Get More You in Your Scrapbooking

There’s something near and dear to my heart that I’d like to discuss with you. Something you’ve heard before, no doubt. Something you already know. I’m here to urge you, push you, prompt you to get into the photo. To remind yourself, you are part of the story.

I know what you’re thinking. I don’t look good, I don’t feel good, I hate my hair. Well, stop. Stop making excuses and start making opportunities. Did you wake up today and feel pretty in the new shirt you’re wearing? Take a self photo with your cell phone camera. Were you happy with the way your hair curled under just right? Grab your son/daughter/cat and take a self timer photo.

I don’t need to remind you that you are part of the stories you’re telling. As a memory keeper you’re not making pages of someone else’s storie; they are your own. You should, at least occasionally, make it onto the pages. Not just your memories, words and creativity, images of you should also be present. You were there on that trip to the Grand Canyon, Walt Disney World or the Wisconsin Dells. Your family (or the others that are part of your stories) remembers it. They see you as a piece of the equation. Don’t you want your scrapbook pages to reflect the true stories?

Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself that was taken a few years before and say I looked so thin/happy/young? I have totally had this happen. Time and time again. I realize I didn’t look as bad as I thought I did and I wish I looked that way now. I think that the same will more than likely be true in 5 more years. Get in the photo, even if it’s not how you want to look it is how you look and that is part of your story.

It all sounds great, right?  You want your memories to reflect the story and you are part of the story. There are many ways to actually do it.

1. Hand the phone or camera off to someone else. It could be a friend, child or spouse but it could also be a perfect stranger. Ask someone to take your photo! I am always happy to help someone, aren’t you?

2. No one around? Use the self timer on your camera. Most cameras have a timer that is simple to use. You can keep taking them until you are happy with the results.

3. If all else fails, take a self-portrait. Turn the camera/phone around, stick your arm out as far as it’ll reach and snap the shot! Take as many as you need to find a flattering angle.

I encourage you to not only get out there and take those photos but get at least one photo of yourself into each album you make. Make it a challenge and soon enough it’ll become routine and your stories will start to be told the way they really happened, with you in them.