Why You Should Exist in Photos (Even If You Hate Being in Front of the Camera)

I recently lost my grandpa and I am so beyond grateful we all took so many photos and videos of him while he was alive. This got me thinking of the importance of why everyone should be taking photos, even if you hate being in front of the camera (trust me, I hate it too).

I hear it all the time: “I’m not photogenic.” “I need to lose weight first.” “I just don’t like how I look in pictures.”

And I get it. Standing in front of a camera can feel vulnerable. Maybe you’ve seen unflattering photos of yourself before, or maybe you’re just more comfortable being the one taking the pictures rather than being in them.

But here’s what I want you to know: you deserve to exist in photos. Not just for yourself, but for the people who love you.

Your Loved Ones See You Differently Than You See Yourself

When you look at a photo of yourself, you might focus on the things you don’t like—your smile lines, your arms, your posture. But when your kids, your partner, your family look at that same photo, they don’t see those things.

They see you. The way your eyes crinkle when you laugh. The warmth in your expression. The way you hold your child or the way you light up in a candid moment.

One day, these photos will be priceless to them. They won’t care if you had a “bad hair day” or if you weren’t at your “goal weight.” They’ll just be grateful to have a piece of you frozen in time.

Photos Are More Than Just Images—They’re Memories

Think about the last time you looked at an old photo of someone you love. Maybe it was a grandparent, a parent, or a friend who’s no longer here. When you saw that picture, did you analyze how they looked? Or did you just feel gratitude that the moment was captured?

Someday, the photos you take now will be looked at the same way. They will tell stories, bring back laughter, and remind the people you love just how much you were there, how much you cared.

Perfection Is Overrated—Real Moments Matter

We live in a world that constantly tells us we need to look a certain way to be worthy of being seen. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be “perfect” to be in a photo. You just need to be present.

The messy hair, the laugh wrinkles, the imperfect moments—those are the things that make you you. And you are worth remembering just as you are.

Let’s Rewrite the Narrative

Instead of saying, “I hate how I look in photos,” let’s start saying:
“I deserve to be remembered.”
“I am more than my insecurities.”
“I want my children to have photos of me to look back on.”
“I am enough exactly as I am.”

So, What Now?

The next time someone pulls out a camera, resist the urge to hide. Step into the frame. Smile. Be silly. Be you.

And if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to book a professional photo session—this is your sign to do it. Because the perfect time isn’t when you lose 10 pounds or when life feels less busy. The perfect time is right now.

You deserve to be in the picture. And I’d be honored to capture you just as you are.

Ready to book a session? Let’s make it happen.

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