You might have come across those sultry photos that couples sometimes take to “ignite the flame.” For many, such a gift would be cherished, but as is common in today’s digital age, these images are often heavily edited. Given that they even asked me if I wanted retouching on my preschooler’s school photos, it’s hardly shocking that a professional would offer to enhance a woman’s appearance in intimate shots.
Last year, a woman visited a photography studio in San Antonio to create a special gift for her partner for Christmas. Victoria Caroline Haltom, the photographer behind Victoria Caroline Boudoir, told Mic that the customer requested numerous touch-ups to mask what she believed to be her physical imperfections. Just three days after receiving the album, her husband penned a message that Victoria later shared on her Facebook page. He wrote, “When I opened the album, my heart sank. While these images are stunning and you are clearly a gifted photographer, they don’t represent my wife.”
He continued, “You erased every single one of her ‘flaws’… and while I understand that this was her wish, it stripped away everything that defines our life together. By removing her stretch marks, you erased the evidence of our children. By smoothing out her wrinkles, you took away the memories of our laughter and challenges over the past two decades. And by eliminating her cellulite, you also removed the joy she derives from baking and all the treats we’ve shared.”
But rather than placing blame, he reflected on the deeper meaning behind the retouching: “Seeing these images made me realize that I don’t tell my wife nearly enough how much I LOVE her just as she is. She hears it so infrequently that she genuinely thought these edited photos were what I desired. I need to do better, and from now on, I will celebrate her in all her beautiful imperfections. Thank you for the wake-up call.”
I’m not crying. YOU’RE crying.
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In summary, this touching story highlights the importance of embracing our partners for who they truly are, flaws and all. The husband’s heartfelt message serves as a reminder to appreciate the unique qualities that define our loved ones, reinforcing that true beauty lies in authenticity.