Take the Picture: Why You’ll Regret Not Capturing the Moment

Let’s talk about something I know so many people struggle with: taking the picture.

If you’re camera-shy or convinced you’re not photogenic, you might be that person who ducks out of group photos, hides behind someone else, or just flat-out refuses to be in front of a lens. Maybe you only take pictures of landscapes and food because, let’s be real, the Eiffel Tower never blinks weirdly or has a “bad side.”

But I’m here to tell you to take and SAVE the picture. Even if you don’t love how you look. Even if you feel awkward. Even if you swear you’ll hate it.

Because one day, you’ll look back and wish you had more proof of your life’s best moments.

Why You Should Take the Picture (Even If You Hate Being in Them)

One of the very, very few photos of myself from Venice, Italy.

1. Memories Fade—Photos Don’t

You think you’ll remember every amazing trip, every night out, every silly moment with friends. But the truth is, memories get blurry over time (and not just because of bottomless mimosas).

A photo freezes a moment exactly as it was so years from now, you can be instantly transported back. That terrible dance move? That breathtaking sunset? That spontaneous trip? Your brain might forget, but a picture will remind you.

2. Keepsakes and Storytelling

Do you ever look through old family photo albums and get a wave of nostalgia? Imagine future you wanting to do the same—but with nothing to look at.

Your travels, celebrations, and everyday moments deserve to be documented and cherished. And think about it—photos make the best gifts (custom photo books, framed memories, cute Polaroids tucked into letters).

***I highly recommend printing your photos, whether individually or in book form. I am missing several years of travel memories from corrupted hard drives and lost shared folders. I am in the process of making my first one and will let you know how it goes! ***

3. The Ultimate “Pics or It Didn’t Happen” Defense

Do people still say that?

Ever told a wild travel story and had someone say, “No way, I don’t believe you”? Boom—photo proof.

You met a celebrity? Show the selfie.
You tried an outrageous food? Pull up the evidence.
You hiked to a stunning viewpoint? Flex with that panoramic shot.

Sometimes, you need receipts—and nothing beats photographic proof.

But What If You Don’t Like the Way You Look in Photos?

I hear you. Not everyone feels like a supermodel on demand. But that’s no reason to erase yourself from your own life’s highlights.

Here’s what you can do if you’re not in love with your photos:

1. Find Your Best Angles

Frolicking in a bamboo forest in South Korea.

Everyone has angles that flatter them more than others. Test them out!

• Try tilting your head slightly instead of facing the camera straight-on.

• Shift your weight to one side for a more relaxed pose.

• Play around with lighting—natural light is always your best friend.

Follow pose experts like David Suh or do a quick “Poses for……travel, couples, women, etc. on Pinterest.

2. Candid > Posed

If stiff, staged photos make you cringe, go for candids instead.

• Laughing, walking, looking off into the distance—candid shots often capture your best self.

• Ask someone to take a burst of photos while you move naturally instead of freezing into a forced pose.

3. Focus on the Moment, Not the “Perfection”

Guess what? No one is analyzing your every facial expression the way you do.

Most people see the joy, the setting, the story behind the photo—not the small insecurities you obsess over. So, let go of the pressure to look perfect and focus on capturing the feeling.

4. Get Creative with Composition

Hate how you look in full-body shots? Try silhouettes, reflections, or even partial shots (like your hand holding a coffee with a gorgeous view in the background).

You don’t have to be front and center— but make sure you exist in the frame somehow.

Final Thoughts: Take the Damn Picture!

One day, you’ll wish you had more photos of yourself. (Trust me, I’m thirty!) Not because you need validation but because you’ll want to remember how it felt to be there.

So stop overthinking it. Stop dodging the camera. Take the picture.

And when you do? Tag me—I want proof. 😏📸