Let’s get a little philosophical today…
Who are we taking photos for?
Who are the photos for that others take of us?
Humans are self-centered and usually put a lot of energy into trying to control how the world perceives them. And there’s nothing inherently wrong about it – that’s just how we are wired.
But when it comes to photography, these images are rarely for the person in the photo and how they think others see them.
These photos are not just for you
Photographs are something that might be an investment now but over time, their value will increase endlessly. To a point where you can’t even match it up with any monetary value. But unfortunately, that’s not easy to explain nor do people really understand it.
They say things like:
I don’t like how I look and don’t want you to take my photo.
I don’t really care about photos of me.
But the thing is…. You don’t care RIGHT NOW. And you might not like the way you look in these images but what about the people in your life that care about you?
They wouldn’t think for a second that this photo of you is worthless because you don’t meet your own beauty standards. Instead, they see all the things they love about you and they will cherish these images today and in the future.
Photographs are like a time capsule. We can capture people and things that won’t be with us forever – and give us a memory and a moment to hold on to.
I always had issues with the way I looked. My thighs were too big, I was too short, my hair looked funny. There are few photos of me as a teenager and adult because I was always worried about how I looked.
The few photos I do have, I cherish now. They take me back to 14-year-old Anja horseback riding. Or 18-year-old Anja on her first solo trip with her friends. And I wasn’t overweight or out of shape at all. That was all in my head!
I did have questionable clothing and hairstyles but I laugh about it rather than hide from it. Today, I love these photos and wish I had more.
It hits even more when I try to find photos of my siblings, parents and grandparents. Everybody in my family seemed to be camera-shy. I remember my mum giving me a stern look and a comment when I tried to take a photo of her occasionally.
While she might not have liked herself in these images at the time – the ones I have today are priceless to me. My parents are getting old, they won’t be around forever. And I don’t care how they look in the images because the images are about a feeling, not appearance.
It’s taken me a long time to really appreciate the value and power of photography in our lives.
Our memories tend to play tricks on us – they fade or change in our minds. Photos stay the same and they help us keep hold of a moment or a person long after they’re gone.
So let me ask you again: When you have someone take your photo… Who is that really for? Who do you think will make sure it’s kept safe forever?
