The Worst Photo of Me Ever Taken

I got married near the end of 2024 and decided to change my name.

Which, if you haven't done that before, is a lot of hoops to jump through in a very specific order. I changed my name on my social security card, and then a few weeks later I went to the BMV to change my name on my driver's license. Which also meant I got to upgrade my photo 👀

I did my research from the hot girls on TikTok about best practices for hair and makeup to maximize the opportunity for a good license pic. And lemme tell you, I'll take all of those opportunities because the camera they use makes your head look so big that you need ‘wide load’ flags in your ears.

I did my makeup (which I hardly ever do) and slept in heatless curls. I did everything in my power to make sure my face card was NOT declining. 💳💥💳💥 And on top of all of that, I practiced my soft smile in the mirror as I was getting ready since you aren't allowed to smile with your teeth in Indiana.

I was ready to take the best pic of my life.

So when I got there and had to 1. sit down for the pic and 2. push my bangs above my eyebrows – I knew that all my primping was in vain. Why are the worst photos of us always, without fail, taken at the BMV? Is it their ancient camera equipment? Is it the bureaucratic setting? Are the vibes just off??? 😵‍💫

I don't know what it is, but I do appreciate that it's a universal experience. And if it isn't and you somehow have a license photo that you actually like, I'm gonna need pics for proof.

On the flip side, it's also a universal experience that you'll feel comfortable in front of my camera and confident in my studio. (See what I did there?) 

The proof is in the pudding – the pudding in this scenario is my 30+ five star Google and Facebook reviews ✨ #humblebrag