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:
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
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? (???!?)
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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 ;) )
This post came at an interesting time for me. I just decided to stop doing outfit photos for my blog; and the reason was, for the first time, I started asking myself Why? Why am I doing this? I don't enjoy it anymore, and I just feel silly.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I still love reading other people's blogs, so keep up the good work! I can't really answer the question Why for myself, but I can say that reading other fashion and style blogs provides entertainment and inspiration for me. Yours included.
I especially love the bridge picture in today's post. That's a gorgeous setting!
This is such a great post! The photo of you on the bridge from below and you can see your reflection in the water is beyond stunning.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pics. I haven't been able to take the step of doing pics in public - would feel too weird. sticking with the backyard at this point :)
ReplyDeleteThis post is spot on! I can't tell you how many times I am editing photos, pause, take a step back and think "blogging is actually the highest form of narcissism" and then go back to editing. But, I think it is possible to come across as a humble blogger and I think it comes through in the way posts are written. Your posts are always so witty and that's really refreshing. Too many bloggers take themselves too seriously.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Myself, I'm not at the "posing in public" stage yet. I feel too shy, even though my husband's always saying there's no reason to be. As for being narcissistic?? I actually started doing this in the hopes that it would bring my confidence up! I was never huge on myself, but being in love with fashion, and wanting to be able to inspire others, I figured this is the way, and that I would now have to step out of my comfort zone. There are humble bloggers, and bloggers that think we owe them the world. I'd like to think that we're pretty humble...for now :P
ReplyDeleteCool post! My last posts have been at places that were a bit abandoned and that feels so much better! The other day we did take them out in the streets and the cashier at the bakery around the corner had seen me and asked if I was a model. That just makes me feel superweird, especially when I have to explain what I do! But I do still enjoy blogging and I guess you have to make some sacrifices for that.
ReplyDeletexoxo Iris
A DASH OF FASH
My sentiments exactly!
ReplyDeletexo Ada
http://antapal.blogspot.gr
i had a shit fit the other day because i realized that without someone to take my pictures, my blog could actually die....i think i was pre-menstrual, but it also came about because everyone who normally takes my pictures (hubby, mum, and my 10 year old son) was too busy to take my pics....and i felt like i had a whole blog post planned in my head.
ReplyDeleteit was not a pretty moment, but this post made me think about that day again....and it made me feel a bit petty, too. like, how many recent photographs on my camera were of my children....sigh. anyhoo. not sure i have a point, but....
xo
n
Love the earrings!
ReplyDeleteKate from Clear the Way
Awesome outfit! Love the combo you did! Great taste :) xxxx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fashionnarcissism.com/