Picture Perfect!

I read an article this week about a mother bringing toys, suncream, drinks her and daughter with matching swimsuit to the pool at a resort. The daughter made pose after pose, either rehearsed, or completely used to this being part of the day. I’m part of an Orlando Facebook group, people often ask for help editing a picture, usually asking to take strangers out of the picture to ensure the picture portrays the perfect experience. Lots of space in the park with plenty of photo opportunities. If anyone has been to Disney, you’ll know that’s not the reality. Queues everywhere, people pushing by, everyone trying for the perfect picture. Things aren’t always as they seem…… I was also talking to a brilliant hairdresser recently who said she didn’t want to put her work on social media because she didn’t believe in filtering her work, but that’s the norm. I couldn’t believe it, I never thought of using filters on hair colours, conditions or styles?!

The thing about filters and editing is that yeah, it makes your life through social media look extraordinary, but this is quickly becoming the new ordinary. What do we do when people see you in real life, without a filter, with people walking on the same path as you, and your child, playing, grubby, and god forbid not smiling the whole time… this is fast becoming the new extraordinary and people appreciate realness more and more.

I had the pleasure of getting to play with my dog in the park today whilst a photographer friend took photos. Hamish (our dog) had the best time and Lesley from Smile, Laugh, Play Photography got amazing natural shots! My favourite being Hamish running towards us, ears flapping, ball in his mouth and teeth covered in grass. That’s him at his best, hilariously loving life. Real life, and it was captured perfectly!

It’s exactly the same with decorating, you could pick the prettiest colours, the most beautiful materials, but life happens. Little fingers touch anything that’s attractive (or not) tails wag and claws snag, and what do you do? Make sure everyone knows not to touch anything in your surroundings? Don’t lean against a wall and absolutely do not relax!! No, don’t be that guy! Buy family friendly paint. Scrubbable is a life saver in our house. When we decorate the first thing I ask is can we get that colour in scrubbable? How thick is the paper, will it withstand being rubbed against? It will save the heartache of watching marks appear and the cost of another redecoration.

At Ardent Decorating we have the knowledge to advise you on what’s best for each room of your property dependent on its use. You take care of the aesthetics and we can take care of the quality. With our help you won’t need a filter or editing app!

Get in contact with us and we can help you become ‘insta worthy’ without a filter.

Info@ardentdecorating.com

This week I also have to recommend Lesley Lee from Smile Laugh Play Photography. Give her site a look if you want to capture the extraordinary in your naturally perfect world!

Hello@smilelaughplay.co.uk

The painters wife xxx