The Pictures on My Blog

They're worth addressing, because the #1 question I get asked about my blog is  - you guessed it . . .

"Who takes your pictures?"

So that's right, folks, we're going there: The land in which no blogger goes ...

her ceaseless selfies. 

In truth, many of us have moved beyond the selfie stage to a whole new level of narcissism: That in which we get other people to repeatedly take our photo. It's quite a unique phenomenon for those of us who are used to prosing - not posing. (holy good lord I'm good)

So to condense my rambles, I've compiled a wee list of difficulties I've encountered with my "fashion blog photography."

NUMERO UNO: 

The Stares

Obviously, this is the #1 obstacle - the hardest hurdle to get over. 

It's painfully awkward, yes, but you do eventually grow accustom to prancing around like an idiot in public places whilst people (understandably) stare. Whether this learned comfort is a negative or a positive, I don't know - but it's a fact. 

The transition is often visible to the average reader's eye, because blog photos will no longer be taking place in parking lots, dumpsters, deserted buildings ... i.e. places where there's guaranteed privacy from humanity. 

DEUX: 

The Photographer

I used to take my own images. Camera on automatic continuous shot mode, balanced in some precarious position on some not-tripod surface, I'd walk around and hope for the best. 

Then I started working with real humans. Real talented humans. Just look back at my archives - you'll see the difference. 

In the end, though, my all-time favorite photographer is my mom.

Notice I said my favorite photographer - not my favorite photographs (Not that she isn't brilliant behind the lens and all, but she's a lawyer, not a photog). 

But do you know how nice it is to get to be able to be a cranky little brat when I don't like something, or when it's cold outside, or when my impractically-clad feet hurt, or when I inevitably have to pee 15-gazillion times? 

Really nice. It's really nice. 

But I sacrifice quality for comfort - a decision I sometimes regret. 

THREE: 

My Self-Idenity Crisis

I don't know about other bloggers out there, but I was never big on my appearance. Suddenly, though, I'm having to "model" on the reg (even if the term is loosely implied enough so as to be entirely unattached), and do things like "act natural" instead of contorting my face into hil-ARrrrious demonstrations of my outrageously funny self. 

This makes me question my own personality just as much as it makes others do the same. People will inevitably think I'm a bit dull, removed from reality, or unwittingly narcissistic for being able to so easily tolerate the influx of images of myself.

Maybe I am. 

QUATTRO: 
The Editing

Taking the pictures is just the first step - then there's the process of editing them as if it's entirely normal to be browsing through hundreds and hundreds of images of myself without flinching/vomiting once. 

I do try to avoid editing/uploading in public places, but occasionally I can't, and find myself the embarrassed subject of the amused looks of many judgmental passersby. 

It's ok, though, I'd judge me too. 

Editing is also difficult depending on the photographer. Sometimes, they couldn't care less what you do with the image. Other times, though (and understandably), they want their artistic vision to shine through. Very real example: I marred the quality of these here photos with my yellow tinge. I like it, the photog ... not so much. I won't do it again, because it's a compromise I'm willing to make for great shots. 

CINQUE: 

The Why? (???!?)

dress: Urban Outfitters x The Reformation (similar), shoes: Windsor Smith, rings: Karen London, Alexandra Beth Designs, necklace: C. Alexandria, earrings: Anthropologie

Why am I doing this? Why do I "need" this? Why is my hobby so damn self-centered?? Are these photos really in service of ultimately "better content", or am I secretly just obsessed with myself?

I'm curious. If you're a blogger, how do you deal?

If you're an observer, how do you feel?

Cheers.

Photos by Matt Engelhart

Unapproved editing by yours, truly

(love you, Matt ;) )