You Are Photogenic
All photos by Devon Dadoly Photography
WTF DOES BEING PHOTOGENIC MEAN ANYWAY?
I asked some people in my life “What does it mean to be ‘photogenic’?” and their responses were easily categorized into things that are seen (words like: pretty, and skinny) and things that are invisible (words like: authentic, confident, and real). Many - I’m no mathematician, but I’d say around 95% - of my clients express some hesitation around being photographed, especially by someone other than themselves. Within that 95%, most of those folks experience the fear of “not being photogenic” and use that as a determining factor in not booking a session even if they want the experience. So let me put your mind at ease, fill you in on a little secret, and give you a permission to believe it: You ARE photogenic.
If possible, think of a photo of yourself that you love. Why do you love it? Where are you? What are you doing? Do you love it because of the way you look, or because of how you felt in the moment and the memories this photograph brings back? A bit of both? One or the other?
Then, think of a photo of a friend or family member that “looks like them”. What are they doing? What are they wearing? Would the way they look in this photo be considered traditionally photogenic? Is “looking like them” or “being photogenic” limited to just the physical aspects of the photograph? Why or why not?
LEARNING TO “See MYSELF”
If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent some part of your life and brain space thinking of ways to look amazing in photographs. This came with a lot of anxiety around attending social events because I didn’t want to see myself in candids or group selfies. So instead of seeing how my body actually worked, or learning to accept what it looked like, I worked hard practicing “flattering” and “slimming” poses in the mirror. And if I practiced enough, I could change it, sculpt it, or angle it to make my insecurities disappear. But in this pursuit of being photogenic, I lost something really important - the ability and opportunity to truly “see myself”… And not just how I looked, but a more holistic version of who I am.
I thought that if I collected enough examples of portraits where I “looked my best”, it would help to heal my body image. But this method was actually more harm than good when I realized I was spending too much time ignoring photos that looked “like me” and only exposing myself to photos where I looked “my best”, no matter what emotions I was experiencing or how I was feeling about myself at the time. I now have so few photos from joyous and important moments in my life because I was focused on rejecting ones that highlighted parts of myself I felt were disgusting, ugly, or unworthy of acceptance.
But now, after years of observation, my definition of what it means to be photogenic has evolved. In my mind, what makes someone photogenic is not necessarily how they look, but how their presence in a photo tells a story, emphasizes their personality, makes you feel like you are experiencing that moment with them, and/or in a small way, getting to know them.
That being said, my sessions are not intended to be a form of exposure therapy that forces you to accept and love yourself no matter what, heal body dysmorphia, or replace therapy. My work is meant to be a tool for trying something new, learning about your body, and experiencing self-compassion. I’m an experience-based photographer who focuses on being uplifting, supportive, and collaborative with my clients, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
want to work with me?
I offer complimentary video or phone consultations to folks who are curious about booking, or have already booked and want to learn more about the experience. There is NO PRESSURE to book a session in order to schedule a complimentary consultation. Does this sound right for you? Book your Complimentary Photography Consult with me here.
Feeling ready to take the leap and book your session? See my Session Packages and Pricing and then Book Your Session!
Have more questions? Contact me at devondadoly.photo@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: My blog posts are written from my personal experience as a boudoir photographer who uses Therapeutic Photography techniques and Trauma-Informed Photography methods in my work. My methods and opinions may expand and change overtime. I am not a mental health or medical professional, nor am I a licensed counselor. I am not certified by any institution or organization to give medical and mental health advice.
ABOUT THE AUTOR: Devon Dadoly (she/they) is a therapeutic photographer and multidisciplinary artist who specializes in body affirming intimate boudoir and portrait photography. Devon is an outspoken advocate for the fat acceptance movement, destigmatizing addiction, and uses a trauma-informed approach when working with clients. They have over 8 years of experience working with and photographing folks in recovery from addiction, sexual trauma and eating disorders.
