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 Linda on June 13, 2013 at 4:04am

Tell them. It is the reason, why I never wear a wig or would transplante hair. Because I dont want to hide what/how/especially who I am. Your daugther is who she is because of. So dont make it "better" by photoshopping.

Comment by losing_it on June 13, 2013 at 12:39am

I would have to disagree with Robin, his intention was to make his photograph perfect and it sounds like his intentions were purely selfish. You should have the full support of the school for this, it shouldn't be something you have to deal with on your own. The school organised it, they should be the ones to sort it out (and I'm saying that as a teacher).

Comment by Jennifer on June 12, 2013 at 6:02pm

You are a fantastic mom for standing up for your child in this manner. How upsetting that you had to in the first place!

Is that photographer part of a professional association? If so, perhaps look up the association online to see if there is a code of ethics and professional standards on their website. I used to work in the graphic design industry and often collaborated with photographers who were bound by various rules and guidelines about retouching portraits without permission from the model or the model's representative. In addition to causing upset, this photographer may have broken a rule somewhere that could ensure that they aren't rehired in the future or are at least receive some sensitivity training.

Comment by youarebeautiful on June 12, 2013 at 5:47pm

We have a world where everyone is a robot. . anything out of the norm, which can't be easily explained needs to be kept out of sight. Thanks for speaking up for your child. Be strong.

Comment by Pamela Rosse on June 12, 2013 at 4:56pm
First, let me start off with something you already know, your daughter is a beautiful young lady.
Oh my gosh, life's curve balls. The photographer was not being cruel as Robin pointed out earlier. He was wrong in not contacting you. As it is said hind sight is 20/20. He should have called & explained his studio was working on your daughters class photo's & before they printed wanted to give you options available. Allowing you to call the proverbial
ball. Sadly he made the decision on his own, one of which I doubt he ever repeats again.
I loved your "one size fits all" analogy, it is so right on. We are not a world of one size fits all. We are a world of vibrant beautiful colors, of all sizes & shapes & heights.
Someday, I truly hope it's in my time, Dr. king's dream will be, when we are all judged for the content of our character & not the color of our skin or if we are bald.
God Bless you & yours, your a great Mom & your daughter because of you, will grow into & become her own woman, because she knows that as walks down life's path, she may take. Step or two back or even take a spill, but she will be alright for she knowable her Mom is there to assist, help brush her off & support her as she takes yet another step with more confidence. You go Mom.
Comment by VeryLarry on June 12, 2013 at 4:55pm

How thoughtful. Sadly, it was the thought of an idiot

Comment by Elaine Bruce on June 12, 2013 at 4:40pm

Ggggggggrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

Comment by Elizabeth on June 12, 2013 at 3:31pm

Definately poor judgement on his part, he should have asked first. Your daughter looks beautiful and very happy!

Comment by Funnybone on June 12, 2013 at 3:18pm

You've got to be kidding me! Glad you spoke up mommy...

Comment by LA on June 12, 2013 at 3:05pm
I recently had a photographer take my forearm crutch away BC it didn't "fit in" with the aesthetic!! I said me falling over and taking the background with me wouldn't do much for his aesthetic either! He did take pics of me without my wig and with it.

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