My mom died when I was 22. I have one photo of us together and maybe 15 photos of her as an adult in total. She was both the photographer and didn't like having her picture taken. It is a loss I didn't realize until I realized how few photos there were of her.
When I am out and I see a mom taking a photo of her kids, I offer to take a picture of ALL of them. I have taken photos of strangers in multiple states and countries. It is so important.
Love this! I also think that another reason I often don't like photos of myself is because I'm not used to seeing myself the way that photos catch me. I know myself so well on the inside and have ideas of myself that aren't really connected to my external image so it often looks weird or unflattering.
Camera geek here, which I think I inherited from my Dad. We had a movie camera before a color TV, and I was gifted my first camera at age 7- a fine little Brownie instamatic. High school brought me a Canon and on from there. I take pics with my phone, somehow it doesn't feel the same but I absolutely get it and especially with kids they are a must. I like to shoot wildlife and nature shots, so they most often can wait a hot minute while kids cannot. As much as I enjoy taking them and most often than not am behind the camera, there are few pictures of me. Suits me okay, because like you, do not like my photo taken, nor the way I look. LOL
I use lightroom a lot on my phone because I feel it takes a better photo, better color and no editing needed. But that's just me. And yes, you'll regret the photos you didn't take.
As far as the donation thing why not keep it in the food realm? I don't know about you but where I live we have ample need for food and financial support. Maybe something that feeds kids over the summer when school isn't in? You decide.
Thanks for this. I thought your photos were lovely and couldn't decide the better looking of the three men and think your other pics are adorable. As my Grandma would say when she looked in the mirror or most often saw a photo of herself,"yup that's me alright!"
I loved this post, Katie! I too am a bit camera-shy. As my condition declined, I tried to hide it. But now I see pictures from that transition period and it doesn't bother me nearly as much and I wish I took more!
I agree. When my mom died, we had NO current pictures of her. Even in group pictures she'd hide in the back (and she was the shortest). It made me so sad after she died. I used to shy away from photos for the same reason, but not anymore. I finally realized that the people who matter to me and to whom I matter will smile at those photos and that is all that truly matters.
Respectfully, you are very attractive in photos. Envious! I have learned, however, it's not what you tell people that matters, it's how they feel about themselves, regarding any discomfort their mind repeats on a loop. This was a wonderful article. It's so true.
I’ve had the thought when going through my camera reel before that it probably looks like I have no friends haha. I’d love to capture more of those moments.
Really loved this essay, Katie -- I'm exactly the same way! My IG has almost no photos of me; I think to myself, "who really wants to see me?" So it's photos of everyone I know and love and care about -- but, maybe people (including me) do want to see it, you know? Love these thoughts.
My phone recently told me how many photos I took of my 3yr old in 2024 (*so* many), then my partner, my dog, my mom (who only visits a few times each year...and then me. No wisdom but wanted to share the solidarity 💕
It’s hard for me to take photos of myself because of body dysmorphia but as I’ve worked on healing that over time, I find it’s become a little easier. I tell myself exactly what you write here, which is that I’ll look back and regret not having them.
Aw I loved the idea of a photo a day and enjoyed the flick through the collection Katie. Plus - what a great NYE idea to do some early celebrating for the kids (Bluey is always a bonus too) - stealing that idea for next year! 🥂
I sometimes wonder if I take too many photos but this piece makes me feel justified in doing it. ❤️ Thank you
I connect with those so much, my mother died when I was in my 20s. She often resisted photos. Thankfully my father was an avid photographer so we have photos of her from when we were little but not many as we got older. I had hoped to not do the same thing but now nearly a decade into motherhood, there are very few pictures of me over the last 10 years. This is a wonderful reminder. Thank you, Katie.
My mom died when I was 22. I have one photo of us together and maybe 15 photos of her as an adult in total. She was both the photographer and didn't like having her picture taken. It is a loss I didn't realize until I realized how few photos there were of her.
When I am out and I see a mom taking a photo of her kids, I offer to take a picture of ALL of them. I have taken photos of strangers in multiple states and countries. It is so important.
That is so incredibly thoughtful and kind of you.
Love this! I also think that another reason I often don't like photos of myself is because I'm not used to seeing myself the way that photos catch me. I know myself so well on the inside and have ideas of myself that aren't really connected to my external image so it often looks weird or unflattering.
100%!
Camera geek here, which I think I inherited from my Dad. We had a movie camera before a color TV, and I was gifted my first camera at age 7- a fine little Brownie instamatic. High school brought me a Canon and on from there. I take pics with my phone, somehow it doesn't feel the same but I absolutely get it and especially with kids they are a must. I like to shoot wildlife and nature shots, so they most often can wait a hot minute while kids cannot. As much as I enjoy taking them and most often than not am behind the camera, there are few pictures of me. Suits me okay, because like you, do not like my photo taken, nor the way I look. LOL
I use lightroom a lot on my phone because I feel it takes a better photo, better color and no editing needed. But that's just me. And yes, you'll regret the photos you didn't take.
As far as the donation thing why not keep it in the food realm? I don't know about you but where I live we have ample need for food and financial support. Maybe something that feeds kids over the summer when school isn't in? You decide.
Thanks for this. I thought your photos were lovely and couldn't decide the better looking of the three men and think your other pics are adorable. As my Grandma would say when she looked in the mirror or most often saw a photo of herself,"yup that's me alright!"
I love all this, Lori!
I loved this post, Katie! I too am a bit camera-shy. As my condition declined, I tried to hide it. But now I see pictures from that transition period and it doesn't bother me nearly as much and I wish I took more!
Hindsight! Gets us every time. Thank you for commenting and reading, Chris!
I agree. When my mom died, we had NO current pictures of her. Even in group pictures she'd hide in the back (and she was the shortest). It made me so sad after she died. I used to shy away from photos for the same reason, but not anymore. I finally realized that the people who matter to me and to whom I matter will smile at those photos and that is all that truly matters.
I'm so glad you had this important realization. xo
Respectfully, you are very attractive in photos. Envious! I have learned, however, it's not what you tell people that matters, it's how they feel about themselves, regarding any discomfort their mind repeats on a loop. This was a wonderful article. It's so true.
Thank you for reading!
Joe! Henry! Jamie! Those faces 💜
I love and miss those faces so much.
I know. I love you.
I’ve had the thought when going through my camera reel before that it probably looks like I have no friends haha. I’d love to capture more of those moments.
Same!! Here's to fixing that.
I love this.
Really loved this essay, Katie -- I'm exactly the same way! My IG has almost no photos of me; I think to myself, "who really wants to see me?" So it's photos of everyone I know and love and care about -- but, maybe people (including me) do want to see it, you know? Love these thoughts.
Thanks, Terrell! Happy New Year to you.
My mom passed when I was 11 years old. I cherish every single photo I have of her ❤️ Thanks for sharing this essay.
Thank you for reading, Laura! I'm sorry you lost your mom so early in life.
My phone recently told me how many photos I took of my 3yr old in 2024 (*so* many), then my partner, my dog, my mom (who only visits a few times each year...and then me. No wisdom but wanted to share the solidarity 💕
I appreciate it!!
It’s hard for me to take photos of myself because of body dysmorphia but as I’ve worked on healing that over time, I find it’s become a little easier. I tell myself exactly what you write here, which is that I’ll look back and regret not having them.
I can relate! I'm glad you are making progress toward healing. xo
Aw I loved the idea of a photo a day and enjoyed the flick through the collection Katie. Plus - what a great NYE idea to do some early celebrating for the kids (Bluey is always a bonus too) - stealing that idea for next year! 🥂
I sometimes wonder if I take too many photos but this piece makes me feel justified in doing it. ❤️ Thank you
Thank you for reading! xo
I really loved this post and I am exactly the same. I have 3000 photos on my phone of my little one and 3 photos of me. It is time for a change.
Hear hear!
I connect with those so much, my mother died when I was in my 20s. She often resisted photos. Thankfully my father was an avid photographer so we have photos of her from when we were little but not many as we got older. I had hoped to not do the same thing but now nearly a decade into motherhood, there are very few pictures of me over the last 10 years. This is a wonderful reminder. Thank you, Katie.
This comment means so much, Kathryn!