I know I drive my family crazy sometimes with taking photos when we’re all together. It’s what I do. I love photos. I love capturing all the times we’re together and also those fun “no one knows you’re snapping” candid shots! In recent years I’ve been very aware that I too need to be in some of the photos. I’m a digital scrapbooker and memory keeper. And, of course, I love the creative process of putting all my photos together and creating photo art and scrapbook albums.
After my parents died, I realised so starkly how important it was to have photos of them. For a long time I couldn’t look at a photo of them without getting really upset, obviously. But now I love seeing them. More recently I was talking to my eldest son, Daniel, who was telling me how horribly sad it was when his best friend died and they struggled to find any photos of him. Taking a photo is just a second in time. A quick moment captured. We can all too often be dismissive of that moment.
How many times have you made a fuss about someone taking your photo? I know I have. Ha, I still do every now and then! I used to hate having my photos taken. Not that I’m really thrilled to have them taken now. But I’ve learned to see myself through the eyes of the people that love me and care about me.
So here are four reasons why I think you should get in front of the camera:-
1. It’s Your Story, Your Life
If someone is asking you to get in a photo, it’s because you’re important to them or you’re part of that story which makes it immediately part of your story. Your life. It’s the same when you’re in control of the camera whether it’s a camera phone or the latest digital model. Every now and then you need to get someone else to take the photos so you’re in it. In the past, I’ve been to fairly important family get togethers or events and when I’ve gone through the photos the next day, you’d have no idea I’d been there other than I was behind the camera!
2. People Love You
Yes, they do. You have people in your life that love you and care about you. Be it family, friends or work colleagues. They don’t see you as you see you! You’re just “you” to them. So while we’re all pretty self conscious about having our photo taken (especially us women), we need to accept that it’s good to have our photo taken and be part of someone else’s story too.
3. Legacy
This is probably the most important reason and brings together the first 2 reasons. Let’s be honest, we’re all going to leave this place one day. I know, perhaps, because of my business I work with photos alot, I realise how important they are when someone dies. I’ve created photo collages for funerals including ones of my own parents and my aunt in recent years. That was tough but I have to tell you, when we got them printed and saw their lives before us like that, it was beautiful. We put them on the wall for everyone to see during the Wake. So imagine trying to do that when there are very few photos of that person? It’s horrible.
Don’t let that be you. Your loved ones need those photos when you’re not here any more.
4. It’s Easy
Ok that isn’t really a reason as such. I just want to point out how easy it is to take your own photo. Do a “selfie” – #selfie! Ha! Yep, it feels odd at first but I’ve now done a load of them and, honestly, it’s fun. In this day and age of camera phones, photo apps, social media, it’s never been easier or more acceptable to take photos of yourself. It’s especially great to do them when you’re out and about and there isn’t anyone around to take your photo or you’d rather not ask. Just do it yourself.
So there you have it. Next time you’re in a situation where you really don’t want your photo taken or your totally engrossed taking photos at an event, try and stop for a second and think about getting in front of that camera! Your future self and loved ones will thank you for it.