3 1/2 Time Outs Tuesday – The Picture Post

It’s been forever since I’ve had professional pictures taken of me, and since my bridal portraits since I’ve had pictures taken of just me.  That’s not an accident.  I’m not a fan of how I look in pictures, which is okay since I’m usually the girl behind the camera- and I’ve been completely fine with that.

Then I began seriously writing and selling articles and got asked for a head shot.  I had to crop myself out of the baby’s Baptism photos in order to have one to send.  It wasn’t the best, but it worked.  Last week, I was talking to several people about speaking at homeschool conferences next spring, and they all mentioned that I would need to supply a head shot for promotional materials.

I had to go and get my picture taken with no children or husband to squish behind…just me and the camera.

Luckily, I have a friend who is a photographer.  I asked her to meet me at the park yesterday so that we could get this checked off of my “to-do” list.  I didn’t realize how negative and self-doubting I had become until she showed me the rough pictures..

and I looked pretty.

It’s been a while since I’ve felt like the pretty girl in pictures.  When the only pictures in the album of me are immediately after I’ve given birth, it’s easy to understand why.  I wish I had done this sooner, though.  I should have done it years ago.

I kept staring at the photos on my computer last night and trying to reconcile the mature confident woman in those pictures with the awkward dork I imagine myself to be.  I don’t look like that dork to the world.  While I don’t look quite so glamorous all the time, I look like this woman in the pictures.  I’m a grown-up. A real-life grown-up.

Holy – S….. When did that happen?

I showed it to my husband and children who went wild with praise.

“You look so pretty, Mom.”
“Wow.  Just…wow.”

The Computer Guy asked for a copy for his office.  I didn’t know he even wanted a picture of just me without the kids.  It turns out that he really does.  It made me feel like more than just his wife and the mother of our children.  It reminded me that, to him, I’m the “Cute Girl” he still has a crush on.

The children asked if I was going to put it up on the shelf among the other family portraits.

“Do you think I should?”  I asked my son.

“Yes,” he replied. “we have all the pictures of people that you love up there, but we don’t have pictures of all the people we love.”  Ahhhh….good point.  I love that boy.

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a photographer or even a friend who’s handy with a camera…what’s stopping you?  You really should take the time.  You’re more than just a title to the people who love you.  To them you’re

What?  You wanted to see it?

Okay

here you go

Not bad for a mom of 7….not bad at all!