The 2017 Blooper Reel

As always, this is my most well loved post. Every one gets such a thrill out of the goofy shots that don’t make the cut for publishing. So here it is, the 2017 blooper reel fresh off the press! If you ask my partner, he will more than likely tell you that this a closer to accurate picture of what it’s like to be around me. Constant silly faces paired with even sillier voices and accents… mostly southern. There was a reason my parents put me in acting and dancing, I was always on the move and doing something ridiculous. Think of this as a belated holiday gift from The Pretty Secrets to you, my dear reader.

Winter Wonderland Goddess

Oh you thought I put on lipstick like a normal human being? Think again. My mouth must be agape and my phone doubles as a medium effective mirror. Bonus points for wearing a hat too small for my head so that it accentuates any forehead wrinkles when making a surprised expression. Might I entice you with the original Star Girl post by mentioning there is a cute pug cameo?

The Curbside Gawker

How is it possible I was witness to someone wearing something slightly more ridiculous than I? Look at me! Candy striped pants, a tie dye jacket. I look like a Rolling Stones song on acid. But I did, I saw a man wearing a giant foam piece of cheese hat. Get your sugar fix and check out Candy Striped.

Queen of the Gas Station

I don’t believe this is what Lana Del Rey had in mind when she wrote the song Queen of the Gas Station. That’s the fun thing about personal interpretations of art, it can mean whatever you want! It is so fortunate that my necklace is creating a neck wrinkle effect. It’s hard being so attracted 24/7. 😉 If you love the barren landscapes of the desert, check out Disco Gas Station. Slurpees not included.

Baby’s in the Corner

On occasion, a happy accident happens. While my sister tried to photograph the moon coming into view, I conveniently snuck into the corner of the shot. Who doesn’t want a roadkill looking hat adding some drama to a celestial shot? I certainly do. Peep The Saguaro Park. But also actually visit the Saguaro National Park too, if you can. Fact: it is stunning.

Speaking in Sign Language

I have learned many things about myself over the years. One of which is that I love conveying my thoughts with hand gestures. Particular fingers such as the middle or a thumb, see a lot of action over the course of a shoot. I also use them to art direct from whilst in front of the camera, much to the chagrin of many of the photographers. On the left is Frosty Days and on the right, The Velvet Fog.

More Famous than the Rolling Stones Tongue

What would the 2017 blooper reel be without a couple of tongue shots? It would be nothing. The tongue is an enduring staple and symbol of my impatience with myself. The real trick is when I’m goofy enough to make myself laugh authentically and voila, a genuine expression of my joy is captured in an attractive way. It’s the tongue shots that lead to that. Above photo from Alberta’s Biggest & Best Tour. Below from A Leg Up.

Bust A Move

If you’re looking for Elaine Benes style dance poses, you’ve come to the right place. There is an abundance of those here at The Pretty Secrets. Just check out that derp face denim dance above from The Blues are Still Blue. Or perhaps an almost stumble in The What to Wear When You Have Pink Hair post. But most importantly, the pretend surfer from In the Belly of the Snake. Just a couple of options for you to choose from. Variety is the spice of life!

Happy Happy Mad & Madder

99% of the time I am a goofy subject to work with as indicated on the left side from the post Changing Stripes. The extreme opposite of the emotion is frustration. Shooting isn’t always the pleasure I want it to be. There are many variables beyond control. The sun is going down. The camera is acting weird. The outfit doesn’t look as good on camera as in person. Your mom isn’t listening to you. Your eyebrows are crooked and you look like a tired doormat. The usual grievances one finds at their place of business. That’s when the photo on the right hand side happens. Those are the anger eyes of the Joshua Tree Sunset post.

I’ll Shoot Myself

When a photographer is not at my disposal when I’m shooting during normal work hours or when I decide to travel alone, it’s just me and a tripod. The results are often a real treat. The app that controls my camera sometimes likes to get stuck and shoot 30 frames in one go. This is often when my hair drama is captured. Example number 1: The above shot trying to not look like Animal from The Muppets (fail) while getting photobombed by other ferry passengers. This was from my trip to The Sunshine Coast with Ford Canada. Or below on the left when my hair got caught on my umbrella in Hyde Park. Or the angry hair flip in my bedroom for 10 Ways to Make Your Home More Spa Like.

Out of Focus in Motion

Shooting wellness content is when I really shine. First of all, you need to be moving around because it’s about activity. Luckily for me, I don’t have a myriad of facial expressions that convey an expression of pain or goofiness. Nope, not me. That’s not me at all… Oh come on guys! We all know that’s sarcasm. Goof is my resting state. Check out the nice photos that made the cut in 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I started Running.

The Gift that Keeps Giving

All of this selfless gifting has tired this present right out. Look at her. Hanging out naked under a box wearing all the make up known to man just to create a spectacular Christmas card! She needs a big ol drink. But if you’re curious, here’s How to Make A Personalized Holiday Card.

Thanks to all you readers who make any of this possible! The 2017 blooper reel is my way of both thanking you with a piece of entertainment while opening the door a crack to get a taste of reality from this weird job. I’m thinking about making this an-every-six-months segment rather than waiting till the end of the year. What do you think? Bloopers twice a year yes or no?