This portrait was just a quickie at a family party. I shot a lot of candids outdoors as well as the formal portraits because the light was very nice that day.
Although the "before" was fine, I felt that the outdoor daylight in the case of this close-up was a little TOO realistic. I imagined that this couple would look at it and all they'd see is their wrinkles, which in person are really not that noticeable because of their "soft" personalities and their affection for each other.
So I softened it. And gave the couple a choice of which one they wanted for an enlargement.
Interestingly, they bought one print of each version...
What do you think? Is it better to "face" your aging, or is a photo more essentially truthful if it shows inner beauty?
[To see all of the candid shots from this family party, go to
my web site and search "casual."]
