Trials and tribulations

I really don’t like having my picture taken. Suck it in. Sit up straight. Shoulders back. How does my hair look? Open your eyes. Chin up. Higher. HIGHER. Can you see my rolls? Suck it in more. Oh god, did I draw my eyebrows on straight this morning? Hold your arms in a flattering way. Wait – let me fix my skirt. Shoulders up. No wait, shoulders down and back? My bra strap is falling down – will you be able to see that? I think there’s cat hair on my shirt. Oh, and don’t forget to smile. 
I have a very exciting project going on this week, but part of it requires me to submit a photo of myself. Oh … yay. 
Last night I asked husband to take a photo of me, but god love him, he has the pulse of a bear so every photo came out really blurry and shaky. It breaks my heart because he tries so hard. So this morning I tried my hand at doing it myself. 38 photos later … 

It looks a bit like I’m auditioning to become a hand model, but I’ll settle with this pic. And because I like keeping it real, here’s how I took the photo … 
Unfortunately, no, I haven’t trained my cat to take portraits. I had to use a chair, 4 boxes and 7 coasters to prop up my camera. Each time I had to focus the camera, run over, sit down, *insert first paragraph here*, attempt a genuine smile, and all within 10 seconds before the timer went off. Then do that 30+ times. I felt a bit like this …
And for good measure, here is my favourite outtake. If it was in focus, I’d be submitting a crazy cat lady photo.  

Haha, that face. If only. 

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10 Comments

  1. July 25, 2013 / 13:44

    Aw that's a really lovely photo, love how the kitty is actually posing! Hehe I'm the same with photos! Himself was trying to submit a photo of me for next years Glastonbury tickets and he said every photo I was messing or hiding. Makes me sooooo uncomfortable.

  2. July 25, 2013 / 13:55

    Ha!
    Funny, funny post.
    Funny, because I think we have all been there, though most of us don't admit it.

  3. MissKimberlina
    July 25, 2013 / 13:57

    Simply gorgeous!

  4. July 25, 2013 / 17:31

    Haha that is too much!!!! I just adore the last shot. Both you and cat look great. Your first one is very professional – perfect portrait of a blogger. Can't wait to hear more about this exciting project 😉

  5. July 25, 2013 / 20:36

    Even when you're creating a pile of random things to prop a camera on, you manage to make it look good!!!

    Your picture looks great, but I do love the cat one – you look so smiley and happy in it!

    xx

  6. July 26, 2013 / 01:20

    If someone as gorgeous as you are has a problem with getting their picture taken, imagine how life is for the rest of us! I only wish I could get a pic as good as the Napoleon D. one. LOL! Also: the kitty pic is awesome.

  7. July 26, 2013 / 11:02

    love both photos but reaaaaaaaaally love the one with the cat. How cute!!!

  8. July 27, 2013 / 04:30

    Gorgeous photo, you did freaking well with what you used to take those photos, but maybe you need to get a tripod to help with future shots. Mind you I find even taking selfies suck cos my hands aren't long enough to get it at the right angle. So your photo is amazzzzzzzing! Can't wait to hear about this latest project.

  9. July 27, 2013 / 14:31

    haha omg your cat's look!
    you look so lovely and professional in your selfie, this has 'magazine contributor' written all over it 😉 good luck for your new project! x

  10. July 28, 2013 / 03:08

    I rigged the same kind of setup for a magazine article about me and my business. I felt ridiculous at the time. Of course *now* I have better photography gear and can release the shutter remotely. Ah, well. I'm glad I'm not the only one who resorts to makeshift solutions sometimes. This session turned out great for you.