The Chosen Becomes Beautiful

By Ali Cross

My favorite aspect of being a photographer is being able to bring out my subjects’ inner beauty. The best example I have is Lily, a mouse of a girl in every respect. She kept her head down, rarely making eye contact with anyone. She wore her brown hair straight and shoulder length where it would fall over her face. And when she did look up, you noticed a plain girl with eyes that were afraid to face the world. 

When her mother approached me to take Lily’s senior portraits, I happily said yes, though I worried about how they would turn out. Lily hadn’t ever said more than one word to me, and I thought having a camera between us would make her even more nervous to talk and interact with me.

The day arrived and to my surprise, Lily had dressed attractively and was agreeable to my suggestions. The more we worked together, the more she opened up, and I discovered that Lily was truly lovely—inside and out. 

To my great joy, the photographs proved what I discovered that day. Lily was beautiful. And what’s more, when she saw her portraits, Lily knew it to.

It only takes one person—a photographer with an eye for what makes you shine, one love-of-your-life who sees in you beauty unequaled, one editor who sees the potential in your manuscript. 

You might have to go through several editors before you connect with the one who praises your story, but it will happen—only believe. You are a writer. For someone, your story will soar in their hearts and find a home. Don’t give up until you have found the editor who sees the beauty in your work.