What is the most asked question I get as a photographer?

“Can you make me look twenty years younger, and Photoshop out my wrinkles?”

 I get this question every single day from both men and women alike. The truth is, I can! I have the ability to turn a beautiful 55 year old woman into a stunning 25 year old. Just having that ability at the tips of my fingers makes me feel powerful. I feel as if I could save the world, one wrinkle at a time.

The question isn't something that I get tired of hearing. We all want to look our best at all times, and for something that is going to hang on the wall for generations to come, we definitely want to look our best. The truth of the matter though is that I don't want to, and neither should you!

Don't get me wrong, I am as vain as the next person. Awhile ago I noticed a few lines showing up around my mouth. I was very disturbed, and wanted them to go away. My son walked in while I was staring at the mirror and showed me a test he had made a 100 on in school. Staring at myself while I said, “That is great Michael, I am so proud of you!” I noticed that the lines were deeper as I spoke. I realized that who I am and what I say had made those lines, and if I erased them completely, it would be like erasing all of the, “I love yous" and “great jobs" right from my mouth. I couldn't bear that thought. The lines around my eyes crease when I smile at my husband and kids, and the furrow of my brow gets worse when I am worrying about my children, and crying over proud and sad moments. I get more lines around my eyes every single time I smile or laugh. Those make me who I am, they are the map of where my life has been, and they are souvenirs of the joys I have experienced. I don't want to erase everything that makes me special, and everything that tells my story.

So the next time I am asked this question, how am I going to answer?

I'm going to soften you up, I'm going to pose you and light you so that you look amazing. I'm going to airbrush that pimple from your nose, and brighten up your eyes. You are going to look great, just the way you are. I am going to photograph you so that all of your souvenirs are showcased their best, because those little wrinkles were hard earned and should be celebrated. 

Now-go make some laugh lines happen,

Charlotte Dameron