The Woes of Being a Photographer

I've done, let's say just say, a few photo sessions with a few clients. I love photography. As a photographer, my main goal is to capture the simple and the sincere-- (just check out my branding, and you'll notice a trend here ha.) This means no gimmicks, no big tricks, no big editing. I want the raw, genuine, authentic moments that embody the individuals on the other side of the lens.

And I've noticed a trend with the few clients that I have captured their photos. It's the piece that breaks my heart the most out of being a photographer--the look of distaste when we see the photo of ourselves, our body, our smile, our frizzy hair--whatever it may be, there is always a critique to be claimed.

Because here is what I see when I am standing behind the lens:

I see joy in your smile.

I see a story in your eyes.

I see a body that has carried you great places.

I see the way you look at your partner with care.

I see intention and focus in your mind.

I see purpose and desire in your heart.

And you see the one piece of hair out of place. And that breaks my heart.

Don't get me wrong, I have to remove the plank out of my own eye before I remove the stick out of my neighbor's. I do this too. I notice the flaws, and somewhere along the line, the human race was trained to name the imperfections as morally wrong, ugly, or bad. We're all in this boat together. But how do we change that? Better yet, are we willing to change that?

Can we give ourselves grace? Can we provide care to our own still images as if they were a picture of our joyous child, our loving spouse, or our playful pup? Can we open our eyes to see ourselves as others see us--more than our imperfections. Besides, I've been told a few times that imperfections make us perfect.

Simply, sincerely,

Maddie