Say Cheese

I love photographs.  Perhaps it’s one of the reasons why I love the individual creativity expressed in the photo cards that arrive each holiday season.  Come January, I have a hard time throwing those cards away.

As much as I love photographs, it was a challenge to pick out a photo for this past season’s Christmas card.  Some women opt for just showing a photo of the kids or their pet.   I wasn’t excited about my photo options, but I still wanted to be remain visible.  Sure, I may be getting older, but dang it, I still want to remain recognizable to my friends and family.

If you watch the younger, female “selfie” generation, they don’t seem to question being in photographs.  When cell phone cameras are pointed at them (which is 98% of the time) they instantly pose…and…

…Whoosh!  

1. Hand on hip.
2. Body turned at an angle.
3. Head tilted just so.
4. Smile.
5. Confused, eyebrows-lifted look.

I watch in amazement, not only while the process is happening, but when I see the results. They are transformed into someone who doesn’t even look like the person in front of the camera.  Will this generation ever question being seen in a photograph?

Perhaps it’s time to pose, have fun with filters, and stop being concerned about what other people think.  Do we honestly believe that our friends are going to waste valuable time analyzing the photos on our Christmas cards?  I doubt it.  

Sometimes it’s the imperfections on our cards that make them more endearing. Who cares about the the photo that doesn’t show you looking  your best?  Sure, you may receive the proverbial trump card.  But there’s a great story behind the card that shows you grinning through a flu bug.  Or your card that misspells Christmas.   Or your card that has a mysteriously printed return address that isn’t yours.  These are the things that make a memorable greeting of the season.  

The truth is, most of us who receive your card will look like we’re saying cheese after we open it. We’re just happy to be on your list!  The critics can take their bah hum bug analytical skills elsewhere.  Just let your virtual “address assistant” hit the delete button for that household.

My point is this:  we may not always like the way we look, but we don’t have to hide. We can reflect a say cheese attitude in our photographs.  No Blue Steel, Victoria Beckham or Kanye expressions required.  We can all do things to improve our smile, but what I am referring to is what’s behind our smile.

My favorite photo card this year was simple, barely posed, and fun. It showed a family running through the trees–hair flying, charging ahead in a race.  The image captures the essence of who they are as a family.  

The next time you strike a pose, let your photos reflect who you are.  When you start with a say cheese attitude, you’ll reflect joy and end up loving your photographs.

Do you prefer not to be seen in a holiday card photo?  Please share your view in the comments section below.