Photographs
I used to joke that our grandchildren would never recognise him because he’s always behind a camera, but they have grown up with a healthy attitude to having photographs taken, able to look entirely natural and comfortable. My son and two younger daughters have also been able to face the camera easily. My eldest daughter and I have always tried to avoid it; consequently, there are a myriad photos of hands, back or top of heads, cups or glasses held directly in front of our faces or, when unable to escape, gurning gargoyle images, (not eldest daughter - she’s very pretty). Not a flattering look – and I look grim, stern, unyielding, but if I smile, I look like a simpleton. Well, the camera never lies!
I regret it, because when I look back at the few photos I quite like, I think, ‘I wish I looked like that now.’ Maybe, in a few years’ time I will wonder what face I presented to the world. It will not have improved, of that I’m absolutely certain, but as it’s only going to get worse, perhaps I should have some portraits done so that when I’m in my dotage – or more in it than I already am – I can repeat, ‘I wish I looked like that now.’
I did point out to Barry that there are few photos of him as he’s always the photographer, so have tried to snap some of him. Funnily enough, his reaction is the same as mine. He doesn’t like his photos, either. It’s all the fault of the person behind the camera.
I have always been a bit camera shy, but the younger ones seem to think nothing of it.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Everyone seems to take 'selfies' these days.
DeleteThere aren't many photos of me because like Barry, I'm the one taking photos. There are a few taken of me that I don't mind but generally I hate photos of me, especially in the last few years, but then as you say maybe in a few years to come I will be pleased at how I looked now. The photo of me on FB was taken by a great niece when I was sitting exactly here and I was still in my dressing gown. I smiled widely and looked so happy. It was a very natural photo.
ReplyDeleteI shall look for you on FB!
Deletelol - I hate having my photo taken too, always have done. xx
ReplyDeleteI suppose I didn't grow up with it. Photography is so much simpler than it used to be.
DeleteI grew up with a Father who was an amateur photographer and who was also very photogenic (in my view). I can't envisage a life in a family without everyone taking photographs.
ReplyDeletePhotographs are so important - markers and reminders of people and events. You must have some lovely albums.
DeleteI dislike having my photo taken as they are never very flattering. I just don't have the face for it.
ReplyDeleteSome people are more photogenic than others, but a good photographer (probably professional) should produce pleasing results.
DeleteI hate having my photo taken but I do regret not having more taken with my children as they've grown up. There are a few but not that many.
ReplyDeleteThat's just it, isn't it? Those moments cannot be recaptured.
DeleteThere are no recent photographs of me. Some stupid old twit always stands at the front and gets in the way. He even did it in the picture on my bus pass. I have no idea who he is. I sometimes catch a glimpse of him in shop windows, but otherwise he seems elusive.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, there's a female version of him. Miserable looking woman she is, too.
DeleteI love the camera...started modelling aged five..(5)..
ReplyDeleteSit for artists mostly....
In fact, Mr Roper, photographer at the time, took
two photos of me, one holding a small accordion,
and one riding a rocking horse, they were entered
in a local competition, he won first and second....
And, l still have the photos, in B/W of course...! :)
♫♪•*¨*•.¸🔥💛🔥¸.•*¨*•♪♫ ♫♪•*¨*•.¸🔥💛🔥¸.•*¨*•♪♫
Didn't you get a prize, too? Shame!
DeleteNo! I did'nt...He got ten pounds for first, five
Deletepounds for second...that was a lot of money
when l was five...! :).
That £10 is worth £360 to~day...
With you on every word, every word. I did learn something years ago which might help though - hold photos of you up to a mirror. That is how you see yourself. Lots of selfie images are actually mirror images because that is how the photographer sees themselves. I have a friend who insists on sending me selfies in which she looks really awful until I realized they were the mirror image - how she looks best to herself.
ReplyDeleteI must try that, if I can find a photograph.:-)
DeleteThank you for the link! I am usually the photographer so have to ask specially for photos of me to be taken! Yes, simpleton is a word that comes to mind when I look at some of my photos. Then again there are some I really like. The trouble is, in my head, I am still young!
ReplyDeleteYes, why don't we look as young as we feel? I suppose that would change, day by day.
DeleteBefore my blog, there were hardly any photographs of me, as I was always the photographer. But as my blog started out as being outfit related, I had to learn and relax and look half-decent in front of the camera. Although there are many times I would prefer hiding my face behind cups and glasses too ... xxx
ReplyDeleteAh, but you always look just right. x x x
ReplyDeleteI think the younger generation have grown up/are growing up being more used to having and taking photographs, with so many selfies!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It's so easy to take photographs now. When we had to use film and pay for it to be developed or make our own dark room, the whole process was so much more complex and time-consuming.
DeleteI absolutely hate having my photograph taken. That being said, I am trying to do better about having it taken. Not because I like looking at myself, but when Mum passed I was so glad of the few photos we had taken together and I'd like to leave some so that my children have them when I'm gone.
ReplyDeleteExactly my thinking:-)
DeleteActually I like to have my photo taken at different family occasions or in various natural settings or places of interest. I think you are right....we are at our 'best' right now, as good as we are going to get, so why not? I must admit sometimes after the photo has been taken, I look at it and say...hmmm, that is not how I pictured myself looking. Sigh!
ReplyDeleteSometimes, photographs taken when we are unaware turn out to be the best - the most natural, anyway.
Delete