As a wedding photographer, I have seen and heard nearly every comment from people who don't like having their photos taken.  "I'll break the camera", "I hate photos of myself", "Ug, please don't take my picture",or just the photos of people who hide as soon as a camera is out.  In fact, I was one of them for about 2 years.  There is a 2 year time frame where I really don't exist.  I didn't like how I looked, I made weird faces in photos, whatever the reason, i just felt uncomfortable.  Having professional photos of you looking your best is great, and I encourage everyone to have one.  But the reality is, most of our photos are taken with phones and by non-professional photographers.

Here is the thing.  Photos of you are not for you.  They are for the people that love you.  We will all die at some point and tomorrow is never guaranteed. Be there, be present.  A dear friend of mine has 4 photos of her father.  4.  Can you imagine what you would give to have photos of your loved ones, regardless of how they looked or weird face they made?  You would cherish those photos because you cherished that person.  You don't see flabby arms, or a gut, or a crooked smile.  What you see is the person you cherished.  You see the comforting smile and the way that person made you feel.  You see their personality, not their flabby arms.

Also, to you parents of young children out there.  When you avoid the camera because of your insecurities, you are teaching your children to do the same.  If you embrace life as you are right now, your children will do the same. Think about it.  

I could go on and on with personal stories of my own and of friends that have had to say goodbye to loved ones, and they would always cherish one more photo.    Again, be there.  Be present.  These photos are not for you.

With all of this said, here are some photos of me.  I don't like the way I look in any of them, but I was there. I was present and these photos, as sill/awful  as they are, they could mean the world to my loved ones.  I am a work in progress as well.  I need to remind myself to get infront of the camera sometimes.  I do exist, even when its not flattering.  

Ug.  Here we go......