Photoshopped graduation picture!

My daughter just graduated from elementary school for handicapped children, but she has Down´s Syndrome and has had Alopecia Universalis for 5 years. And as a reward when the children got their diploma they also got a picture of the class and teachers.

I was stunned when I realized the picture of my daughter had been photoshopped. The photographer had put hair on her head and she looked like a boy. I was so sad, I found the photographer and the only explanation he gave me was this: well I thought since she has been getting some hair back …blablabla… I was like a volcano ready to explode, how wonderful I told him, so maybe children who are blind get their sight and kids in wheelchair can stand up on their graduation day – every body is perfect in your world !!!???!!! As you can imagine I was very angry, for someone daring to change my beautiful daughter in the “one size fits all mode”.

I told the headmaster of the school that this picture would never go up on a wall at our house and asked for a new one, with my child un-photoshopped. I will have to wait until fall for the new picture since the photographer is gone on holiday. What is wrong with this world?

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Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on June 19, 2013 at 10:52am

Perhaps he still has the original file?

I think you did the right you thing, you used your anger constructively to promote change. Hopefully the photographer get it and this experience opens his mind.

She is beautiful and even more importantly has a mother that loves her.

Comment by JessKa on June 17, 2013 at 9:18pm
Your daughter looks lovely and happy. You are a good mother. <3
Comment by Le sage on June 16, 2013 at 7:09am

I always feel like angels

Comment by Tovah on June 15, 2013 at 2:43pm

Just wanted to say to you, Bonnie, what a wonderful reply. Love it!

Comment by Bonnie on June 15, 2013 at 8:33am

Even though this a horrible situation, and I'm so sorry you had to go through it, some good has come of it. Number 1: The photographer had the opportunity to re-evaluate his views of others and consider how his ideals affected others. I wish society as a whole had this opportunity. Number 2: You had the opportunity to recognize your unconditional love for your child at a whole new level. Your passion about this situation is a sign of your deep and beautiful love for your daughter. And because you had to vocalize that, perhaps others will look at how they treat their own children. So many times, I've seen where (to quote The Fresh Prince of Bell Aire) "Parents just don't understand." But you do. And that is wonderful. So accept the triumphs you have earned through this growing opportunity. And give your daughter a huge hug from me. I'm so proud of her and you.

Comment by Rosanna on June 13, 2013 at 9:19pm

Sorry to hear that you've had to deal with this!

Comment by Tovah on June 13, 2013 at 7:52pm

First of all, your daughter is beautiful with the face of an angel.

The photographer (and I'm being generous here) probably thought he was doing everyone a favor. He had no write to photoshop anything without your blessing.

Hopefully, he learned from this. I hope you can get the picture you want soon so you can hang it up.

Comment by Dana on June 13, 2013 at 7:43pm
I don't think anyone has the right to change your daughters looks whether he thought he was doing a "good" thing or not. You don't do that. Your daughter obviously has no problem with her hair loss nor do you, her family. Who is he a complete outsider to change that. I go around all the time with my head shaved and my "hair today gone tomorrow hair" as is. I've learned to live with it and I would feel worse about someone trying to cover it up for me than my not, I have nothing to be embarrassed about, why should they??
Comment by Ha1rloss on June 13, 2013 at 10:20am

The photographer should not be deciding how your daughter should be feeling about alopecia! Glad you called him out on it

Comment by Tinna Ros on June 13, 2013 at 5:37am

Thank you all for your nice comments on behalf of my daughter Tinna. Yesterday she went of to a summer camp for whole two weeks and I am going to miss her so much, but I will use the time to re-paint her room and decorate. Best whishes to you all , the mom Bea 

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