Lets face it, we all quite enjoy looking at magazines. Perhaps we don’t all enjoy looking at the same ones, but there is something about high colour glossy pictures of beautiful people that just draws the eye. If you’re like everyone I know, you feel a sort of sense of inadequacy after flicking through these magazines. Perhaps for this reason you stay away from them. It can be disappointing! These people are so beautiful and toned and tall and have amazing physiques - and then we glance in the mirror and see dowdy, normal, blergh-ness.
Yup, I agree, it can be very discouraging. However, there is a bright side to it. We can actually learn to look at these magazines for inspiration. Did you know there is a program called Photoshop? Well of course you did. But did you know that every single ad agency, publication company, and professional photographer uses it? Perhaps I’m generalising, but I would say that 99% of all photos you see in big name publications have been touched up or altered.
Have a look at this for example. This is an average person using photoshop from home. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljzi8fLZ0HY&feature=related
Well, I don’t know about you, but if this is a non-professional job, then think about what a professional could do! Glossy magazines just are not what they appear. The celebrities seen in there have been touched up, airbrushed, covered in makeup and photographed with perfect light conditions. When we see them photographed by paparazzi, we’re horrified because they look ‘ugly’. Well, truth is, they’re just normal people - and we could also look amazingly glamorous if we were professionally made up, dressed, airbrushed, and photographed with perfect light conditions. As for the fitness models, before a photo shoot, they workout hardout, and get pumped so their muscles appear larger. Then they cover themselves in fake tan and oils so the light reflects off their muscles just so. They don’t actually look like that when walking down the street.
So next time you look at a glossy magazine, please realise that it is just that - a glossy magazine. Touch ups, special effects, professional stylists. Yes, be inspired - for your next evening out. But don’t aim to look like that every day, because you’ll just end up disappointing yourself! None of the celebrities or fitness models walk around every day in their best outfits and perfect makeup and hair. Be inspired, but most importantly, be you!
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