Being photogenic is not exactly one of my known qualities.  This seems to be a very “shared” subject of commiseration among many women.

For some unbeknownst reason, cameras do not capture the real “beauty” within-just the physical remains.  This column is not for those of you who have a love affair going with the front of either a film or digital camera.  It’s for those of us who never seem to look, well, good.

What brought this subject up?  Recently I uploaded (off on a tangent here, but I have to point out that I did this feat all by myself without any help) a new picture of myself, taken by my ever-lovin’ husband.  It was for several sites that I  am an active participant in their forums.  Many kind ladies wrote to me saying “Wow, you look so glamorous, you are gorgeous!”
 
It was/is indeed a very good picture.  There I am in my favorite dress-a black version of the one Marilyn Monroe wore in “The 7 Year Itch”-you know the one, it was white and the air from the street’s grids blew it up.  You can’t see it, but I wasn’t even wearing my usual trademark pair of orthopedic walking shoes.  And, unlike 90% of my hubby’s people pictures, my entire head was actually included. It was from our first formal night from our recent anniversary cruise.

Indeed-an incredibly rare shot.

I thanked everyone who took the time to comment and mentioned about my usual lack of looking decent in pictures.  Most wrote again to say “Hey, me too!” 
My reply-“I think we are all fabulous and wonderful looking, it’s the cameras that just can’t see what’s inside-just the shell!”

Many agreed this was the perfect subject to write about-so here it is!

How many of you hate having a picture taken of yourself?  I can’t see you, but I have a feeling there are a whole lot of double arms being waved around right now.

When I see a photo of myself I cringe.  That image just can’t be me-I don’t look like that!  I do not have slitting eyes.  My head is not too small for my body. My face isn’t that narrow.  And why is it I look like my mom?

Now don’t get me wrong-my mom is a good-looking woman and very youthful. In fact-she still has more black hair than gray.  And no, she’s never touched or used a bottle of hair dye in her life!  Another thing- my mom gets to wear cute high heels.

Plus, I never look statuesque.  If the stupid camera puts 10 pounds on you-shouldn’t it also even you out by making you look taller????  Seems to me I still look 5’1”.  Piffle.

Most women always complain about looking too old or too fat.  Men, it seems, say their build is a lot more muscular and their hair a lot thicker than what is evident to the naked eye.

This is probably the reason I took up photography of the journalistic nature in college.  I figured if I was always holding a Minolta-no one would dare expect me to pose and say “cheese”.

Here’s a bit of information-I hate having pictures taken so much that there is not one single shot of me being pregnant-ever.  I think I almost managed to miss having any photos done when I was in my early to mid-30’s.  Seriously. 

Our family is rather a 50/50 bunch.  My sister, husband, daughter and niece always look great.   My son, nephews and me-stinko.  Of course, my grandchildren are the best looking boys anyone has ever seen, but give them time-I’m sure they’ll look different in their photos in about 15 years.

Much love, 

Carine,  fellow journeyer

www.Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com