Are you in the pictures?
Posted by craftyperson on June 24, 2009
Mom and I in 1987
This great article posted on the Pioneer Woman made me think of my own shyness to be in the picture. But not anymore.
What changed for me was about 10 years ago. My Grandmother and I took a train trip across Canada. It was a FABULOUS trip and I have some really fond memories because every night we would journal our adventures through video recordings. Did I look wonderful in the video? No, far from it. But that’s me. I don’t wear makeup when I travel or fuss over my clothing and that was caputured on video. And you know what?….I’m proud of it! I much rather BE in the experience and capture the moment just as they are.
This is a picture of my Mom and I at my favorite place – Disneyland. This picture was taken about a year before she died. I love this picture of us for so many reasons. I wouldn’t say it is the best picture of either of us. However, I forgot about our fondness for big sunglasses at the time and we both loved wearing pink. You forget those things unless you can see the picture.
But because I wasn’t shy I now have the video that I can watch over and over again and experience the fun again and again. Taking pictures of yourself and others captures life. What’s more important than that?
Marita said
I can so attest to this! Having just lost my mother, I can tell you those left behind find much joy in the loving memories those cherished photos provide. My mother was 92 when she passed away and I was amazed at how many wonderful photos we had of her…. Me always with camera in hand, but in the last few years I made a point to take photos of her with everyone (and me, too!) and I think everyone now cherishes those photos more than ever.
And the funeral home prepared a video using many of them and it was SO comforting and enjoyable. And it brought life to what would have been a much sadder time without them. And you know those photos of my mom at 65 and 70… WOW, she was a beauty and looked so young! We are all much to critical of ourselves! I wholeheartedly agree… we need to GET IN THE PICTURE and not be so selfish thinking only of our own vanity… Do it for the ones you love if for no other reason. We are what we are and there’s NOTHING wrong with what we are and how we look! I don’t pick my friends or family on looks nor does that have anything to do with why I care so much for them!
And oh, heaven forbid… worst case scenario, should you lose a child…. I know I want an image of ME with THEM to click to beyond what is in my head. Those memories tend to grow fuzzy with time… because you can see them, but not the image with them. I can’t impress upon you enough… those photos are SO PRECIOUS!!!!! About the best thing you can leave your kids in my book!
I so wish I had them with my dad. He passed away when I was just 25. I have photos of him I took, again, me ALWAYS with camera in hand, but not ME with HIM and that is what is so special. Because at that time, I didn’t get IN the picture, I was always just busy capturing the moment! It’s also important to set the stage and create the moment and capture it in time!