Since we recently changed our affiliation to Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, I have been asked by a lot of agents to take their photograph for their new business cards. And it is good to update one’s portrait every once in a while, I guess!
But to a person, no one is entirely happy with their new “image,” because the digital camera tells no lies and hides NO flaws! It’s the electronic equivalent of looking in the bathroom mirror!
I suppose with the right lighting setup, some filtering, and a semi-soft focus I could mask some of the imperfections, or I could spend some time with Photoshop. Or better yet, we could let the image stand as it is!
After all, if the real purpose is self-promotion, shouldn’t we be promoting our real self?
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LOL, I yam what I yam, ya know? It is hard though, I admit it. I hate to have my picture taken. Cheesecloth, LOL, that is the answer.
Richard,
We have a professional come into the office for assembly line sittings now and then.
We all get a great rate and pretty good professional photos with a touch up on a selected few. It is well worth it.
(Maybe I ain't quite as gorgeous as my profile photo might lead you to believe.)
Oh... Richard this is too funny and the camera does not lie! That is why our graphics coordinator spends time photo shopping the pictures of some of our agents after new portraits are taken. Not me of course ;-)
LOL Richard, I found if the camera is ever so slightly out of focus and you sit in the shade it covers up an abundance of flaws I mean wrinkles, I mean smile lines. :-)
BTW I have always liked that photo of you in that Sombrero, the first time I saw it Matt Stigliano also had one. I have a wild one too, maybe you could start a Los Sombreros club!
Richard - I Knew it! The Sombrero is back. Better Homes and Sombreros. Here's to the pain of changing marketing material. We did it when we opened our own company in 2008. Stationary, cards, and all the rest make for fodder better spent on clients. Hoping this is the last card change for you and your team for a while
Hi Richard ~ I think touch up / enhancement is the way to go. My picture's way too old but the guy who took it was a genius and I don't want a new warts-and-all photo. Ugh!
Liz
Somehow, as the years travel by, I'm finding more of a love affair with "Gausian Blur" when photo editing my self portraits:-)
Andrea...
I don't like what I see in my self-portraits, but what can you do? Thanks for the grin my friend.
Mike...
It really is a good photo. Thanks for the proof that we should let the professionals help us!
Russell...
Of course not YOU! lol and thanks for the comment.
It's like HD TV. No flaws can be hidden under those conditions. Funny how vain we all are.
I had this issue with video ... had to get the lighting " just right" ;)
Richard, finally someone who agrees with me. I have seen pictures of agents that, I kid you not, look like they were taken 20 years ago. They're 50 now and their picture was taken when they were 30. My pictures aren't fancy. They haven't been photoshopped and you can see all my imperfections. But when my clients meet me they say I look just like my picture on my website. I'm not glamourous now, nor have I ever been. What I hope my clients see is that I'm not afraid to be myself--flaws and all. And that if I'm honest about my appearance, then I'll be honest about everything else.
I swear my camera enhances the flaws! I like my mirror better. Geez. Even full sunlight looks better. LOL At least in bright sunlight my eyes are bright green. That tends to hold the focus there. Thank God for Photoshop! =P
You are kidding, right? Don't think there isn't a female who doesn't welcome the removal of some of those "fine lines".
Richard, I have always tried to keep my photo on my marketing looking like me so that people recognize me when they see me.
Richard, LOL that is a great point in your post, I am always disappointed that I don't look more like George Clooney or even Tom Selleck!
My photographer's nickname is Dr. Botox....
Hi Richard,
For many it is time for new pictures..it's embarrassing when someone hands me a card and I think who is this person on the card?? A smiling face that looks warm, inviting and professional is the key! Love the sombrero..make sure you are out of the way of that train Richard!
I have to laugh at this one. I'm thinking I may want to replace my picture with Brad Pitt. That may be my true inner self! (in my dreams?)
I agree we should be promoting our real self, but a little touchup around the edges may keep from scaring our customer away. lol
I agree and I make sure my hair is dyed so you can't see the gray stripe down the middle, lol.
I feel know need to hide my imperfections, they make me human. Those new cameras sure do show just how human I am becoming these days.
You hit a nerve here, Richard! I much prefer being BEHIND the camera!
Debi
Richard~ It seems that we women need to update our photo more frequently due to our hair style changes. When I have my photo taken, I let others pick the one I will use. I see myself one way ane the public sees me another.
Sounds like the same thing the actors and actresses fear with the newer high definition televisions. Don't be so insecure.
I think it is time to use a picture of my dog . . . I'll never be as compelling as he is.
Hi Richard-
I'm as real as it gets. Make-up and airbrushing will only do so much, anyway. Others will adjust or not!
--Sara in San Antonio
Richard, I have a dear friend who is always asking to see a photo I take of her immediately and then requesting that I delete it because she thinks she looks fat. Drives me crazy. I also agree with Frank, JJ is much more compelling and certainly cuter than I am!