One thing I’ve learned as somebody who has tried to maintain honesty and integrity with a blog:
Whenever I’m afraid to share something because I’m ashamed is exactly the time to do it.
I’m mostly afraid to share hard truth. This was how I lived up until a few years ago – I was always a very nice, outgoing person, but one that was terrified for you to see my imperfection. Because I thought it meant I was defective. And even though we’re all somewhat defective, as is the human condition, I thought I could be doing just a little better if I really tried.
- I could make more money
- Be more fit and muscular
- Better satisfy my girlfriend/wife (yes, that way, and every other way)
- Take care of my home and pets better
- Get a better, more satisfying job
And since I lived in the world of “you could do better if you really tried” I was always ashamed of my present situation. Which means I couldn’t handle it, and I was too scared that you couldn’t either. That you would run if you knew just how little I truly accomplished.
This, not surprisingly, is probably where I developed my ability to entertain through humor. I found that if you’re truly funny, which is somewhat rare, people will accept you. Also, they will be kept at a distance, but it’s a safe distance.
Okay, enough psychobabble. Truth – I don’t want to share these photos as I’m at my fattest. While not evident on these pictures, the face is fatter that I’d like it to be.
So, despite this insane fear as I-know-you-don’t-really-give-a-shit, here are some headshots taken from my good friend Liz Markel at Tipping Point Photography.
Oh, and by the way, these are headshots for my literary debut as contributing editor for Urban Gentleman Magazine. I wrote three stories, and even avoided using choice expletives.
Karibdavis13 says:
What? Those aren’t even bad. They’re actually good. But good for you, because if you think they are bad, the hardest part is sharing them. I’ll only post embarrassing pictures of myself when I was in junior high when I was going through the roughest looking part of my life. Like the bad perm, braces, chubby, wearing a t-shirt tucked into my jorts with a camel toe part of my life.
D.J. Paris says:
@Karibdavis13 You had me until camel toe, at which point I vomited onto my shoe.
cinemasugar says:
So which one(s) are you using? Not that you asked, but I like the ones that are straight-on better than the ones where you’re kind of at an angle. I like # 18, 21, etc. You know. Because the opinion of a stranger on the internet really matters.
D.J. Paris says:
@cinemasugar I forget honestly. This way it will be a surprise when I ope the magazine. I hope it’s the one where I’m hanging my balls out.
Sonja Rois says:
I don’t think those are bad at all. You are a very hansome man. But if they are embarrasing to you, then cudos for sharing. It takes a lot of guts to feel one way and push past it anyway. Good job!!!
D.J. Paris says:
@Sonja Rois Thanks Sonja! I am handsome – for a blogger. Ha.
Sunburnt says:
I think you look great! Also, as a reader, I’ve always thought you were quite accomplished. What with being able to play music, which is a passion and share such amazing talent on your blog. You pay the bills…. Even if it’s a struggle sometimes. And you’re a generous and good hearted person. Everybody wants to be better. That’s sort of what makes you great.
D.J. Paris says:
@Sunburnt I’ve really fooled you. I push elderly people in wheelchairs into traffic. It’s fun.
Gwennie says:
I sort of dig #24, but maybe that is just how I think of u – laughing a lot and happy. And Jesus, you’re as bad as a damn woman when it comes to appearance! Shit! Honey, you are NOT FAT. lol But if you want me to call u “Fatty,” I will. 🙂 Nice head shots, BTW. Which is your fave? Will you be Photoshopping the hell outta it?! (Fucking LEAVE IT!!!! They look greaaaat!!!!)
D.J. Paris says:
@Gwennie Gwens, leave it up to you to think I’m perfect. I sort of am.
marybogie83 says:
#36. hands down. you’re welcome.
D.J. Paris says:
@marybogie83 Thanks, MB!
Liz says:
Thanks for the shout-out! :o) I’m enjoying hearing what everyone else’s faves are. You look very “you” in all of them, and that’s a good thing! Looking forward to seeing the shot in the magazine.
D.J. Paris says:
Yeah – thank you, Lizzle!
AlwaysARedhead says:
They look just fine, except for the haircut. I’ve never understood the point?
Heathermac says:
I’m with you, man. These pics really suck and you look like a fat ass in them! Burn them all, ok?……haha..my humor, little mean at times, only because you look kinda yummy in them. Nothing wrong at all.
tracy1000 says:
The photography is fine but you’re right. Headshots suck, even for “beautiful” people. Thankfully yours aren’t cringe-worthy.
Misty Evans says:
I’m digging the headshots. I hate having my photo taken. It usually requires at least a few glasses of wine to get through a shoot and by then most of the photos are just of my feet in the air after I’ve fallen on my face. So, for me, it’s amazing you could even take the photos in the first place. Winning!