Monday, January 03, 2011

Comfort zone? What comfort zone?


I've never particularly enjoyed having my picture taken. Those obligatory portraits my mother made me get every few years, as well as the annual school pictures, were just torture for me. Occasionally I'd be happy with the results, but most of the time, I'd beg her not to frame them.
Of course I was always ignored.
I don't know about you, but I'm told I'm my own worst critic. I have certain long-embraced insecurities that make me shy away from having my picture taken, let alone putting it out there for the entire world to see. Over the last few years, I've worked to try to overcome this.
And now that I'm getting a book published, I am informed that my picture will need to go on the back cover. I will put your minds at ease however, by letting you know that I am NOT going to go all Karen Kingsbury or Danielle Steel on you. I shall insist that my picture be teeny tiny. Maybe we could even put the price tag over it.
That said, I am truly excited to say that this past weekend, I got my pictures taken by my amazing daughter, photographer Sarah West.
Now comes the hard job of having to choose one picture from a lot of not so bad ones!
If you would like to help me decide, they're on my Facbook page. If we aren't Facebook friends, well I don't know why we aren't, but here's the link!
My Photos
And if you pick the one I've chosen, maybe there'll be a prize in it for you!

13 comments:

Heather said...

How fun! I'll have to stop by Facebook to check out your pictures!

Katie Ganshert said...

Ooo! They all look so professional! I'm not sure which one to choose. If you're going with just a head shot, I really like the top row, third one. did I guess right? But the ones with your dog are so cute too!

Katie Ganshert said...

Ooo! They all look so professional! I'm not sure which one to choose. If you're going with just a head shot, I really like the top row, third one. did I guess right? But the ones with your dog are so cute too!

Dawn Alexander said...

I like #7 ( I think) It is the one everyone else commented had the best lighting, etc.

I actually, my favorite was the first one with you and the dog, but you said you couldn't use that.
Great pictures. So much fun getting to pick on for your book!

Good luck!

Stacy@hiswaynotmine said...

They are all wonderful! How fun. Whichever one you choose.....I know it will be perfect. :)

Keli Gwyn said...

Cathy, there are many great shots. I forced myself to pick one and left a comment on it in FB. It's one of the ones where you're wearing the purple blouse.

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

I love photography! And I love that photographer! :0)

I like #5 and #9!

Terri Tiffany said...

I feel the same way as you do! HATED getting my picture taken but I am sure you look lovely!

Heckety said...

I like the first on or the other one with your dog- I think it says a lot about a person when they can chat to their dog! (personal opinion!)
I came across you in one of your comments on a previous post of Terri Tiffany's so thought I would come visit, not because I'm a writer but just because I liked you comment!
So...hello!

Catherine West said...

Thanks, everyone! I'm slowly narrowing it down. As much as I would love to use the ones of Noah and I, for the author pic it must be a headshot, so readers can see what I look like. Go figure. :0)

Sarah Forgrave said...

My mom's a professional photographer, so I've gotten used to a lens in my face at all times. :) Love the pictures! I love the one with the dog, but for a strictly professional headshot, I love the 3rd one in the top row.

Mandy said...

Hi Catherine,
I like photos 8 and 9!
I'm writing from Australia and have been meaning to post a comment after your 'Small World' blog, but will double up here! I so enjoy reading your blog. I am originally from Africa so relate to much of what you write.

Blessings!

Heather Sunseri said...

Your daughter did an amazing job! I left you a comment on Facebook of why I like #s 9 and 1!