A note especially for you

A confession.

I don’t like having my photo taken. I feel awkward and uncomfortable when I’m on the other side of the lens. It’s something I think about a lot, because I know I’m not alone.

I so often have people telling me they don’t want their photo taken at weddings because they “always look terrible”. I have new Mums apologising to me about the way they look before their newborn sessions - for being too tired, overweight or just not knowing what they should do. And I get those feelings, I really do. I bet you know someone who’s like this too. Perhaps it’s your Mum, it’s so often Mums.

But I got an email a few years ago that gave me some perspective. Turns out I took the very last photograph of a much loved young man before he suddenly passed away; a lasting memory for his loved ones of his cheeky smiling face. What if he had dodged me that day? I’m so glad he didn’t. I’ve had many people tell me similar stories since that day. That my photos have been used for funerals, that they’ve graced the covers of memorial booklets and that they’re cherished framed memories that sit by the beds of those left behind.

So I want to challenge you to show up. You are someone’s memory. You are good enough and you are important to many. Don’t be afraid to let the world know that you existed x