When applying for some form of identification — an obligation to carry in Colombia — you have to hand in a number of passport photos at the immigration desk of the DAS, Colombia’s immigration and intelligence service in one.
Normally, passport, student cards and drivers license photos aren’t exactly the most flattering of you have of yourself. Generally because you’re portrayed in such a blatant up front way that there’s no hiding your crooked nose, spotty skin or bad hair day.
In Colombia this isn’t a problem though. Most photo stores will be glad to offer you a nice little facelift and will even put you in a tuxedo. Obviously they’re not giving the real deal. They just play around with the basic elements of Photoshop, retouching your spots, putting a nice colour on your cheeks and even make you look like you’re walking aroundin tuxedos every day.
The vanity of the Colombian goes to the extent that they prefer their identification not to resemble their actual looks, but more be a glamorous version of themselves or who they want to be.
Hilarious to those were born photo genetic, a cheap alternative to cosmetic surgery to those whose cheeks go red whenever they are asked to identify themselves.
The new and improved you — as long as the upgrade doesn’t involve a change in skin color, the complete removal of ears or the addition of a clowns nose — is generally accepted by those working at the DAS desk, because they also understand no one is born as beautiful as the Colombians.