Why You Deserve more than a Selfie
Selfies. It’s so crazy to think that the term “selfie” has only been in use for about 10 years. Fast forward to 2019 and they’re everywhere! Social media, advertisements, wallpapers on our phones, computers, and tablets…you name it, selfies are there.
The problem with selfies is that they are quick to take and quick to forget. Don’t get me wrong, there are time and a place for a good selfie. For instance when you are on vacation or out with friends and you want to capture the memory of that moment, yes, definitely take that selfie. But just because you’ve captured life moments with selfies doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in something a little more artful, a little more permanent－something expertly shot that captures your essence and reflects your own beauty back to you. I've included a selfie I took when I cut all my hair off. It was definitely worth capturing! And I've included a shot from a shoot I had to celebrate where I was in life at that time. I had just come out of a 7-year relationship and had been focused on me and creating the life I wanted. Plus I desired to be on the other side of the camera. It's time for another session! :)
Here are just a few reasons you deserve more than a selfie.
To express gratitude.
Did you know that gratitude is scientifically proven to improve wellbeing? That’s right, studies show that those who focused on the things they were thankful for were overall happier and healthier.
Of course, sometimes it is hard to express gratitude for the things we have because we’re blind to them. Everyone interprets the world through their own unique lens, which in many cases means that the way we see ourselves is completely different than the way others see us.
Think about it. We only see ourselves when we look in a mirror using a lens that is tinted with our own self-talk, which sometimes lends itself to the comparison. Portrait photography gives us the gift of seeing the lens through which others see us, reflecting the beauty that we might not see ourselves. This shift in perspective is such a gift because it allows us to express gratitude for who we are and how others see us.
To create time to appreciate yourself.
When was the last time you took a step back and created time yourself? It is so easy to get stuck in the demands of day-to-day life that we forget to slow down for long enough to appreciate ourselves. As women, wives, girlfriends, mothers, professionals, and sisters, we so regularly feel pulled in a million different directions－supporting others, but not necessarily ourselves.
Show yourself your own value by treating yourself to a portrait photography session. Don’t be afraid to take pause and recognize the beauty you bring to this world. Oftentimes we don’t see how we feel on the inside. How we feel may change day-to-day, but it always remains within us. Meaning, as a woman we have felt sexy, confident, vulnerable, and beautiful. A good photographer can bring that out and capture it so that you can see it and share it with those you love most.
To give others permission to see you.
Portrait photography captures unique stories and authentic beauty－two things that many of us are too fearful to expose to the world. In order to share our beauty and stories with others, we must first recognize and appreciate them for ourselves. Our lives, our stories, and our uniqueness are all worthy of being seen by others－we just have to be vulnerable enough to give others permission to witness it. The coolest part? This permission has a ripple effect. The light you choose to share becomes contagious, encouraging others to see their amazing selves too!
To share your legacy.
Photography is evidence that we exist in this world. Once we’ve left this world, all that remains of us is our legacy and photography preserves that legacy. How do you want to be remembered? Looking up at the camera with your arm blocking half of the shot? Probably not. A professional portrait appreciates the art behind your story and functions to preserve that art for future generations to see.
I like to think of classic celebrities to illustrate this point. When you think of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, or even Coco Chanel...what images come to mind? If you’re like most people, you’re probably visualizing iconic, elegant, and professionally captured images. Just because photography is more accessible in this day and age doesn’t mean that we should lose the art portraits. Preserve your best, most authentic self so that you’re remembered as the masterpiece you are!
Ready to invest in your legacy? I’d love the chance to share this journey with you!
