Is That Really Me?

Do photographs always tell the truth?

I had never really thought about it much but when I found myself interviewing for an on-air job, I had to think about it!

I had been asked to send up some contact sheets along with a job application, years ago, when I was being considered for an on-air television job.  I immediately went to the “best photographer in town” and got some head shots taken.  A few days later, after picking up the sheets, I was with my mother and a dear friend of hers and mine.  Of course, they both wanted to see the photos.   On seeing them, our dear, honest friend, said, “Jackie, these are just not you!”  Well, of course, they were photographs of me but what she meant was that they had not captured the real me.  Not really knowing what to do about it or where to turn, I was later talking with a friend of mine who sweetly said, “Oh, William (her husband) is a great photographer.  He will take them for you.”

We set up a time and there I was, in front of the camera again wondering how they could possibly look any different.  I have to say, I felt differently about sitting for them as I was very relaxed, in their home, laughing and joking and generally enjoying myself.  From the inside, I was laughing, from the inside I was joking, from the inside I was feeling great about myself.

A few days later when William handed me the new contact sheets, I could see that there was absolutely NO comparison with the ones that had been previously taken by “the best photographer in town”.  Yes, William had captured me, smiling in my heart.

I have never forgotten that experience.  It taught me a lot.  Not photogenic?  Phooey!  Love the camera – don’t just put a smile on your face when they say “cheese”….smile from the inside.  It will always show on the outside!

With much love,

PS  The job did not end up being mine but certainly not because of the photos!