Taking Pictures

Hi VSGers...

I wanted to see if anyone else had or is having the same experience as me.  I'm finding it difficult to take pictures of my progress at this stage. I don't really understand why but most of the pictures I take are selfies and I usually keep them to myself now... and I dont really do that often.  I posted a few pictures on OH of me from New Years Eve but other than that, I really have been hiding from the camera. I don't post anything about my weight loss or many pictures of me now on Facebook.  I feel awkward asking anyone else to take a picture of me, even my husband. I only have about 25 pounds until goal and I've noticed that I've become kind of funny about taking and posting pictures.  When I was first losing, I would take pictures all the time of myself to see my progress and share them.  I made up some "before" and "during" pictures about 50 pounds or so agao and was so proud of myself.  I look at those pictures now and all I can see are how big I still was. At the time, I thought I looked so great! I haven't brought myself to take new full view pictures. I'm really not sure what is holding me back.

Also, I had planned to take family pictures last month with my husband and step-sons. We have never had family pictures taken so I booked this far in advance and had been really looking forward to getting pictures of the boys and all of us together. Well, as the day approached, I started dreading it.  I was so worried I would look horrible in the pictures so on the day of the photo shoot, I cancelled.  I even lost my deposit but I didn't care.  I just didn't wanna be in front of the camera.

Strange but I don't know why I'm having issues with pictures now! Any pseudo-pshycologists wanna analyze me? :-)

Perhaps a non-pseudo psychologist could help you out?  

Definitely gonna bring it up on my appointment next week! :-)

Good :D  Since this pseudo-shrink has got nothing :P

I know exactly how you feel.  And let me just say, you look amazing!  I know it is hard to see when you see yourself every day though.  I am not nearly as far along as you but I didn't feel like there was any real difference in my last set of pictures and have decided not to take any more until I am 6 months out.  I hope I don't regret that (I regret not taking more before surgery to really see the difference).

The other day I had a horrible thing happen (well horrible to me anyway).  We were out with friends and as I was talking to someone, another friend snapped a picture of us with their phone.  I was mortified when I saw the picture.  The picture was only from the waist up and true my head was down and it was a weird angle, but my chin was all doubled up and I looked like I hadn't lost an ounce.  I have been thinking about that picture for a week now.

I always ask am I fooling myself??  When I am in control of the picture I can stand a certain way or angle the camera a certain way to make the picture just right.  Do I actually look as bad as that cell phone picture??  I don't know.  Probably just more frustrated because I am on day 13 of weighing 251#.  Erg.

I recently made my first Youtube video and I think that gives a broader perspective.  I was amazed at how thin my face looked, oh and my hands!  Wow they looked really thin.  I really wish I had made one 3 months ago.  Give it a try!

Hi there! Thanks for the reply! You are totally right about when I am taking the picture myself, I can control how I stand and pose and look.  I won't hit the button to take the picture unless it looks perfect! I guess that's why I can do selfies but hate having others take a pic of me. Thanks for the lightbulb moment! lol

I found some pictures of me from 2010 and I was about 290 (70 pounds LESS than my highest weight).... and they were HORRIBLE! We were kayaking and I looked so freakin huge.  I can't imagine how I looked at 362. I also didn't take many pictures before surgery.  I took some the night before and have a few from facebook that friends posted without my knowing but that's it.  About as much photographic evidence of me at 362 exists as do photos of Big Foot or Nessie. :-)

I feel the same way as you that i am fooling myself and am I really looking as good as I think??? It just sucks to be 150 lbs down and still hate the way I look in most pictures.  Blech...

You are stunning!  I know that doesn't help to hear it from somebody else, but just know that from here, even in your candid shots, you look amazing!  (I mean seriously! That new year's shot, your waist is so tiny!  Oh and your hair is gorgeous, so shiny!!)

Aww, thank you so much! I really appreciate that. 

You need to stop it!!! You know we are our own worst enemy.

You look freaking awesome. Go take those family pics, remember you get to pick the ones you like.

You know half of this battle is mind games and yours is just messing with you right now.

I think you need to find Glamour Shots or something like it on Groupon and go do it, make it a fun experience, maybe you can work past the camera thing.

You have done amazing, look amazing and continue to do so!!

Thank you BFF! lol  If I do Glamour Shots, I'm gonna need you to come with me!

Ugh, I am dreading those family photos but I really want to have them done so I'm gonna have to bite the bullet.  I wanna be able to do it on a day when I can at least get my hair done professionally to make me feel better!