Picture Positivity

Much has been written and discussed recently about the importance of body positivity and changing our mindsets from one of diet culture to that of healthy living. (Two voices that have helped me with this topic are Jennifer Weiner and the mommy travel blogger @mumpacktravel.) Since learning more about body positivity, I have been working to be more active with my son, build strength, discover outdoor hobbies, focus on lifelong health, and the most difficult struggle of all - get in the picture and not worry how I look.

As body positivity addresses insecurities with our body image, I have discovered that there are many other insecurities in life that can be addressed through the positivity mindset.

For example, while developing this blog, a huge insecurity hit me out of nowhere - I am not a professional photographer! I also have no desire to spend the time becoming a professional photographer. In addition, while I’m traveling I would rather be out and about enjoying the sites rather than focusing on getting “the right shot” at the “right location” or worried if the lighting, cropping and structure of the photo is worthy to post on my blog or social media channels. Photography for me is not an artistic outlet like it is for so many others- it just isn’t. Rather, I find myself taking photos because I want to have something to remember whatever moment I experienced that was important to me.

For example, the picture with this post brings me so much joy. The photo was taken, while I was a Sophomore in college, at Dover Castle with my dear friend Noel. This trip was the start of a lifelong friendship and this picture shows so much of why we click - our love for literature, finding humor in simple things and being willing to do whatever together. This was taken prior to digital photos and has a date stamp in the corner. By all accounts - this is a terrible photo and would never be considered worthy of the “Gram” or win any awards. In addition, I am confident that Dover Castle would not repost this image to their Instagram page!

So does this mean I can’t have a voice in travel or book blogging? Will people discount what I have to say because my photos are mediocre at best? Some people may think this, but I hope others can still find joy in the authenticity of unedited photos.

When sharing about the joys of travel - maybe we should be sharing more of these types of photos? Just as body positivity encourages us to transition our thinking from shallow exterior appearances and focus on lifelong health, I think with photo positivity we can transition our thinking from a manufactured image that doesn’t actually match a memory and focus on capturing moments that will bring joy for a lifetime.

If you are someone who loves to take pictures, edit, and make them beautiful - that is fantastic, keep sharing your photos and please find joy in doing so. I will happily buy them, frame and hang on my walls or give as gifts (While you’re at it, check out my friend Searan’s Etsy page - I adore her work). However, if this is not you - Read Far & Wide welcomes you as well! Please share your off-centered photos, with bad lighting and grainy pixels that capture a moment in your travels that you want to remember for a lifetime. We want to see them!