The purpose of the "Before & After"

Why do people love a good "Before & After"? It helps us to see the possibilities.

When you look at a picture in a magazine, sometimes it seems as though the model is just enjoying herself, relaxing, maybe even just waking up. Let me assure you that she is not. These "casual" images that we see in print are the result of hours, days, weeks, months, and even years of preparation. Aside from all of the training, dieting and exercise that most models put in, there is extensive work in planning and designing the actual shoot. Which model will look the best in these clothes? Which camera angles will emphasize which body parts? What poses are the most flattering?

Really great, in-demand models know how to tilt the head, stretch the neck, work the shoulders, arch the back, push out the chest, swivel the hips, bend the knees, and arrange the feet so that the photographer can capture the most pleasing images. These shoots can take hours, as the models, photographers, and artistic directors collaborate on which looks are the most stunning.

And I haven't even mentioned makeup and hair! Depending on how elaborate each look is, the beautification process itself can take hours. Then there's the post-processing. Every little "flaw" is retouched: wrinkles, blemishes, freckles, bulges, stray hairs, tattoos, piercings. Arms, legs, torsos and necks are lengthened. Hair is volumized, lengthened, highlighted, shined. The finished image is not based in reality, yet millions of women compare themselves to the images in magazines on a daily basis.

Have you noticed that people love to see "STARS WITHOUT MAKEUP!" and "BEACH BODIES, WHO'S HOT AND WHO'S NOT!" articles? Why is that? I think that it's because you can look at these images and realize, "Oh, she's normal." It's easy to think that famous people always look stunning and to feel inferior because we run to the grocery store wearing sweats and a ball cap with absolutely no makeup on.

It's time to realize that WE are beautiful. Everyday, normal people. As I recently heard from a fellow photographer, "Love yourself now." Don't wait to lose that last 5-20-50 pounds! Don't wish you were younger! You are God's creation, and every experience has brought you to where you are today. When you allow your internal beauty to radiate, those around you can see how truly stunning you are.

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You can experience a stunning Before & After yourself. Give us a call at 678-371-8424 and book your session today!