The most direct opposite of photogenic is unphotogenic, which describes someone who does not look good in photographs, often appearing differently than they do in person. — AI Overview
Because mirrors flip your image, the unflipped photo is actually how others see you. — Quora
A week or so ago I sat down at one of the small tables inside the coffee shop. Another lady joined me. There on the table laid out the Tuesday Dispatch. The lady turned the page and stopped at Possumhaw. She remarked that she very much liked the column. I smiled and said, “I really appreciate that.” There was a pause. I continued by pointing at the photo and shared my name. That particular photo was taken in 2009; I can’t blame her for not seeing the resemblance. Time changes things.
On another occasion I went to the Lowndes County Drivers License Bureau to renew my drivers license. I told the nice lady my weight on my driver’s license was the same as when I got my learner’s permit, and it should be updated. She asked the man in front of me his height and weight, but she didn’t ask me. She assured me no one would ask me my weight. I was thinking maybe they don’t ask middle-aged ladies. The nice lady said, “Stand against the blue board, your head on the X, the lady directed me then she clicked, paused and frowned. “Mrs. Bardwell, step back; this time lift your chin.” The photograph was pretty good considering. I asked her if the photograph could be in a 5×7. I looked at the new photo listed on my new driver license was my height but not my weight. Probably a good idea. My new driver’s license gives my height and eye color, guess that does it all.
My mother thought my senior portraits were terrible. Sam says old photos don’t look like me. I think the last time I had a cute picture I was wishing for my two front teeth.
When we started this column, the editor asked me to come by for a photograph. I said, “I have a photo, I’ll send it.” I received an email, “That photo looks a little freakish, come by the office.”
So, photographer Kelly Tippett led me into the cavernous Dispatch office where there’s a studio with an Olan Mills looking backdrop and a camera that looked like Ansel Adams might have used it. I got nervous and the black box went poof-poof every time Kelly squeeze a bulb thing; then it broke. So, we walked across the street with me prattling about my poor picture taking ability. Kelly made me laugh and I relaxed. I think he took about 300 pictures. The DMV won’t take 300 pictures.
Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
