Much of this world is about striving for perfection, but there is beauty in imperfection and it’s something we should all recognize. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be better or making things better; that drive takes us to the future of technology, fashion, and even standard of living. However, there is a point when this drive can turn against us and enthusiasm transforms into obsession. If you always wanted to be or look perfect…we can help you rethink that…
BALANCE
As with almost everything in life there is a safe balance of extremes. If you’re obsessed with looking perfect then you’re setting yourself up for disaster. Trust me…
When I was in high school I had pimples like most kids. I would look at them closely in the mirror and pick at them. I thought all my problems would just go away if they would just go away. Once I became more confident in myself (through martial arts) I stopped caring and suddenly my face cleared up. Why? Because I stopped obsessing over the things I couldn’t control (yes, I know there are products out there to help control breakouts).
The point isn’t that everything will magically get better if you just stop caring. The point is that going too far can not only lead to worse outcomes, but also psychological damage. No one wants that!
I think you should care up to the point you can control. After that, just let it be. You can only do what you can!
Just look at the image up there. I could point out all the things that are wrong, but why would I when I can point out all the things that are right! Take a look at even more examples in our gallery.
PROOF IS IN THE PHOTO
The reason I even thought about all of this was in looking at my photos. When I flip through magazines I see all the images of “perfect” models and celebrities and wonder if my work will ever get to that level. Then I remember that if I really wanted to I could edit photos to look that way too. Sure, I’d either have to hire a photo retoucher or learn a few more editing magic myself, but then…is that really me?
So I realized something. Something profound. I don’t edit to the point where women look like they should be idolized, I edit to the point where the image is cohesive and artistic. I leave in imperfections so that when she sees the image she knows it’s her. She knows that I didn’t take her waist in, straighten her nose, tuck in some rolls, or lengthen her legs. That way she can believe that she is a work of art – with lines that should have been erased; with misplaced splatters of colour; and with jagged edges that should have been smoothed out. All of which add to her beauty, not diminish it.
Imperfection is beautiful because it’s real.
So once again I’d like to tell you: There is beauty in imperfection!
I could point out all the things that are wrong, but why would I when I can point out all the things that are right!
Jonathan How is the photographer behind Made by Ten and calls Milton his home. He specializes in creating beautiful, creative portraits of real women. He uses photography (and this blog) to help them build confidence and love for themselves and creates artistic images for their homes and offices. You can see him driving around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada from portrait to fashion shoot and back again.