I’m usually the person behind the camera, not in front.  Even with my family I always position myself with camera in hand so that I can avoid the picture itself.  Why?  Mainly because I have seen waaaayy too many photos of myself with half closed eyes, mouth hanging open mid-yelling-at-a-child or with three chins then anyone needs to see of themselves.  Yes I am self conscious and there is a lot about myself that I pick apart when I see a photo of myself – but….

Recently I read an article about mums (and dads) making a effort to be in the pictures with their families.  In the article – I’m sorry I forget the author and title – it basically highlighted a story from a young woman whose mother had passed away and she realised she had very few photos of her mother.  Some from her youth but as she got older there were fewer and fewer images.  I made a pact with myself that day that I would get in more photos with my family.  More awkward family selfies, more asking random strangers to take our photo, more letting my husband and friends take photos with me in them rather than me taking them.  And it doesn’t matter if my skin looks bad, or my hair is a mess because one day none of that is going to matter.  When we look back at photos of ourselves as children and teenagers, we don’t see those flaws that were so glaringly obvious in the moment – no,  time adds a hazy glow that makes everyone look amazing… except of those 90’s fashion choices – boots with scrunchie socks and patterned leggings – what were we thinking!

This year I turn 35 and although I still need to drop a few kilos and there are no ways to hide my smile lines and grey hair (except for photoshop 🙂 I got out in front of the camera the other day to do some self portraits for a photo-a-week project #dogwood52.  It was awkward and embarrassing – especially when a couple walked past and I’m just sitting out in the middle of field by myself with tripod and a camera and my picnic basket smiling like an idiot. But I dare you to try it! I encourage all mums and dads to make this year the year you get out from behind the camera and get in front of it.  Whether it’s with your family or some nice pictures of yourself in your favourite place – just get out and do it and enjoy the moment – laugh at yourself while you try and figure out how to fit everyone into that selfie or grin like an idiot at a camera with (hopefully) no-one else around because you are beautiful right now in this moment.  And it will never be this time again and you will never look at young as you do right now 🙂