Picture Perfect

I'm not sure when this love/hate relationship started, but for as long as I can remember I (mostly) hate having my picture taken. Because it seems that no matter how good I think I might look, the picture tells me otherwise. Now, I realize that a lot of people aren't crazy about their pictures, but this is a painful area for me. Really painful. And frustrating. Not only for me, but also for the people in my life. I've missed out on a lot of great "picture-taking" moments because of my insane need to control how I look in them. Vain? Yeah, probably so. But, not vain in a "I look so good" kinda way, but more in a "why do I always appear ugly in pictures?" (sigh) I get this is a really dumb thing to focus on, but nevertheless, it's something I struggle with and want to overcome.

So, thus begins "Operation Photo." (I just made that up for lack of a better name...don't steal it). ;) I'm going to make a conscious effort to not pick apart every little detail about myself in pictures, not compare myself to people who I think are photogenic, and RELAX more! It helps that I have great friends who actually know how to use a camera and have given me some awesome tips (thanks Jenna!)

So, this might take some butt-kicking from my friends (I'm giving you permission) and some practice on my part (a.k.a. self-portraits that won't be posted anywhere). I don't want to miss out on the moments captured in photos that I can never get back again. I realize that a lot of this begins in my mind and in my own perception of myself, so I need some adjusting there as well. Yet again, it's one more area that I need to give myself the grace NOT to be perfect. So, Operation Photo...commence! :)