Position:Home>Visual Arts> How do I get my friends and family to be more willing to let me photograph them?

I understand how you feel, just two years ago I had severe low self-esteem!. If self-esteem is an issue, well then it shouldn't be!. I've learned how to love myself, and if God can work through me, trust me he can work through anybody ;)

If your serious about having higher self-esteem and self-confidence, then every morning go stand in front of a mirror and say to yourself (or think) one positive comment!. This comment can be about anything, but it has to be about YOU!. You could comment on how nice your shirt is, how your hair is nicely groomed/comb, or it can even be as random as telling yourself, "Wow, these shoelaces on my shoes look badass!."

Pretty much just tell yourself whatever you like/enjoy about *you*!. You could comment your personality, even!. You seem like a sweet, caring guy to be worried about reserving memories for your loved ones!.!.!.so you could think to yourself how sweet/loving/caring you are!. I'm sure your wife will agree, haha!. Speaking of which, if it'll make you feel good about yourself, then you could even comment on how great of a family you've got!.

NEVER tell yourself anything negative!. It'll just bring you down!. Remember, choose to be happy!. Push away the negative thoughts, and replace them with positive!. I'm a firm-believer that there's always a positive for every situation, no matter how bad they may seem!.

A child dying of cancer could still always comment themselves on how strong the cancer will make them, emotionally!. A mother who just lost her child could always set up organizations, or classes, informing others about safety hazards thus preparing a much better world for our childern, as well as their future childern!. Ect, ect!.

So just remember: Think positive!. Choose to be happy!. Push away the negative, only think to yourself of all the beauty and joy of the world, its people, and most importantly of all!.!.!.!.YOU!. You DO matter to the world, in certain aspects!. You DO matter to someone, in every single way possible!. To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you ARE the world!.

Remember that!.

Now, if self-esteem isn't your problem!.!.!.then I'd just suggest that you not push your family into having their picture taken!. Either that, or you could just sit down and have a 'family meeting'!. Explain how important all of this is too you (which I agree, reserving memories is pretty awesome)!. I'm pretty sure they'll understand, I know me and my loved ones would, at least!.

If any of your relatives suffer from low self-esteem, then show them/read aloud to them about the whole paragraph I wrote up above!. It may change their way of thinking!. Better yet, their way of life!.

If your family still disagrees, for whatever reason, then just take a picture when your family's not looking!. Hehehe!.

If it's just you having your picture taken, regardless of self-esteem, then all I can say is bite the bullet and put on a fake grin!. Either that, or just don't take a picture!.

Hope I made sense!. If you need help, need me to help clarify anything, or just pretty much help in general!.!.!.then please just send me a message!. I didn't help you just because I want ten measly points!. I helped you for a reason ;)
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It might not be the gender thing!. My father in law takes photos of everything!. I just run from him because he is less generous when he takes a bad photo of me!. Always, always he likes to take a group shot without telling anyone beforehand and it seems like in every photo Im eating, yawning, or look dazed!. Im not photogenic and its sad!. But his brother always has a way of taking good pictures of family!. He makes sure to only bring the camera out for special occassions!. When he does a good print, he gives us a copy!.

I also work with a gentleman who took beautiful, beautiful pictures!. He just snaked in and took pictures without drawing attention to himself!. He erases the bad ones!. And again, gives anyone a good copy!. Ive learned that gender does not matter when they give you good copies of yourself looking nice!.

Practice!. Talk to your parents and close friends about what photography means to you!. Set up a situation that you can take nice pictures and thank them for helping you develop the talent!. After a while, you get so good people dont mind!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

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They are probably not used to it!. :P
I'm a wannabe female photographer and my family is the same way!.

But my sisters have become MUCH better models for me then they used to be!.

Just keep taking pictures of them when they don't notice or aren't paying attention- in their natural state!. Spontaneous and sneaky!.

Eventually they will get used to your taking pictures!. also, if you can get a really good few shots, you can show your family how well they turned out!. They'll be more willing, certainly!Www@QuestionHome@Com

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Rosie was rather over the top with her answer but she's essentially correct!.!.!.you just need to be more confident!. But, yeah, a lot of people are weird about having their photo taken, and you should always respect that!. Sneaking candid photos of such people is simply rude!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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take candid photos, which means the pictures will portray real emotions and you don't even need to ask for permission!
planned photos aren't as good anywaysWww@QuestionHome@Com

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