What do you all think about getting rid of moles in pictures? I had a bride recently and will be having another soon who both have a lot of moles. Do I edit them out when they order prints/album, or do I leave them in? I don't have any, so I don't know how people who have them feel about it. Any thoughts?

ummmm no. why take out a permanent feature of someone - that is just sending them a clear message that it is undesirable. of course if they request it, that's a different story.

I'm on the fence about this. I think people want to look gorgeous in their photos and if you can lighten moles slightly to take the emphasis off I think it's OK. If they truly distract from the image you can be a little more agressive.

I think it just depends on the photo and your approach.

I prefer to enlarge them and add hair

As a girl with a mole.

NO.

Like Tami said, why remove a permanent feature? Are you saying I'd look better without the moles? (I'm not taking it personally just to give you some insight)

Your client may be insluted if you remove them. Ask the client first.

one more vote for NO

plus, less work for you =)

Thanks guys I'm getting the jist that it's a "no". That's kind of what I was thinking. I'm all about keeping it natural, and I totally don't mind moles. I just wasn't sure what people would think in today's Barbie-doll magazine world.

Thanks!

Nope, we don't remove permanent features, unless someone specifically asks for it.

you are my dream photographer!

Yeah and I honestly would never EVER even ask...that would be insulting too. But there is nothing wrong with doing a little dodging to lighten a LITTLE

Well, I seem to be in the minority on this... unless all my supporters haven't posted yet.

To clarify, Cindy-Crawford-type-moles should certainly stay. I was thinking more about prominent moles on the backs of arms, necks, etc.

So do all the mole-keepers who have posted not use any skin smoothing? Do you show every wrinkle, every pore and dark circles under the eyes? Those are certainly permanent features.

I don't think I'd recognize myself without my moles. I don't think anyone else would either. And I would probably be insulted if someone removed them.

Here's my rule of thumb - if the individual takes pains to try to cover it up themselves with make-up (dark circles, zits, etc.) then I would remove without them asking. Otherwise, I absolutely wouldn't.

Moles stay.

Boogers and zits go.

+1!

Oh yes, moles definitely stay. My friend refused to get copies of her jr. year yearbook photos because they removed a mole in her proofs without asking.

Interesting....my wife has a lot of small moles on her face and in one pic I removed them to show her how she would look. She then proceeded to go to the dermatoligist and had them burned off.

Maybe if you have a good relationship with the bride and she asks, do one shot to show her. If not, then dont remove.

anything that is permanent I would keep. Anything that is temporary, get rid of - like pimples, smugged makeup, scratch, etc. Anything about aging - like wrinkles keep - but lessen the impact.

I've got some "trademark" moles and I'd certainly notice if they were gone. However, those smaller, less prominent, freckle-ish sized ones? Bye bye.

-Leon

That's a really good rule of thumb! I totally agree.

Ditto. And for me, I only do 5 second zit removal for the closeup portraits, just a handful of images. If they want anything else, then retouching fees kick in.

+1 The quicker the better! For enlargements and canvas prints (pretty rare) we'll do some extra lovin'.

I leave moles for sure.. I lighten under eye circles when they're distracting but I don't take them completely out because it looks artificial a lot of the time, it loses depth in the photo, I take out zits of course..

I had a senior recently that specifically asked me to keep all of her freckles. The contract studio who did the yearbook pictures took them all out. She was somewhat annoyed (as was her mom). I did run some skin smoothing, which made the freckles a little lighter, but still noticeable.

I'll usually ask about scars. I've never had anyone say they wanted them removed, as they're now a part of them, but if it's a recent one, they may.

I just had a bride book me who was especially concerned because she has fair skin, freckles and red hair. The photographer who did their last family photos removed all her freckles. She was so offended.