The difference between being beautiful and being photogenic

I’ve never thought of myself as a beauty and I certainly wasn't that "pretty girl" in high school (or college) that all the guys swooned over.  When I had my photo taken (you know the ones -- you’re at a party or a gathering and someone pulls out a camera and tells you to smile and then it’s 1-2-3 cheese and click).  I NEVER liked those photos. I generally had my eyes closed or my mouth in some contortion,  looking very much like I was caught off guard.  Those bad photos led me to shy away from having pictures taken and I tried very hard to stay out of camera range.  I referred to myself as un-photogenic.

My Friday oldie jam pick 

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

The Temptations (August 1966)

What is beauty?

There is beauty all around us all the time. And there is beauty in people. We’ve all heard the term “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and "beauty is only skin deep".  People are beautiful when they are finding joy in life, being kind to others, and enjoying themselves.  Of course most of this happens, off camera. The real trick to looking good in a photo is to feel comfortable and unstressed. Feel like you’re having fun.   However, this can be very difficult for the average person, when given a moment’s notice to “smile”.

It’s not your fault if you are un-photogenic

It stands to reason that a photo will be stronger if there is a great backdrop and the lighting is good  But, don’t worry,  it’s actually the photographers job to make sure all of this comes together to produce a good photo, not yours! So stop blaming yourself. The quality of the photograph reflects on the photographer, not the subject.

Not camera shy

Most of the people to whom we attach the label “beautiful” are generally, actor/actresses, models or other celebrities. Our only real interaction with them is in print or on screen.  These people are very comfortable in front of cameras and in front of an audience.  Are you surprised? Of course not, this is their life and this is what they get paid for. 

Even though our society idealizes them, keep in mind that, in order to produce that beautiful photo it takes a team of assistants, stylists, and specialized lighting equipment. The background has been specially arranged and the image is probably heavily edited. There may have been a photogenic scene created in the studio for the person. but that in no way means that that person is more photogenic than you.  As a matter of fact this isolated, controlled persona is all that the public will ever see.  If you encountered these people in their normal state you might not even recognize them and usually would never apply the term “beautiful”

The "Beauty-Industrial Complex"

There are big industries built around reinforcing this idea that some people are "photogenic." They promote insecurities and then sell you things to try to make up for it, or sell you stories about other people who are somehow more important or better than you.

Bad photos can lead to issues of self worth

The first time I was ever in control of photographs of myself was when I started blogging.  After years of being un-photogenic, camera shy and deleting photos that I hated (I would even delete my photos off of someone else’s camera if I could get access to it), I decided to become my own photographer. I found I was a lot less stressed during my photo sessions. I can set up different scenarios and put on whatever I want. I actually have fun! I can also take a ton of photos of myself without feeling vain (in the past I was too nervous to ask anyone to retake a photo more than twice ) The other key to taking good photos is to take a lot of them.  I found that after the first 20 or 30  photographs, I start to really relax. Photographers can take 100-200 photos to find ”the one”.  How can you be expected to have good pictures all the time if you only have 1 or 2 to choose from? Since becoming my own photographer, I notice that people now remark about how photogenic I am.  

If they only knew!

BTW - You'll find that all around you are wonderful, amazing, beautiful people doing incredible, fascinating things to make the world a better place.  Just take a moment to appreciate it.

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Nighttime photos

Plan was to take some fashion photos of my friend Pam at her condo club house 

Pam just returned from filming and episode of HGTV Island Hunters

When we arrived all the rooms were occupied

So we ended up outside on one of the decks...in the dark

Have no fear, My camera has a great flash!

Plus, I just happen to have, my 2 new Panama hats which I received from Ecuador about a month ago

While Pam was doing her wardrobe changes

I took advantage of the time and shot some pics of my hats

                                    Don't worry I will post photos of Pam in a separate post soon

Here's the fuchsia version

Whatever you have planned (or don't)...Hope you enjoy your weekend.

And don't ever think of yourself as un-photogenic again!

Smooth Sailing - Fashions from a laborless Labor Day

We spent the Labor Day holiday on a sailboat owned by a friend.

We sailed out on the San Francisco Bay and under the new Bay Bridge.

Currently the 2 bridges stand side by side but they are in the process of taking the old bridge down piece by piece.  We were able to observe the deconstruction of the old iconic bridge.  It's really pretty fascinating to watch. 

Have any of you sailed under the bridge?

The boat we sailed on was only a 33 footer, so not too big.  It is a sleep aboard.  A small boat means you don't really "dress up".  You mostly just put on something comfortable and bring a hat and some layering pieces in case the weather turns chilly (which it most often does out on the bay).

Here I am contemplating how I'm going to keep my hat on and take photos at the same time. 

I say that to say, among the many pictures taken, there were scant few useable photos of me and none of me looking even half way fashionable.  And although it was a perfect opportunity to wear one of my new Panama hats, I gave up and took it off within 15 minutes out.  It was entirely too windy to stay on my head (story of my life with hats) and after all, I didn't want to risk losing it into the Bay as I was forewarned that NOBODY was going to go in after it.

So I made the trip hatless.

The day turned out to be absolutely gorgeous!  The skies were blue and weather was sunny and mild. I never had to put on my jacket. I love sailing and miss that we haven't gone out much lately.  It was Verdette's first time, so Collie was nice enough to keep us away from the white caps and the choppy waters going out toward the Golden Gate.

Collie our skipper

and now....

Here's a reenactment of how I planned to look in the pictures!

blue Moroccan print pants by Karen Kane available @ Macy's

Much better!

I have so many pictures of the trip. If any of you are interested I'm going to make 

a photo slide show out of them. Will post here at a later date. Shame letting them all go to waste. 

You can leave your hat on

Panama hats are here! They are one of the hottest trends right now.  Hip, chic and fashion forward, the classic Panama hat is more than just a style statement, it’s also a chic way to shade your face from the hot sun. Lightweight and breathable, the Panama hat is a cool way to look cool!

They are feather light and excellent in heat and humidity. 

The Fedora is the most popular hat style.  It looks good on just about any face shape and can be worn with anything.  The Panama hat (classified by the straw type, as well as its brim and crown) is rounder and taller than a Fedora (probably it’s closest relative) however it can be just as versatile.  
When you buy a Panama hat just be sure to choose a neutral straw one with a black or brown brim.

Secret: how to choose the right hat

Try them on.  Wider faces need wider brims.  There are lots of styles besides the classic. Keep trying them on,  you're bound to find one that is just perfect for you!

Cuenca Ecuador is home to many Panama hat weavers

Panama hats are made from a palm like plant called a toquilla.  In Ecuador they are called toquilla hats but to the rest of us they are known as the Panama hat.  A genuine Panama hat is always hand-made and they are only made in Ecuador.  I read that in the 90s the sales began to decline due to imitation machine made knock offs from China which were sold for less money. 

Now Ecuador wants to reclaim the brand!  Support the weavers of Ecuador and only buy GENUINE Panama hats.  You will find them labeled "made in Ecuador" inside the hat. 

I ordered 2 more hats today from Ecua-Andino.  I'll let you know when they arrive as I plan to take some photos of all the hats.

Tip: Always store your hat on its crown

You can leave your hat on
Photos taken after our weekly Sunday meeting
and some 49er football
GO NINERS!