This year I made a decision to accept myself as I am- and to try new things. Today, I took a big step forward by having a professional photography shoot. You see, I have always hated pictures taken of myself since I was a teenager, so I ended up being the one capturing images of everyone else. I realize that I am not alone if feeling this way, many women do.
So it was time to expand my comfort zone. I started by scheduling a photo shoot with Lauren Jaye from Vida Mia Photography in Folsom, CA.
Lauren’s portfolio is just incredible! I found out about her from my daughter-in-law, Aimee, who hired Lauren to photograph my grandkids, Jack and Kate.
I was nervous until Lauren came over to my house to look at my work, get to know me, and also plan the session. Within a few minutes, it felt like we had been friends forever and knew I could trust her completely. Lauren had a vision for the shoot, so I put myself totally in her hands. She could choose wardrobe, make up, hair, accessories, etc. and I would “go with the flow” (Note to my friends from other countries- this term is American slang for accepting things as they come.)
I cleaned my studio (well mostly), pulled together a rack of clothes options, organized my make-up, and hung some quilts between the oak trees per Lauren’s direction. She showed up at 5:00 pm to do my make-up and hair, and then picked my first outfit, a lovely light silver tank with subtle pleats in front with a colorful turquoise jacket, black skinny jeans and black boots. My main accessory was this jewelry piece I had completed during my college Metal Art class.
Following Lauren’s direction, I posed, turned my head and body this way and that, but really- I mostly just laughed and had a great time! The inside portion of the shoot went by very quickly, then it was time for a fashion change.
This time, I wore a lovely new tank that had patterns of black and white, with a purple shirt jacket, with some fun, funky jewelry to match. I again wore my favorite skinny black jeans from Chicos and black boot with heels.
The outdoor session was my favorite! Lauren showed me some images from her camera and I was blown away at how wonderful the pictures were coming out! She is a master!
Once again, I laughed and had a great time! I had some fun ideas about posing with some quilts, and Lauren took my suggestion, ran with it and made it better!
By the end of the photo shoot, my self confidence had soared! I felt pretty, and fabulous about myself and where I am at this stage in my life. I can’t wait to show you some of the pictures when they are ready. I highly recommend Lauren to all my quilt and artist friends. She is a master at what she does.
Now that I stretched myself by having this photo shoot, taking the risk of seeing myself as others see me, I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner? Why did I let this hang-up keep me from capturing wonderful images of myself throughout my life? So, I want to issue this challenge to you- try something that you are afraid of, or you are sensitive about. It could be wearing sleeveless shirts if you are sensitive about your arms. Wearing shorts if you don’t like your legs. Scheduling a photo shoot. You get the idea.
It would be great to hear your thoughts about this topic. How do you feel about having your picture taken? Have you overcome a lifelong hang up- no matter what it is? Please leave me a comment, I want to hear from YOU! Hugs, Carla
Carla Barrett 
I’m always behind the camera, capturing pics of people around me. I have had the same thoughts like you, and I am letting people taking photos of me. I’m glad I did that too:-)
Good for you, Laila! I am proud of you!
Good for you Carla-go for it! Andlet’s just say I appreciate a good photographer and understand that a good photo that captures the essence of a person does not come by simply hoisting a camera in their face! I can’t wait to see your portrait when its ready! My big question, does she photograph quilts also?
Thanks, Jenny! Yes, Lauren photographs quilts and detail shots of quilting. Wait till you see the images!
I’m just like you…never wanted to be in the pictures only if I was forced!! But we didn’t get to see all of you. My poor family will be looking high & low for pictures of me when I’m gone! My other sister’s don’t mind being in the pictures…wish I felt that way!! Brave lady.
Pam, I promise to share photos when I get them back. You can see some of me in the post below about sailing in the South Pacific. LOL I think the trick is to find a wonderful photographer who sees you as the beautiful woman you are- and not how we see ourselves. We can be our own worst critics, no?
I can hardly wait to see your pics! I’m like you – I hate to be photographed. Looking back over childhood photos, my mom always seemed to get me on a side view (think – long nose, mouth open talking or eating). Seriously, i have cut myself out of photos. My hubby says I need to get over it – that my kids need some pictures of me. I’m getting better at having my pic taken but I still hate it.
I always look weird in photos, my kids maintain that I must make a series of strange expressions all day long, but they pass so quickly that it looks quite normal, just when you capture a single moment in a camera, it looks weird.
Well, at least I look relatively normal, most of the time, and I generally look happy, which must count for a lot.
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