Wearing My Trousers Rolled
My friend ended up interviewing one of my old students for a job. At first, I was thinking, “Oh, that’s nice. This is probably her first job after college.” But my friend informed me that no, she’s actually in her thirties and has three kids. THREE KIDS. And she had them in her late twenties.
Clearly, I’m not great with tracking time.
The news came on the heels of Googling for tutorials on photoshopping wrinkles from a photo. I had a picture taken that I liked except for a crease between my eyes — a crease that is always there because I am old and have wrinkles.
But I attempted to photoshop it out and ended up with a final image that looked as if someone had drawn on my face in Microsoft Paint. At least the Microsoft Paint distracted from the white streak through my hair.
At some point, as I was toggling between the tutorial and the photo, I asked myself how I reached this point. Am I that vain, or is that the tools are there so why not use them? Would older generations have done this if it was as easy as clicking a button on a computer? I mean, clearly not that easy since my end result was hideous, but easy for someone more skilled in Photoshop.
I deleted my attempt and decided to live with the crease. I mean, unless I become more skilled at this photoshopping thing. And then all bets are off.
9 comments
I see people who use those selfie filters and think ” that is NOT what you look like. You have made yourself completely unrecognizable!”. Then I look in the mirror and wish I had a filter for that. I don’t waste time with the filters though. I can’t believe I’m old, but somehow…it happened. :/
The picture is great, though. I wouldn’t have noticed your crease if you hadn’t mentioned it, but I look at photos to see what people look like, not to critique.
Your white streak is awesome. You look like Anna 🤣 (Frozen). And what gorgeous curly hair.
I haven’t attempted editing photos in a long time but sometimes find myself wondering if it would be worth it to learn how to do makeup finally. Would the bother be (occasionally) worth it?
On the topic of photos though I would just pay a professional to take or retouch a photo if it’s that important. probably expensive though. Although I think you photo is fine. As individuals we are probably way more aware of individual flaws than other people.
Ha, on photoshop. I’ve also attempted photoshopping wrinkles out and it doesn’t usually end well…it’s a great picture!
I think you look fabulous.
I love the white streak in your hair! I want one! I just have random greys all over. I’ve been chatting with different women about going grey and most my age with kids are just going to let it go and not dye it. I think it’s a great trend, less upkeep and money! Although we all get lectured by hair stylists when it’s time for a trim, I wonder if it’s really about the money for them? I don’t get my hair cut enough to form a relationship with the stylist to ask and have a genuine conversation about hair dye and pressuring women to spend hours in the chair, pay exorbitant amounts of money and schedule regular upkeep? Obviously it’s their business and they want the customers to keep coming as frequently as possible and spending as much as possible. But the fashion of hair is so subjective, I like the trend of natural grey, it suits my laziness and frugality for sure!
I think you look amazing! Beautiful, genuine smile, your authentic self. I am not really for all of the photoshopping/filters/cosmetic procedures trying to undo the naturalness of aging. I think it’s beautiful in all of its perceived imperfection. It’s a great picture of you because it IS you.
You look beautiful! I love your smile. And I wouldn’t have noticed the crease. Your hair is badass, I love that you have this perfect white streak!
I will do camera angles and try fort they must flattering photo, but I personally don’t like the photoshopping of faces to erase wrinkles, lines, crinkles, etc. You can always tell, even people who are really good at it can’t get rid of the blurred edges (and less skilled always blur their hairline or get rid of nose definition). All those crinkles are beautiful. (That said, I am forever seeking the camera angles that give me the best jaw and chin definition, ha!)
It’s a great picture! I got a shock when I saw my reflection in a changing room mirror recently. The lightening was harsh and all my wrinkles seemed to stand out. I’m guilty of using Instagram filters with nice lightening on photos but I try to stay away from photoshop as don’t want to change myself too much! Where to draw the line
I love seeing you. Beautiful.
I, too, wish I looked more smoothed out. But filters & fixes just make me look weird.