CONFESSIONS OF THE FORCEFULLY PHOTOGENIC

Promo Pic

There are not many things that I dread in life. But if asked in an interview to pick one thing that I just hate, I would undoubtedly reply, "taking pictures." Impromptu pictures, staged pictures, family pictures: I hate them all. But I especially hate taking PROMO PICTURES. The last promotional picture I took for the radio station was 2 1/2 years ago. I was 9 months pregnant with my last child and you can tell. My hair looked good though, nice and healthy - thanks to the hormones but I cried for days after it was first posted on the website. That was thanks to the hormones as well. I called it post-picture depression.

Two hair cuts, 25 "pregnancy" pounds and one bouncing baby later, that time rolled around again. I had been planning to take pictures for months in order to promote the new books. I definately was dragging my feet but then the station decided the website needed a new look as well and the picture taking schedule shifted in overdrive. I was given 2 days. (Yes, Ladies, 2 days. Ya'll know this process takes a lot longer than 2 days.) I had just gotten back from a trip to Jamaica so I was sporting tan lines, a sunburned nose and braided hair. So in two days, I had to figure out how to get my groove back with wardrobe, hair options, etc. etc. etc. It also meant that I had two days to mentally prepare for the actual process. Now it's not like I am opposed to people touching me but to sit for hours of hair and make-up and wardrobe adjustment, brushing here and lifing there - to me is akin to Chinese water torture. Now here comes the disclaimer: I had the best from hair to makeup to photographer. Thanks Jessie, Debbie and Rodney respectively. But by the time the last layer of mascara had been applied, the last strand of hair sprayed motionless, and my breasts adjusted - they made me remove my bra to prevent unnecessary lines - I was ready to scream.

Did I tell you that I hate taking pictures? I don't want to forget that part.

So I posed, smiled then posed again and smiled some more. I was instructed to pout, lean, swivel and a myriad of other things before he declared us done.

Done was not even the word for what I was.

But when I saw the final product it switched from done to impressed .... I didn't look half bad. I actually looked like I was enjoying myself. And there was more than one good picture. That's a first.

So I have now switched from the FORCEFULLY PHOTOGENIC to the PHOTOGENIC FOX. And you know what? I like it!

I present to you (please insert dramatic music) ...... THE PROMO PICTURE ......

PS. And yes, I want to know what you think. I've already had a few people tell me that they like the old one better (see sidebar). Phooey on them ...... (smile)