Retouching | Shanae Smith

Sometimes people are under the impression that every person I photograph:

is born with an innate talent for modeling

is always photogenic

is already confident

is happy with their body.

This is not the case. Many, many times, I have heard the these are similar responses from very different people --

There isn't enough photoshop to make me look like that.

Maybe if I lost __ lbs, I could do a photo shoot.

I just can't justify spending the money for something "like this".

I don't have a husband/wife/significant other to give these to/I'm not getting married.

I don't own a business, so I don't need nice photos.

This is not the case.

The truth is that these people are all the ideal type to benefit from a pro photography session.

If you're feeling like some of these exemplary clients, then I've got some news for you.

there is a big difference between the photos I present to you and the photos you and your friends take

but why?

Un-retouched images do not capture beauty the same way an eye does.

It dulls our hair, accentuates shadows, and encourages our brains to notice redness and other skin details.

As a professional photographer, I create artwork that allows our brains to see the final images more similarly to how our eyes see — already compensating for those kinds of things — when we are standing with the person who is the subject of the photograph and sometimes, adding my own artistic flair.

Notice that in the untouched, original photo on the left, the hair is duller and windswept, her face shadowier, her skin much redder, and she doesn't pop off the background much.

The photo itself just doesn't seem "done", even though it was taken with an incredible high resolution professional camera. There is more to it than just pushing a button and standing in the right place.

Here are a couple more examples:

This was the nightmare that I didn't know I could have. I don't know if the artist forgot to put primer on that eyelid, or if it was just a challenge from The Universe for me -- but do you know how difficult it is to photo shop shimmer? It's essentially impossible, or at least I don't know how. I am still so proud of how these turned out.

You can see that the bottom lip's edge is a bit haphazard, and doesn't go all the way to her ridge lines on either the top or bottom. Overall this made her lips look thinner, which wasn't a look she appreciated. It also smudged on the corner of her mouth, so I took care of that too.

The point is that we are shooting in the real world, here. These kinds of things happen, and it's my job to make sure that you receive a quality product.

I will make sure that your skin is flawless, and that you look the absolute best version of yourself.

That being said, I don't do whats called "body reshaping".

That is not the way to remember your life. You don't need body reshaping.

You don’t even need to alter your body in any way.

Do it now. The camera will not add 10 lbs and losing 10 lbs will not change your photos.

If you do lose a significant amount of weight or reach a fitness goal, have another photo shoot to document the gorgeous person you were, and the amazing journey that you're experiencing, then.

There is literally not a better time to document your current self.

Do it for the 80 year old you of the future sitting on a porch drinking lemonade. Remember your tattoos how they look now. Remember this version of you, because it’s pretty fuckin' cool.

Enjoy your life. Experience it with vigor.

You won't regret doing this. You won’t regret doing it now.

But you might regret not doing it now.