This is one of a new batch of professional headshots I have recently commissioned. My most recent ones were a couple of years old and I need some up to date ones to accompany my application to speak at AICI Conference, plus other speaking commitments.
I decided to try a new photographer, based in my local area. I went in unannounced, wearing a denim shirt, dark black jeans and my customary glasses.
He looked up as I entered the reception area and, as I walked towards him, he started to stare at my face. “What fabulous glasses”.
I thanked him, and proceeded to enquire about head shots. As I was speaking, he continued his pretty hard staring and asked “What do you look like without your glasses?” My response - which is always the same - was this. I think I look OK without them, my husband definitely thinks I look better without them but when I take them off when I’m with colleagues, their response is always the same - “Oh!”, the inference being you’re not wearing your glasses. As a result, I feel less stylish. My perception is that my eyewear is the ONE accessory that stops my overall appearance from looking boring. Because of this, I continue to wear them even though I now only need them for reading and working on my computer. Successful cataract surgery in 2023 means I can see distance perfectly.
Most people use their glasses as something to hide behind. I am completely the opposite. I use them so people will notice me. Without them, I’m not sure they would.
To provide context; many people in my local area aren’t even aware I wear glasses. I don’t need them for watching TV, yoga, the gym, my exercise classes, or at the hair and beauty salons. I do wear them for clothes shopping, but only so I can read the price and size labels. Less often at a supermarket as I’m pretty aware of where things are and what they cost. So, it’s not that I’m attached to them on a daily basis. It’s only when I need to ‘perform’ or look extra stylish.
A day after the photo shoot, I needed to send a headshot to India to promote a webinar class I was running the following week. I contacted the photographer and asked if it was possible to send just one photo immediately so I could provide them with a current image. I explained why I needed it and said I was happy for him to select the correct image. The one on this post is the one he sent!
The photographer told me I was a beautiful woman, with amazing eyes, great bone structure and the best smile he had seen in a very long time. In his view, I did not need any accessories to improve on what nature had given me. My husband, by the way, agrees (but I guess he’s biassed -right?). I know it’s wrong, but most of us do need to get recognition and praise from a third party before we start to believe in ourselves. Just so you know - that includes image professionals!
As my word of the year is ‘open’ I am going to investigate how going out and about without my glasses serves me, professionally as well as personally.
Here’s the Thing: Being open sometimes means encouraging a sense of freedom about who you are and how you look at your life, which includes your overall appearance. Ditching preconceptions and rules can be liberating.
I will report back later!
Sue. What a fantastic article. Well done!!! You are beautiful with a great smile. Glasses are an accessory for sure and now you inspire all of us to come out of hiding. You are my hero.
Your article literally hit me between my eyes. When I asked myself the question, What am I hiding or better yet How am I hiding?, the answer is behind my hair! My hair is very naturally curly. After radiation my hair got more curly. All these years, 63 on the average, i've used products and flat irons to straighten my hair. My head sweats so whether I exercise or sleep, the result is curly hair. I had to wash my hair everyday to style and straighten. Talk about insanity, doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.
Your article revealed my own personal truth to accept myself for who I am and features I am blessed to have. I have found the correct curl products for my hair and I am enjoying the simplicity of it.
Thank you for your insightful article. It has changed my life.