I Don't Take Pictures of Ugly People

Great story out of the U.K.....

Photographer refuses to take 

the pictures of high school Facebook bullies, telling them 'You're too ugly... on the inside' 

By HANNAH ROBERTS

Last updated at 3:09 PM on 20th August 2011

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 A photographer has refused to take pictures of a group of high school girls who were bullying other teens on Facebook.

Pennsylvania photographer Jennifer McKendrick was scheduled to shoot the school girls for their senior photo.

But when she came across a Facebook page with cruel comments from four high school girls whose names matched her scheduled clients she saw red. 

Photographer Jennifer McKendrick says she won't photograph 'ugly people'

McKendrick emailed the girls and their parents to cancel their portraits, including screen-shots of their comments to explain why she was calling off the session.

 

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McKendrick wrote more about her decision on her personal blog, in a post titled 'I Won't Photograph Ugly People.'

She wrote: 'I mean how could I spend two hours with someone during our session trying to make beautiful photos of them knowing they could do such UGLY things.'

'Realistically, I know by cancelling their shoots it's not going to make them 'nicer people' but I refuse to let people like that represent my business.'

The comments were 'vicious' the photographer told WTAE-TV.

Facebook: Online bullying is a growing concern to parents

She added: 'It was beyond 'your clothes are ugly' or 'you don't have any brand clothes' or 'you are ugly, your hair is not right.' 

'It was vicious. It was talking about sexuality.'

'If you are ugly on the inside, I'm sorry but I won't take your photos to make you look pretty on the outside … I simply don't want to photograph ugly people.'

Her Facebook page has since been flooded with hundreds of comments from people supporting her decision. 

According to her blog there has been no backlash to McKendrick's decision so far, but she's prepared if she does. 

The photographer said that two of the girl's parents responded to her with apologies, noting that they were surprised by their daughters' actions.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2028164/Facebook-bullies-Photographer-Jennifer-McKendrick-refuses-picture.html#ixzz1VaUcQwfq

To Save a Life - Movie Review

This is a powerful movie that deals with bullying, teen suicide, and teen pregnancy as well as hypocrisy in the Church and yes, even youth groups. These topics seem to be at the forefront of the lives of teens these days.

 It is surprisingly realistic. The writer obviously had great insights into both the high school world and the church world.

I highly recommend that teens, parents of teens and anyone works with or mentors teens  see this movie! I showed it to a group of 14 youth and young adults ( Christian and non) and while, at first, some of them were quite skeptical , there were was soon intense attention paid to what was happening.. tears, laughter and an amazing message were all experienced.. After the movie everyone agreed that it was very well done and had a very powerful message that is so relevant for today’s youth.

You can check out a trailer and more at this link:   http://tosavealifemovie.com/ 

Some things you should know about this movie:

This is a Christian production, but unlike some others in the past, it is very well done.With great filming, great acting, storyline and character development – this movie is not at all cheesy or corny – seriously! No, SERIOUSLY!

Although a Christian production, it is not too preachy. I think the values and message of this movie would be enjoyed by and would benefit  all people, religious or otherwise.

Although the movie is ripe with Christianity, I don’t think someone would fully understand how to be redeemed ( spiritually speaking) just from watching this movie. A great answer to this is to give a short, clear Gospel message at the end.

In an attempt to be somewhat authentic, there are a few minor swear words in the movie as well as a scene suggesting that sex is about to take place. This is all done in the context of the character learning what is godly and what is not.

I have been able to find this movie at Blockbuster for rental or purchase as well as Amazon and other online sites.

Just a note on some other very well done faith-based movies:

Fireproof – a very realistic story of the somewhat overwhelming challenges faced in marriage.

Soul Surfer – the true story of Bethany Hamilton , now a pro surfer, who lost her arm in a shark attack and has inspired many many youth and others.