would not tolerate. However considering where I live, I think it’s fairly safe to question my
sanity.
I state the day was, “obviously,”
freezing because of the redness of my nose in these images. This was something that initially irritated
me. However, it reminded me of a kind observation a friend once made towards one of my older winter portraits. He said, “He liked that my nose looked red in
it. He could tell I was cold.” I thought about this statement for quite a
while. Finally, I came to the conclusion
that not all glamour shots have to be perfect.
In fact, a little humanity might be just what the fashion industry needs
in order to engage more people.
Something like….Yes, that picture is pretty. But guess what, the person in
it is not an android. Look at her nose. That woman is cold. I think she might have feelings! I might be able to relate to her! Perhaps if real models would once in a while
be allowed to show just a little bit of imperfection they would be a lot more endeared by the general public.
That being said, I guess it’s these
imperfections that separate this blogger hobbyist from the real deal. I'm far from perfect and no matter
how many fancy scarves and accessories I cover up with I’m still going to have
that cold red nose and lipstick on my teeth.
I like to think of this as my, “Trainwreck Who Tries,” look. I take comfort in the idea that everyone
wants to root for the underdog with heart…right…am I right?
I guess that’s why when I FINALLY got a
smart phone I became absolutely obsessed with camera apps. I couldn’t believe the altering possibilities. Finally I could turn those, “meh,” images
into something inspiring. I could
digitally morph myself into looking perfect!
Interestingly enough, most of the images I’ve messed with have come out
looking rather sinister. Admittedly, I’ve
always been inclined to go this direction. I can’t seem to help revealing my
creepy side. I mean come on, a lady who constantly
walks around with lipstick on her teeth is obviously a little creepy. The thought has crossed my mind that perhaps
the world of Instagram might understand this, "personal style blogger," better if I
just stuck to glamour glow and smoothing filters. However, how can I pair an image like that
with a Gordon Lightfoot quote? Nope…can’t
happen.
So I continue to periodically post semi
ghoulish images under the guise of a fashion blogger simply because I’m not
confident enough to label myself an artist.
Honestly, I’m not comfortable with calling myself a fashion blogger
either. It’s like the idea of committing to these
titles make me feel an enormous pressure to prove that I'm worthy of
them. Instead, this lady would rather bumble along with her hobby and enjoy the occasional thrill of capturing a picture
like the last one featured in this post.
I have to state that currently this image is my favorite self portrait so
far. I can’t fully explain the feeling I get
when I look at one of these images as think, “Yeah, that’s me. That’s exactly how I feel.” Of course, this image is one that I’ve
altered so that my natural imperfections are not showing. Without my habitually cold red nose, I really am
starting to wonder if I might be an android.
-r.
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