SELFIES

I used to duck and hide from selfie opportunities. Camera phones whipping out like weapons were intimidating. When you see those phones you don't think “photographer”. You think sniper. 
You just have zero control over how they're going to come out. 

The selfie is just one more thing that leaves you vulnerable. People want them when they want them. Right now. There's no saying "cheese". Before you get to tidy up, blot makeup, move that stray hair, put down your purse, or straighten your clothes, you're documented. You don't get a do over. Whether at your best or worst, how you're going to be seen is not up to you. Very few people bother to edit them, either. 

The insta in instagram is a testament to how quickly you can be pictured at your worst. No one is thinking about principles of design or elements of Art. No one is thinking about perspective. Depending on where you stand, you'll end up with a super giant forehead, or that tremendous, gigantor arm or hip, and monstrous hands. You'll be the only one not paying attention, looking in the right direction, or smiling. That roll of fat you worked so hard to camouflage will scream, "Here I am!". There will be the gum in your mouth— peeking out from where you tried to hide it in your back teeth, or a bugger in your nose. 

Until you see the photos you fear that your body has tripled in size, and you'll look like something in a carnival mirror. What flaw will jump off of the screen like a super ball? If you're standing on the end, you'll appear ginormous.

Once you get over yourself, though, you realize that people really don't have to want to be seen with you at all, and most importantly, selfies are just plain fun. They really are. It's you. Imperfections and all. You were there. Now you have a record of it, even if you didn't really want one.

Photographer, Bill Hart captured singer, and all around nice guy, Jeremiah Hicks' selfie moment with my daughter and me at the Howard Theater on Sunday evening.
I love it...oily skin and all...we were very happy...

"It's not so bad", I told myself. 
See?

Whew...: )