So you see that a pastel painting is a better choice than photography if you want the image to last a long time. Of course, having an artist paint your portrait has other advantages: those wisps of hair that always bothered you are now gone; skin blemishes and wrinkles can be kept to a minimum. Even a few pounds can be shed or a bit more hair can be shown, if that is what you wish! Don’t toss a photo because you don’t like the hairdo: I can change it with other reference photos. Same goes for eyeglasses, jewelry and clothing.