Why aren't you in front of my camera right now?
A lot of people don't like the way they look in photos; they don't want to be seen, and they certainly don't want a record of how they look. They think, 'When I lose a few pounds...if only I didn't have these wrinkles...I hate my hair right now...I'm embarassed by my teeth...' I bet there's something about your appearance that you don't like...I know I have a few!
A true portrait captures more than just a physical record of your appearance, and it may look entirely different from the image you have in your mind! Much like the painters and sculptors of the Renaissance, a true portrait artist takes the time to get to know you. The old masters were forced into making that time because of the limitations of their medium. Today's photographers will make the time because they are telling your story, and in order to do that they need to hear it first. If your photographer isn't listening to you...find another one.
The portrait accompanying this essay was made as part of a family session...wife...husband...and grandson. I wanted to tell her story, and you can see it in her face: dignity, wisdom, love, and undiminished beauty. A portrait is the interaction of subject, photographer, camera, and light. It has always been and will always be a medium for storytelling.
Whatever perceived flaws are keeping you away from a photo session, reconsider. You have a beautiful and unique story to tell and a picture...as they say...is worth a thousand words.