On this crisp Tuesday fall morning, I'm brought to a photo that is one of my particular favorites, shot by a photography mentor and good friend. 

As is often the case with photos, there is a story behind this one, the one I am using as my profile picture on various social media, in general, etc. Though few know this, or the reasons behind it. Like many people, I hate pictures. — That is, I can’t stand having *my* picture taken. I am the first to jump out of the group “selfie,” put my hand/papers/book/duck under the table if a camera gets pointed at me. I am the last to willingly join in the picture. It’s tough; in short it boils down to being a confidence thing (It's always been). So, I find myself (as many others also do) behind the camera instead. After all, if one is behind it, one never has to get in front of it. 

Which brings me to an interesting story. At my Stock Photography class at aims, we were doing some outdoor portraits. Mixing a big studio flash with outdoor sunlight — it’s not an easy task, but it’s a lot of fun nonetheless. Then, Robert Waltman, a truly master photographer and always too kind for his own good, suggested me to get in front of the lens for a bit. "Oh no, not happening,” I think, but I stepped in front of the camera anyway, asking him if he didn’t mind shooting a few frames of me. 

Now, *normally* to take a good picture of me I think is a pretty impossible feat. Yet, this is once again Robert that we are talking about, and he is no ordinary photographer.  

In short, this photo is what came from the 5-minute mini shoot, and I am absolutely beyond happy about it. 

It’s a truth: Photos give confidence. Good photos make you feel really good about yourself. It’s difficult to write: I’m a pessimistic person by nature, but this time, I’ll be optimistic. I really, really like this picture. I am actually inspired and really think I look good in this shot. Thank you, Robert, for shooting this for me. — So, next time you catch your favorite photographer taking a picture of something, whether that’s the group picture, your picture, your aunt Jill’s picture, whatever it is — extend to him or her the offer to take the camera off their shoulders for a few moments and snap a few frames of them, just for fun. Photographers never have pictures of themselves, because they are so caught up in taking them instead of getting them. So, do make that offer to photographers or anyone you see with a camera next time. Who knows? You may just make their day.