I have been seeing a bunch of feedback lately on my ability to basically take photos where ever I please. Bravery, awkwardness, or just an ability to ignore everything going on around me - I'm not sure what combination of things makes me able to plant a camera in the middle of downtown Harrisburg and take photos of myself, alone, with my dog in tow. What it finally came down to for me was that ultimately I knew I would be happier when I got to go home and edit photos of myself in beautiful or interesting places and that seeing myself on my strange little porch wasn't ever what I wanted. For a long time, I would get a panicky feeling in my stomach -
I wasn't always so undeterred by the entire awkwardness of it. My husband has always told me to care less what others think - I won't see them again, most likely, and even if I do, they aren't going to remember me. What I am doing is not embarrassing when it comes down to it - I'm doing something I love and creating something that others seemingly love at the same time. When people ask me what I am doing (they RARELY will approach you by the way, they mostly stare at you), I hand them a card with my blog name and tell them! You never know what kind of connections you can make. And if it's still too weird? Are you of drinking age? Have like 2 glasses of wine, then go for it. Trust me there.
By the way, this outfit is a result of an hour long freak out because I tried to wear pants. In terms of letting go, this outfit is pretty much solely curated by Jason. Except the jacket. He got weird on me when I slipped that on, but I still get the styling decisions - he just gets to pick out things to buy.
dress :: modcloth remixed
tights :: target remixed
flats :: modcloth remixed
rings :: modcloth remixed
necklace :: via noto remixed
headband :: goody remixed
Haha, see I wouldn't care so much, except that the only time I get comments it's from weird, creepy looking guys and I'm not ABOUT to hand them a blog card! But otherwise I think that's a great idea :) Your shoes are so cute! And I love the little sheen on your tights.
ReplyDeleteI adore your shoes, and most of all your confidence! As a fellow self-portrait blogger, I know it's not easy to overcome the feeling of awkwardness and just get it done. I like that you hand out cards, but like Katie said, sometimes the weirdos who approach definitely do NOT need any of my contact info :D
ReplyDeleteI get questioned a lot about why my husband doesn't take my photos...what I think a lot of people don't realize is that taking the photos myself is my favorite part! I don't ask for, or want, his help! ;)
Amen girl! I still get pretty weirded out about public alone blog photos too sometimes, but in the end, I don' really care. And I'd rather have awkward interactions and looks than a boring background. I need to remember to bring my blog cards with me more often though . . .
ReplyDeleteI love the outfit that Jason picked out for you! What a lovely grey skirt! And the yellow complimented it perfectly! (Sorry Jason)
that's definitely the way to feel katherine. your backdrops are always gorgeous and admire you for getting out there to take a pretty picture. it truly says a lot. love this dress and that yellow cardi looks awesome with it. love your two toned ballet flats. have a great week!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Lord, I just recently got up the nerve to take pictures in my front yard, which is located on a busy street. I need to get your nerve.
ReplyDeleteHaha I love this post! Living on a college campus it is hard to find locations that are semi private but I try then I don't care if someone does see me. I will usually say I am doing an assignment for a class. That always works.
ReplyDeleteCarlee
Almost Endearing
Lately I've been taking my photos in front of my apartment but that's mostly because when it's cold I don't want to stand out there too long :) My hubby takes my photos and I've gotten plenty of comments from onlookers.
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Datevitation Giveaway!
That's definitely something I have trouble with... I feel totally awkward taking pictures alone unless the place is pretty much deserted. I even feel awkward sometimes when I have Chris taking the pictures for me! haha. It's something that I'll probably always feel some level of awkward about. The trick is just accepting it, not caring, and dealing with it!
ReplyDeleteGo Jason, this outfit is awesome- but I like the jacket with it too! I told Rob last night that I wanted him to create a whole outfit for me too after seeing your instagram last night. I wouldn't say he was excited per say, haha, but he wasn't opposed to the idea either!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love your two glasses of wine blogging advice, I can totally get behind that!
xo Hannah
The yellow cardigan looks great with this outfit. I used to get put off by going out taking photos, and the awkwardness of it in the beginning, but that left quickly ... it just doesn't bother me much anymore, especially if you look at it as a fun job, if it was my job to do it I would have to conquer it, so I look at it as getting your job done style-wise that is! :) Take care! /Madison
ReplyDeletei don't have a lot of free time to go other places besides my garage door, but even if i did, i would probably be a little scared. but your hubby is right...they don't know us and won't remember us. good words to think about!
ReplyDeleteI get frustrated taking my own pictures just because it can be such a pain to get the focus right etc while I'm freezing my buns off in -15 degrees. Although if it's nice out I don't mind! I've had some really annoying comments (people giving me their opinion on my outfit in a negative way) But that just makes me laugh later on because people are crazy.
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit, that dress is great, such a nice piece that I can imagine going with so much. The mustard cardigan is great with it and that jacket is AWESOME! I am glad you ignored Jason and wore it
xJennaD
It looks like I not the only one who feels strange taking photos alone. But you sure do it right!
ReplyDeleteThe purse is so cute:)
Kisses
...AWE you are so precious now I really want to plop my tripod somewhere and take interesting pictures. I usually take them in my driveway just because it's convenient, not because of people (my mom is with my anyway to help take them... heheh) but now I've gotta explore!
ReplyDeleteCute cute cardigan! I love the black and yellow together.
I've posted about this before (on feeling awkward) and this post gives me a little more confidence. Your post from last year totally reminds me of myself, except the fact that I have yet to actually take photos in public! I even feel weird with my boyfriend taking the pictures- which we are actually going to do today. Believe me, I'll have a few before tackling that! Haha!
ReplyDelete<3
You inspire me to try to get over my embarrassment. I'm even embarrassed when someone else is taking my photos let alone myself. I need to be more like you and just say to hell with it and do it. Like you wrote, what are the chances that they will see you again anyway?
ReplyDeleteGrey and yellow is a lovely combo.
bisous
Suzanne
It is fun to take photos and have people watch or ask questions. Then again, I never got bothered or embarrassed by that at all (and I'm a people-person and love getting to know people who are willing to talk). I think your husband has a wonderful outlook and so do you!!! You look great in these shots! I love how you do your hair!
ReplyDelete+Victoria+
Your courage, your smile, and your amazing fashion sense inspires me on a daily basis! <3
ReplyDeleteI think you are so right - who cares what other people think and you never know what kind of connections you'll make! I have a hard time with the first one though.. I think I sometimes care too much about what others will think. Sigh~
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be as fearless as you! & def think the coat was a good idea :)
ReplyDeleteMili from call me, Maeby
Your haircut has me wanting to chop all of mine off so bad! Looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThis is so inspiring! As a new(er) blogger, the whole "go outside and take photos of yourself" concept is still a scary thing. I also live on campus, so there's always fellow student all around! So far I only go to a certain spot because not a lot of people walk past there... Hopefully I can find the courage to do it like you do!
ReplyDelete-Kate
Kate-on-the-Lake | Current Giveaway
I really like your tips on being "braver" with photographs. I have GOT to invest in a stinkin' tripod. Lovely pictures and your bag is so unique!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I agree it can be very awkward going out in public to take photos of yourself, especially when you're alone. I've experienced this so many times, I'm glad you decided to call out and write about it!
ReplyDeleteSabrina
http://thelittleowlshop.blogspot.com
You are like the coolest girl EVER. I really love all those things you said about taking photos in public. I always stop myself because I feel awkward, but really it's worth doing it in the end. Love you outfit, as always :)
ReplyDelete♥ Naomi {Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups}
I really admire your courage in taking photos in the street with your tripod and just going for it. When Andy and I take pictures in the park I feel awkward and shy - and that's with someone there to team up with. I think you should feel proud of getting over your fears. Every time I feel a little bit better, a little bit more confident. I think it will be some time before I'm ready to go on my own though.
ReplyDeleteI love that you have cards for it though! I actually had some made with my blog on back when I was really into my now rather lapsed Etsy shop. Perhaps I could bring them out again.
P.S. When scrolling your blog page I can't get any further than the 'archive' word at the bottom, it all stays still. I was wanting to have a look back through your blogs old posts but can't actually click on anything below it. Is that just my computer or deliberate?
Thanks! I knew my fixed sidebar was having issues on smaller screen resolutions and I just switched to my new layout! You should be able to have full access to it now.
DeleteJason's style advice yields lovely results! I always feel super awkward taking photos but I'm trying to fight that. Basically, it's like you're saying- stop caring what other people might think of you. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way! I'm used to the stares by now but then again, I can't imagine doing it all on my own with the tripod...I'm sure that's even harder! Loving the mustard and charcoal colors here. Of course I'm all in swoons over those little shoes of yours! As for taking photos, yes, a little wine always helps :) xoxo Marisa
ReplyDeleteI love this advice. Yeah, who the heck cares?!
ReplyDeleteI dig your style, girl.
ReplyDeletexo
Hailey
www.somethingdevineblog.com
This post was exactly what I need to read this morning! Thank you so much for sharing, and you look gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! Your photos are always gorgeous and in crazy locations! Share more!
ReplyDeleteWhen Mine Became Ours
That bag is so clever!
ReplyDeleteLove the bag and dress :)
ReplyDeleteyou look great.
LOVE BO,
PurePreciousPerfection.com
that mustard color looks beautiful on you! also love your accessories!
ReplyDeletexxx
Lady à la Mode
Super cute! And kudos to your boy for helping out with this! ;-)
ReplyDeleteYour newest follower,
Jamie
http://chatterblossom.blogspot.com/
good for you for being daring enough to take pics in public! i love the way you describe it / "cope" with it, taking pictures in public places is one of my goals for my blog so I love your advice on how to not be so embarrased!!
ReplyDeleteThanks girly. Also I totaly love the jacket, it spices up the look :)
my hubby is always telling me not to care what others think too but the funny thing is he's more embarrassed taking photos in public than I am. It definitely It takes some getting used to. I love the outfit. That dress is super pretty and I love the choice of cardigan:)
ReplyDelete-Jessi
haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com
If you only knew the pics we take without thinking of it - I never once worried about this when I photograph my food, Tofu Baby, or my Blythe dolls! I think your pics always look great, too!
ReplyDeleteI love how your jacket and cardigan work so well with your shoes! Which reminds me I need to buy trendier colored shoes like yours. :)
ReplyDeleteAbi
http://thebelatedbloomer.blogspot.com
twitter: @BelatedBloomer
keep up with the great work. And I love the idea of the business cards -I thought about it long time ago, but never did it! :S U look so pretty and love your vision! xo
ReplyDeleteMajor props to you Katherine, I've only been brave enough to take pictures in real public a few times, and it's embarrassed me pretty bad! Granted, most of them have been on campus where I will see those people again! Anyway, I'm hoping to get more comfortable as I keep blogging, mostly because you can miss out on some great spots that way. I admire you being willing to go just anywhere, and you're right, you will get your favorite pictures that way!! Glad Jason's influence is still popping up AND I think it's really sweet that he actually cares/is interested to pick out an outfit for you. Hunter's philosophy is "You will not like and inevitably change whatever I pick out" still I'd be interested to see him try too! Love the dress!
ReplyDeleteperfectly priya
cute look! good for you just taking photos wherever/whenever you want
ReplyDeleteYou look SO pretty. I love that dress and those super cute shoes!
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I think one of the things I need is better photography skills. And a willingness to ask people to take pictures for me. Not just outfit pictures, but travelling, sightseeing ones too.
ReplyDeleteGreat Advise! I'm sure once you do it a few times the "nerves" go away. I hate taking all my photos inside! I need to get a remote for my camera. Thanks for the motivation! :)
ReplyDeleteYour hair looks so fresh!
ReplyDeleteIs that.. an envelope necklace?! That would go perfect with the theme of my blog!
shannahrenee.blogspot.com
This is some great advice - I really should work up the courage to head beyond my home to take photos!
ReplyDeleteI love that you just walk around with a tripod! I definitely need to try that ;)
ReplyDeleteKristina
Kristina does the Internets