When I hit the 40-pound weight-loss mark, I was so excited to share my before and after pictures! I had people take my picture in all different settings so I could select the perfect “after” photo. But, when I went to find a great “before” photo, it was a major struggle. I hadn’t realized why you should let people take your picture.
There were tons of pictures of me months before I’d hit that “heaviest weight ever” point, and a few of just my face at that “chin up” angle we’ve all done at some point or another. But, for probably a year, there were very few photos of me anywhere to find.
As my weight had creeped up, I’d become more and more self-conscious and would avoid having my picture taken at all costs. Once I realized what I’d been doing, I vowed not to let that habit back into my life, even if the weight did come back some day.
When it comes to having pictures taken, the memories are what truly matter.
What Do You Care About from Behind the Camera?
Personally, when I get the camera out, it’s because I see something so beautiful, funny, or absolutely perfect it’s a moment I want to capture and remember forever.
If I’m taking a photo, it’s because I want to capture this exact moment. It’s not because the moment would be better if someone would fix their hair or suck in their belly.
So, why do worry about these things when we notice someone else with their camera aimed toward us?
What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Favorite Photo?
I don’t know about you, but some of my favorite pictures are candids. I notice things like the way two people are looking at each other, or laughing so hard, but you can’t remember why. And anytime I come across a picture of a loved one who’s passed, I treasure it. This is why you should let people take your picture.
It’s not about looking thin and “perfect” all the time. It’s about the memories.
How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
Five years ago, I was that girl who hid every time the camera came out, or offered to just take the photo so I wouldn’t have to be in it. The thing is, I was so wrapped up in my own insecurities, I couldn’t see what was truly important.
What if something had happened to me, and I left my family with no recent photos? Personally, I want my friends and family to have photos to look back on and remind them of the good times we spent together. Sure, it’s nice to look great in pictures, but I have multiple chins in a great shot of a moment I’m laughing hard with my family and enjoying the moment, that’s nice too.
So, Just Get Over Yourself – Why You Should Let People Take Your Picture
Get over yourself, live in the moment, and let your family take your picture once in a while! When it comes down to it, those pictures will be treasured memories one day and your loved ones will be glad you’re in them.
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That is powerful, Amanda!! Our Mother HATED having her picture taken. With six children and a husband who was often gone working 9-12 hours a day, not a lot of money, and Very few opportunities and family culture of taking pictures.
All of her children KNOW, without a doubt that she was an amazing woman and one of the very most truly loving person to all. How was it is that we have so few pictures of her. Literally maybe five to ten of her and Dad together.
THANK YOU for reminding is What is really important !