I look over every picture of myself with a very critical eye. It always seems to me, the person looking back at me in any picture, doesn't seem to match the person I see in the mirror, so all too often, any picture of me gets deleted.
I have become quite skilled at avoiding being photographed.
Lately, I've come to realize, the images I am deleting are images, one day Grace might want to look back on.
In an attempt to embrace who I am and encourage others to do the same thing, I am issuing a challenge. Join me in stepping in front of the camera. Join me in trying to see who you are in an artistic way. Join me in saying: This is ME.
The rules are simple, you or a part of you must be in the photo, and you must have clicked that shutter yourself--with a timer, a cable release, wireless remote, however you do it as long as you do it yourself!
Each month there will be a theme to help inspire you. The theme is optional, though, all self portraits are welcome.
The theme this month is 'Simple Moments'. My simple moment, reading with Grace.
The last Friday of every month, there will be a link party you can join. Linked entries must be to a blog post or flickr image {so non-bloggers can join as well} of your recent self-portraits. Your photo does not have to relate to the optional monthly theme, but it does need to be a self-portrait.
A self portrait is a picture that is 1. taken by you and 2. has part of you in the picture, it can be your face, your hands, your toe, as long as you are in the picture in some form it counts as a self portrait.
So, get in front of the camera, get inspired and see yourself in a new light.
What a beautiful idea, Amy! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. I think our children definitely see us more beautiful than we see ourselves. :)
ReplyDeleteAmy you are beautiful, and Grace will want these pictures. I completely understand, I don't have a photo of myself other than when the last two kids were born because I think I'm looking old and fat with the weight I haven't lost having them two. But one day they will want them because they don't see that they see their Mum who has flabby arms they see arms who comforted them, they don't see my grey hairs just a place they bury their little heads when they're tired or shy. I'm going to do this and this is so far from my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful idea! I plan to participate in the link party. And how cute is that photo you shared!!! I love that you and Grace have matching hair-dos :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea Amy! And I cannot imagine you not liking your pics! Seriously - you are beautiful! And thin! I always think I look so fat - so I avoid being in front of the camera.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind being in front of a camera...but I am critical too about myself!...I think we might ALL are
ReplyDeleteaw this is such an awesome idea to help ease yourself out of your discomfort! and you're totally right- you might not like these pictures right now, but i'm sure your daughter would love them. and i think it's adorable how the two of you have the same hair style in your first picture :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you're talking about. I often keep pictures of myself (that I don't like) in case anything ever happens to me. I hate to think of my girls not having any pictures of me after I'm gone. I may not love the way I look but they love me just the way I am (which makes me pretty lucky ;) I start my photography class this week. I've never done a self-portrait, used the timer, or any of that stuff but maybe I'll learn!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this challenge, Amy. And you are absolutely right to do this for Grace. When we were putting together photos for my mom's funeral, there were precious few photos of her because she was always the one behind the camera. This is an awesome project to start!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Now I need to create a flicker account so I can join in! Others have already said it, your matching hair styles are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI really hope you do create a flicker account and join in. I am feeling really inspired and excited about this challenge. I just want to try and capture moments that sum up who I am. I can't wait to see your pictures!
DeleteThis idea scares the crap out of me! Seriously. I'm shaking in my boots. And now I have to figure out my camera's timer ...
ReplyDelete:) Linda
Amy you are beautiful..period..I see your beauty inside and out...(btw, i like that matching hairstyle with grace on that photo above, cute :) makes me want to do it with my daughter but she don't have long hair yet...:(
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Grace will want to see those pictures of you..so keep it :)
will try to join this challenge, huggies***
rea
I'm totally in. I'm the least photogenic person on the planet. In order to get a good picture of myself, I'll need to hire a photographer with one of those lenses made by NASA.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! I, too, hate having my photo taken. I hope my kids will get the photos of us--they are not on a computer somewhere--they are in albums. (I know. I'm old-fashioned and my kids are adults.)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right that Grace will cherish photos of you. You're brave (and a good mama) for taking on this challenge!
ReplyDeleteLove the hair do! And it's a wonderful idea! Grace is so lucky to have a wonderful mother like you!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! I'm also a self portrait deleter. I have to look over every picture my husband takes.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was the only one who doesn't think the person in a picture of me matches who I see in the mirror! It's like my imperfections are the only thing that stick out to me in a pic. This is a fun idea!
ReplyDeleteAwwwww! I love that pic of you and the little lady!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I want to know how you always manage to get your hair looking so cute? I see all these little updo's and braids and I'm thinking...."I can barely pull of a pony tail!" Secondly, LOVE this idea! I bet I'm not in pictures from the last 2-4 years and that's a little sad. I'm going to make an effort.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Totally know what you mean about being critical of yourself in photos - I think there are less than 10 pictures of me (in my whole life) that I don't hate.
ReplyDeleteThe only way I can prove I was places is by taking pictures of the kids with my hubby. Maybe I should let my son try taking more pictures so I can get some of me ;o)
Oh Amy...I couldn't have read this at a better time! I just received a pair of glasses to review (which...I accepted because I needed a new pair real bad), but the catch is I have to be in a picture wearing them AND post it. (Not to mention the style is not me!) What did I get myself into? I really self-criticize pictures of myself, exactly just as you described. But it's silly, isn't it? We are exactly what our cameras see! And I couldn't agree more with Mom's needing to be in pictures for our children - you and Grace are just beautiful.Thanks, always, for the inspiration. You are no coincidence Amy :)
ReplyDeleteYay. I get to see a picture of you my lovely friend!!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea dear Amy! I love the pic of you and Grace. will do some over shadow jumping and join you :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of being in front of the camera either and the husband hates it! And my guess is if I took on this challenge...I would be doing some serious cropping! Can't wait to see...
ReplyDeleteI could start with a toe, move to a finger, a close up of my one chin hair that keeps growing back, my recently dyed hair, and an ear lobe, because my ear lobes are cute.
ReplyDeleteBliss
I gosh I feel the same way about taking pictures of myself. I tend to delete too. ;) I've never liked taking pictures as far as I can remember. I always think, gosh is that what I look like..lol... delete! The linky party is an adorable idea but I don't know if I'll have the courage to participate..lol. :P
ReplyDeleteI was a nervous wreck to post a picture of myself on my blog, but I was glad when I did. Same thing..I hate pictures of myself and I look at them all with a critical eye. You look beautiful to me girl! I would have no idea how to work the timer on Sams camera!!!
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