Jill @ Jill Samter Photography has come up with a fabulous project – I Am Beautiful
I am always discouraged when I hear women, especially mom’s say “Don’t take my picture.” Why? Because you don’t like how you look that day? Is that the type of inner monologue you want your daughter to hear?
Growing up looks and weight were not a topic of discussion in our house. I NEVER heard my mom say she didn’t want to be in a picture. I would feel terrible if my girls grew up thinking they had to look like a super model in order to look good in a photo. I don’t ever want to hear them say they don’t want to be in a picture because of the way they look.
I have to say I appreciate that pop singers are finally on board with the positive thoughts. I worry about the girls when they get to high school with all the pressure that girls deal with. I still cry each time I hear Katy Perry’s “Firework”. I am constantly singing that song to my girls!
It is so important for your children, for you to be in pictures with them! They will CHERISH those photos! Your child does not care if you have a few extra pounds to lose, you are in your PJ’s at 2pm, or you didn’t do your hair or make up that day. They want real life photos of you being a part of their life…NOT just the one behind the camera. Check out this post if you need some ideas for photos with your kids.
Okay, I’ll get off my soap box.
I love this idea of women joining together to celebrate each other’s beauty. I think we all have insecurities about the way we look. I know I used to not like photos of me laughing. Kind of ironic, since I LOVE to capture other people laughing. However, I felt like I showed too much gum in my laughter. I have come to realize that the way I laugh is just how I laugh and I embrace it now. I no longer shy away from photos of me laughing or cover my mouth when I laugh.
Please remember that God made you and He does not make mistakes!!
I hope you will join me and many others who have linked up with the “I am Beautiful” link up! I would LOVE to see your photo and read your post!!
Don’t forget to vote for your favorite photo for May!! Winner announced Thursday!
YES, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL my sweet friend! Courtney I love this post and your heart!
Thanks for joining in!
Hugs and blessings!
Jill
How do I gain access to your website and this wonderful project?
Hi Lindsay – You can see it here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/49187820900839270/
and here it is on my website: http://www.jillsamter.com/2012/07/introducing-i-am-beautiful-project.html
God bless! Jill and thanks again for inquiring about it!
So true! I really need to remember this! I am pretty much at my top weight and cringe at my photos. I think I need to join this challenge!
That is SO TRUE! My family hardly has ANY photos of me or of me with them and now I’m a grandma. I feel like I’ve been left by the wayside my entire adult life! We, as caretakers, are so busy taking care of everybody else that we just do NOT take some time for ourselves! I think I need to join the challenge, too!
Love this picture. You look really happy!
Thank you for this post Courtney! I got teary eyed reading it because it’s so true. I will try harder to hop into the photos. Thanks so much.
Emily
I love it. You are so beautiful. Inside and Out.
You are indeed beautiful! Great photo. I will have to give this a try one day.
Beautiful photo!! I grew up with a mother who hated to have her photo taken, and who shied away from the camera whenever anyone tried to take her photo. I’m working on teaching my husband how to capture a decent photo so that my son will have pictures of me when he gets older. :)
I absolutely love this project. I found it – somehow – and did it as not only a challenge to myself to get in front of the camera but just capture ME without any blurs on the “wrunkles” as my Mom calls them. My mom never shied from the camera, my G-ma did and she would always have a sour puss expression in pics. I hope I’ve raised my daughter to live this way -she certainly isn’t camera shy ;)
http://ostranderblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/beautiful/
You are beautiful!! I need to go ahead and take my photo and link up with Jill, as I know it will allow me to think seriously about some of negative things I do that I don’t even realize. Thanks for pointing out the “Don’t take a photo of me……..” line. I have def. said that or worried about it when I shouldn’t.
Lovely post friend!!! And thanks Jill for always being so honest and raw with us.
Courtney —
I rather liked your soap box message! :) I’m trying to make more of an effort to get more family shots that include me in them (and other family members who don’t like having their pic taken) for the memories — and I remind them often that I want a pic of them, because they’re THEM — and I love them! :)
Love that you’re joining in w/ I AM BEAUTIFUL!! And yes, ma’am! You are beautiful!!!
~MIchelle
I’m seriously tearing up as I read this post… I dont know how many times I have said I dont want to be in a picture… THANK YOU FOR OPENING MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This means so much to me!! Thank YOU!
I love it!!!! Break out the camera… I’m ready for a picture.
Yay!! Do it!!
I loved this post! I especially love the truth behind “Please remember that God made you and He does not make mistakes!!” Thank you for taking the time to write something so positive that women of all ages need to hear.
I love your honesty, and I love this challenge. I will be joining in on this challenge. Thank you so much for creating it. God bless you.
With love,
Lizzie