I was drafting the communications plan for the launch on 25.7.25, when I panicked slightly as I realised that I needed a profile picture.
Oh no. I’m so fat now. How?!
Ten years away from the limelight, I wasn’t the least perturbed when people commented on my weight gain again and again. “Well, I’m not in the public eye now, so it’s fine. And you really shouldn’t be so obsessed with me.” Age is a factor, but the main cause is really binge drinking.
And so, I called renowned photographer Bob Lee of The Fat Farmer.
“Bob, helppppppp! I’m so fat now. I need a profile picture. Can you help me please? Shoot from a higher angle? Use lighting, create shadows and conceal as much baggage as possible? Just minor edits, because people can tell…”
He laughed very hard and agreed to help as much as he could.
Hours before the shoot, I rushed to a cosmetics counter. I haven’t owned makeup or applied makeup on my own for 10 years. Apparently, the products I was familiar with had been phased out years ago. LOL. I had the store assistant help me pick a suitable compact powder and bronzer, plus a new brush, and off I went to take photos. (I might have consumed a curry puff on the way there.)
Jane, Bob’s assistant, commented that he hadn’t taken photographs in a while.
“Oh? Who was the last person you shot?”
The answer – a former prime minister of Singapore in April.
Now you know what I mean when I say he’s a renowned photographer.
I’m truly pleased with this portrait. Slight edits, but still authentic and not flawless. It totally fits the message that this person is back after a decade-long hiatus and perfectly complements the quote in the media release.
“Radio shaped who I am, but podcasting could very well let me be who I’ve become – wiser, with a few more battle scars, and certainly a lot more to say.”
This isn’t just a thank you note to Bob and Jane.
If you aren’t comfortable with photoshoots, do articulate your concerns to your photographer. Let them understand your concerns — is it a double chin you wish to hide, or crooked and yellowish teeth you don’t wish to show? Tell them the attributes which you’re proud of and wish to accentuate, or let them know that you’re uncomfortable or unconfident with certain poses or angles.
Also, please don’t make unrealistic requests – e.g. you’re 70 and you want ALL wrinkles removed, or if you’re 120 kg and you want a sharp chin. Just like how I didn’t ask them to make me look like I’m 30 years old.
I really appreciate this photoshoot with Bob. I hope you’ll enjoy good rapport and take great photos with your photographer.
Alternatively, don’t waste time and just look for Bob lah.
Leave a Reply