Exist in Pictures- Background on my "why" of the Self Portrait on Baker Beach in San Francisco
Hi There!
Okay I wanted to share the background on this latest “selfie” image. I have been thinking of this image for a long while. Mike and I were finally able to head up to Baker beach in San Francisco to capture it this last weekend.
It wasn’t the best lighting and my hair was a little “wind-blown” to say the least - so not a perfect picture of me – but never the less it shows me, holding hands and walking with the love of my life!
I began thinking of this image after watching a class on Creative Live a while ago. The class was taught by the awesome Sue Bryce. I have watched many classes she has taught. She never disappoints and has so much to offer not only as a Master Photographer but also a beautiful spirit. (Google her – even if you are not a photographer - she has such an awesome message)
Her message in this class was to teach women (especially mothers) that they must get in front of the camera or in her words “exist in pictures”. Often women don’t want to have pictures taken of themselves. Many times, women would come to her studio and say “oh we just want pictures of the kids”. I thought to myself -"this is soooo me" !
As photographers we are always taking photos of our kids, our family and friends, but we tend to shy away from putting ourselves in front of the camera. I realize now this is such an incredible disservice to my family and friends. As they will have nothing tangible to hold on to and remember me by when I am no longer around.
I am my own worst critic (like all of us) but I decided it was a little hypocritical of me to be taking portraits and espousing how important they are to document your life, while never documenting my own. So, all that said, I decided to take the plunge and get in front of my camera for change. I wanted to take a photo that is more than just a snapshot but something tells a little bit of “my story”. If I can do it, so can you!
The lesson here is to have those photos taken! Don’t wait - the time is now! #existinpictures
![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.mmphoto.net/blog/2017/9/exist-in-pictures&media=https://www.mmphoto.net/img/s/v-10/p2508962045-5.jpg&description=Exist in Pictures- Background on my "why" of the Self Portrait on Baker Beach in San Francisco&layout=none&ref=https://www.mmphoto.net/blog/2017/9/exist-in-pictures)