I've concluded, it's because it's a tradition, and when it comes to keeping traditions alive, I'm a complete smuck. I also realize that, even though this is a fairly useless tradition , my {mild}OCD won't allow me to give it up!
So, if you've been following my blog, then you may have noticed what I resolved to change in 2011.
Refer to my sidebar~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
I resolved to cut down on this
...and start doing this
Let me first explain that I highly detest having my picture taken.
I can probably count on my left hand how many photos were taken of me last year {mostly because I was caught off guard}
Like many women {especially new moms}, I have issues with body image! This is why I've always been the person behind the lens, instead of allowing myself to be captured in the moment.
I have decided this coming year I will embrace who I am at this point in time, and start becoming apart of the MEMORIES that myself and my family create and capture on film.
Let me introduce myself. Hello friends, My name is Crystal and this is the face behind the scenes of
Three Jewels In My Crown
Three Jewels In My Crown
I'm quite certain this will be a cathartic experience for me and I'm hopeful it will create a closer connection for all of you.
I'd love to hear what challenges you have decided to conquer this coming year! I'd also love to hear what you think of my resolution for 2011. Can anyone relate to my fear of being in the spotlight of photos?
Until next time friends! I'll probably spend the next several days desperately trying not to be critical of the above photos and I'm OK with that! It's all about baby steps. Am I not right?
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11 comments:
I can completely relate Crystal! I spent so long avoiding the camera that when I sat down to scrapbook my oldest daughters baby pictures there were few and far between that featured us together because I deleted or destroyed photos that had me in it. We are our own harshest critics and I know how much it will mean to your kids to have photos with you as well to look back on, another thing I don't have is photos with my own mother for the very same reason. We are trying to catch up now but those earlier years are lost.
You look gorgeous and you have an infectious smile! I also love your necklace! :)
I'm so glad to hear I'm not alone in this challenge. I am doing this mostly for my family but also for myself. I'm even gonna keep all the grungy hair, no makeup shots! My kids love me for who I am, not because my eyebrows are nicely groomed. If anything ever happened to me {god willing nothing will} but if so, what would my kids have to remember me by! Thank you for the flattering comments. The necklace was a spur of the moment purchase and I'm excited someone else loves it besides myself considering I wasn't entirely sold on it at first! Have a great day!
I actually don't mind having my picture taken. It's when I have to look at them that I don't like. Because like you, I have body image issues (as a woman but not a mom). I'm also never in front of the lens either, mostly because it's my camera and I like taking pictures and there isn't always someone around to grab my camera.
You look beautiful! A lot better than me!
I have a few New Year's resolutions, but have a feeling they won't last long (they never do).
Wow Crystal- what great photos.
I totally understand the whole "behind the camera" thing- I think most women (and moms especially) can relate. We want to capture every moment of our children's lives-- but of course we are never in the photos.
I do have quite a few photos of myself- however, I will admit that because of an 8MB memory card in my Rebel, its pretty easy to delete quite a few that you don't like.
I'm sure if I took the time to edit them a bit I might be happier, but oh well. I guess if we are capturing "life's real moments" then we should have photos with no makeup and sweats!
For 2011 I hope to try to spend a bit more time on myself and delegate more responsibility to my husband (who is always offering, and I rarely take him up on it).
Can't wait to see more pics!
LOL! Me too! That is a great New Year's resolution. I've been able to get in front of the camera more (not that I like the way I look when I do it) because my kids are now old enough to take a decent picture. Most photos still end up with me having a crazed look in my eye when they're touching and holding my slr, though. lol
Too true! Having a pretty fresh post-partum figure, I'm sympathetic to the not wanting to look frumpy thing (and not wanting it documented forever in a photo)! I have an 8 week old, and though somehow a lot of weight has come off (?), the shape is certainly an issue. I took myself shopping the other day and tried on multiple pairs of jeans. After placing my picture in the dictionary under MUFFIN TOP I finally found a pair of jeans to hold the baby pouch in place! Scary thing was that the jeans are skinny jeans...so I can win on one side (my belly), but have to worry about another aspect (my terrible legs). Ah, we're our own worst critics!
You have worked hard to look this good, enjoy it!
oh I so relate to this! I actually got quite a talking to at work for admitting I don't really have a family photo that I am in because they simply don't understand that as a photographer you usually aren't_in_the_pictures..( and because I'm simply not photogenic >_<) I offered them one of my family with a Bigfoot statue that I had taken as a fill in but they weren't very impressed LOL. Best of luck keeping up with your challenge :)
I can relate, Crystal. I have gorgeous pictures of my kids and my husband and my husband with my kids but hardly any with me in it. I look back at big events (birthdays, Christmas, Easter, etc) and if there are one or two pics of me it is a miracle. I told my husband one day that my children will wander if I was really at any of these events.
I think all women go through body issues--no matter who they are. It is tough to get to a place where you are comfortable with yourself, I know I'm not there yet.
Great post!
April@Party of Five
http://www.westerhold.blogspot.com
I think it is a great resolution and your kids will greatly appreciate it (esp when they are grown & have kids).
I don't really have a New Years Resolution. I do the 'mini-tweaks & adjustments as needed through the year' thing.
lately has been reading my new Bible from start to finish (it is a Chronological Bible, so a lot is 'out of order')
and this month will be good blogging/recording of our schooling.
(visiting from FTLOB Comment Love Hop)
(visiting from FTLOB Comment Love Hop)
Hi From For the Love of Blogs. Your blog design is gorgeous and so are you so don't be afraid to have your picture taken!
Trish
enjoythislifeofours.blogspot.com
First of all...I can totally relate! Last year I did the same thing and bugged my hubby to take more pictures with me in them. I don't like to look at myself either, but in the end...I am sooooooo happy that I did!
I actually existed and can document the fun I had with my children. There is a difference in how the kiddos view me too, I think
Following you back and glad I am!
And...you do look absolutely stunning!!!
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