If you’re anything like me, having your picture taken isn’t something that you find enjoyable. Despite being a photographer myself, being in front of the camera makes me feel nervous…sick..and then a bit more nervous. It’s absolutely nothing to do with the photographer, or the way that its been taken…its totally about me. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good selfie. The shot in the best light, with the angle that removes and smooths out the bits of me that make me shudder, it’s wonderful…but its not real.
Today I met a family who are going through unimaginable grief at the sudden loss of a family member because, quite simply, his heart just stopped. He was 25 years old. In times of sheer pain, what is it that reminds us of moments shared? Memories made? It’s photographs.
I find it hugely challenging to embrace memories in favour of what I would consider to be a good photo of me. Photos where i’m laughing so hard that there are tears tend to show a magnificent double chin. Photos of me cuddling friends make me think ‘step away from the chocolate love’. If every time I didn’t like a photo, I deleted it…then there wouldnt be many left. What memories are there of times spent with loved ones that are lost because the photos didnt pass the selfie test?
Make memories, take the photo.
Images by Lisa Jane Photography
