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Susanna Namuli's avatar

Perhaps the trick is in recognising that photography is essentially a storytelling tool. So that one is able to look at an unrealistically enhanced photo and see it for what it is.

A bit like looking at the clothes on a runway and understanding that most of them are showcasing trends, innovations, and so on. And be able to enjoy that for what it is. And then go off to a clothes shop and buy what you wear to work.

Also, seeing our own photographs that way. That one day one may show up in a photograph as a glam'd up mama out for a much needed night on the town, And the next day in a different shot tell that tells the story of a day in the life of a tired soccer mum.

I agree that the confidence and security that enables one to be able to see this, has to come from a healthy view of oneself.

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Joan Stommen's avatar

I like having some control if/when my picture is captured by others. Group shots and then tagging us on SM is very wrong! I never give permission; I remove myself if it pops up someone posted. So not so much my body, my smile, my eyes closed…but it’s my choice to have it shared! Btw…I’m headed to Aus soon too…I’ll write about my adventures and my family there… but mindful of sharing photos publicly! Great piece, Laura! Have a wonderful trip! ☺️🇦🇺

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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

Thanks. When are you in Aus.?

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Joan Stommen's avatar

March 13 I arrive; no return yet. Friends and family to see plus my daughter’s going with me this time. She wants to meet cousins, climb the bridge! Base will be Sydney Harbor with trips to GC, Australian Zoo,Blue Mts. Nelson’s Bay. My brother and QLD girlfriend are helping make plans. I just want to ride the ferries, trains and wander old town/The Rocks. Where I left my heart last two trips. Did you post your plan… I need to read/catch up. ☺️😊

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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

I haven't posted specific dates on the posts, but by Mid-march, I will be in the Brisbane/Gold Coast/Byron bay area. Sydney is in mid Feb.

looks like we will miss each other.

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Joan Stommen's avatar

We’re staying at a surfers paradise hotel 3/16-20th …are you on WhatsApp? That’s how we’ll keep in touch with everyone. Jic we could connect… be cool!

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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

Sadly, I will be in Byron Bay at that point, Surfers 3/23-28.

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Joan Stommen's avatar

😕 okay. be fun to catch up in our writings afterward!

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Flavio Massignan's avatar

Thank you for sharing this! I totally agree with what you said, I think there should be and education about this, understand that some contents are just that and not a reference. I think that recently there was a small improvement in this, but we still have a lot to do.

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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

Absolutely, a lot still to do.

Thank you.

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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

Thank you so much.

I have a feeling there are many people that feel the same way.

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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

Yes, I think part of the issue I had as a child was the length of time it took to take the picture. Mom had to "crouch" to get it just rights. You can only hold your breath for so long.

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Zach Austrager's avatar

I resonated a lot with this post. I actually wrote about not like having my picture taken a while back. Either way, great post :)

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Ethan D. Chorin's avatar

As a kid, I developed an actual phobia of being photographed.

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Mar 1, 2024
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Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

Thank you so much.

Yes, there are certainly as many reasons for being IN the photo as there are not.

And even as I wrote that, I am ok with taking selfies. It's when others take full photos that I have an issue with. Maybe its not so much self-image as it is lack of control. If I take it, I have the power to release it or just send it to the trash.

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