There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.
― Ansel Adams
For the longest time, I’ve avoided putting my picture on the Internet. And is it any wonder, considering my family?
My dad thinks that Pinterest is the government’s way of stealing our ideas and that Facebook is the gateway to Hell. When he finally caved to the demands of the women in his family (Mom and me) to create a Facebook account, he opened and used no fewer than seven dummy email addresses so that his account couldn’t actually be traced back to him. And all that personal information he’s supposed to include? Lies.
According to his Amazon wish list, he’s a 19 year-old woman who lives in Tokyo.
Then there’s my mom. My hero. My idol. Also the woman who’d routinely call me at 3:00 a.m. and tell me to make sure my doors and windows were locked. The woman who bought me a baseball bat, a golf club and canister of pepper spray to keep my bed “just in case.” In her defense, I actually was kidnapped when I was a toddler. I also was returned 3 days later in perfect health by a family member. And although I thought I’d had a grand adventure, Mom was understandably never the same.
It’s a wonder she ever let me move out. If it wasn’t for the fact that my dog barked when the sand moved in the Sahara, I’m pretty sure it would never have happened.
So that’s why I’ve always been a little reticent about posting my picture on my website. But in this day and age (and given that I’m a professional writer who has to network online), it’s time to file “I don’t want to” under Suck It Up, Buttercup.
Because even in online relationships, friendships and business connections, people like to talk to and do business with people.
So, here I am. (Don’t tell Dad.)
Yes, that’s me. Yes, it’s a professional photograph. And yes, I’d just had my hair done that morning. Which means it’s the best I’ll ever look. Which also means that I’ll be using this photograph until I’m 100 years old.
What about you? Ever had concerns about putting your picture online? Any backlash? And benefits?
Rubber Ducky Copywriter™ 
I bounced here from Carol Tice’s page to see your experiment in changing inner and outer environments. Have enjoyed reading about the scientific experience and have enjoyed this piece even more. Genuine, quality entertainment.
I had more to say the first time around, but by the time I had settled things with wordpress and had gotten signed in, wordpress forgot all about why I was trying to signin. I hate that.
Now, I’m going to read “Rubber Ducky gets a Face” again. Thanks.
P.S. Can’t neglect to say that you should let the snark out more often.
Hi Laurence, welcome to Rubber Ducky Copywriter!
Glad to hear you like what you’re reading. I’ve recently decided that if even if I’m not all that helpful in general, I may as well as entertain. 😉 Also (and more importantly), thanks for taking the extra time to make sure your comment posted. Much appreciated. 🙂
Let me know if you find out. Hey, btw, I just found out last night I’ll be featured on the HeSo Project blog today! I checked a bit ago and it wasn’t posted but it is now, under Mini Memoir Monday. http://thehesoproject.com/
I think it’s a great photo. It doesn’t mean though that you won’t take another one you’ll like. I want to take a new photo for my pages, but never get around to it.
I enjoyed your stories. My mom still talks about an email “machine” my grandfather had like twenty years ago, that wasn’t a computer it was just for emailing and she wishes she could get one of those. None of us kids have any idea what it was, pehaps a Blackberry. Reminds me of the episode of Seinfeld when Jerry got his dad a Blackberry and all he used it for was as a tip calculator.
Thanks, Peter! Glad you liked the stories. Now I have to go look up what an “email machine” might be.
I feel the same way because I hate taking them. But it’s nice to finally connect a face to the name 🙂
BTW, your dad is a hoot, I don’t blame him at all!
I really do love my parents. They’re my greatest source of love, support and comedic relief. 🙂
Hee hee. I’m with ya on the using the same photo till I’m 100. 😀 Yours is super cute! 🙂 Mine was taken about 9 years ago by the owner of the tea room I use to play harp for. He was an amateur photographer with a nice camera and he happened to catch me on a good hair day. lol
My mom is a bit like your dad. I think deep down she still believes the whole internet will one day fail. She’s always liked a good apocolyptic story. 😀
Awwww…thank you for the compliment! 🙂
And I love your photo. You look so very nice. (Am trying to be accurately nice without being creepy, but really…you look so nice!) Good hairs days should always be captured, especially when there’s a good-lookin’ harp to go with it.
Forgot to mention…my mom loves a good apocalypse, too. Whenever there’s a natural disaster on TV, she’s glued to it. It’s cute.
OMG you are so cute! 🙂 ❤
HAHAH sorry didn’t read your post before I commented on said photo. My husband is like this. Did I mention I had my engagement ring all of two months, and he requested I not wear it walking around Atlanta? YEAH. That bad. And also I totally agree – engagement photos are as good as it gets haha. The one here is actually from a couple years ago, but all the others you’ve seen are from an engagement shoot. Please share those photos with me when you get a chance, since I’m pretty sure I’ve bombarded you with mine.
I actually Sweetie for a smaller engagement ring so I wouldn’t be robbed. He did great, too. It’s perfect and won’t get me mugged.
Thank you so much for the compliment! 🙂 And I love your photos. You look fab-u-lous. Will definitely share.