Taking a pictures. Yes, I'm whining some.

[Melstar]

Basically, the thought of having to take these freaking pictures is stressing me out beyond belief. To get them done I have to:

1) Diet for 2 months to lose 10 pounds.
2) Get my hair done.
3) Find a makeup artist to make me look good in the pictures.

This doesn't really seem like a gift to me. It's just stress.

Well i think its a cool gift from you partner. Just enjoy the experience of a photoshoot. Its not as if you're intending to build up a portfolio or something to try to land the right modelling agency. Just be the star for the day and have fun thats probably what your partner wanted... so sweet!

I'm not sure if its a simple photography studio, but most of the time they should have someone who could help you out with simple make-up and styling. Maybe call and find out?

As for air brushing work, it is super common industry practise so its not as if you're cheating... the idea is to look good right? Seriously everyone does it: remove blemishes, birthmarks, even moley girls.

Finally, since this is going to be something personal and this time the guy is working for you and not the other way round... don't feel intimidated to communicate with the photographer. Although they say that the camera adds pounds to a person, there are also ways to make anyone look good. Relax, and have fun otherwise your stress would translate into awkward pictures.. but most importantly hear what the photographer has to say... they might have an idea or two.

Who knows, you might end up enjoying the experience... and come back vying for more next time round

HAve fun

[Aggie_Ama]

I think he wanted a nice picture of a woman he finds beautiful and important. Real men see us as beautiful no matter the size. DH and I have been together nine years Friday. He married me when I was at my heaviest and said I was radiant that day.

The other thing is a professional photographer is going to take the pictures at your most flattering angle. When we took our engagement portraits one month before our wedding I was at the biggest I have ever been. I am now a size 6-8 but in these photos I was a 12-14. I weighed 30 pounds more than I do now, 45 pounds more than my *personal* ideal weight a year later. The point I am getting at is these are some of my best pictures. The pictures from our honeymoon one month later look horrible. I look at them and remember how great it was but also marvel at how chunky I was. I think I look about 10-15 pounds heavier than the engagement photos! Never underestimate what having a professional behind the lense and in the darkroom can do for a photo.