If you’re the one who always has the camera, chances are you’re missing from the memories you’re creating.
For years, I secretly hoped other people would notice. I thought someone would realize I was always behind the camera and say, “Here, let me get one of you.” Sometimes it happened. Most of the time, it didn’t.
The funny thing is, I’ve loved photography since I was five years old. I documented everything. Family vacations. Holidays. Random afternoons in the backyard. Looking back now, I have hundreds of photos of my sister… I have about six of me.
That’s because almost all of those childhood photos were taken from my own tiny perspective. I was so busy preserving the memories that I forgot to make sure I was part of them.
I’ll admit it…I’m still a little salty about that. But somewhere along the way I realized something important: If I wanted to be in the photos, I was the one who needed to make it happen.
And honestly? It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Here’s how I do it.
1. I ask.
I’m not shy about it anymore.
I’ll hand my phone or camera to a friend, family member, or even a complete stranger and simply say, “Can you grab one with me in it?”
If someone else is already taking photos, I’ll ask if they’ll include me in one.
It’s not selfish.
It’s making sure your story includes you.
2. I use the self-timer all the time.
Your phone already has one of the best tools for getting yourself into the picture.
Pair it with a simple phone holder, set up the shot, and suddenly you’re no longer waiting for someone else to document the moment.
You’re part of it.
3. Add a Bluetooth remote.
This is one of my favorite, super inexpensive, little photography tools.
A small Bluetooth remote lets you step away from the camera and capture genuine moments instead of running back and forth trying to beat the timer.
It’s perfect for family photos, vacations, holidays, and even everyday life.
One of my favorite tricks is setting up a wide shot of the dinner table before everyone sits down. Then we simply enjoy the meal, laugh, tell stories, and I quietly snap a few photos with the remote.
Those images often become my favorites because nobody is posing.
They’re just living.
And yes…I’m actually in them.
Stop waiting for someone else to think of it.
I know how nice it feels when someone notices and says, “Let’s get one of you.” But I’ve also learned that most people aren’t intentionally leaving us out. They simply don’t think about it the way picture people do.
So instead of feeling disappointed by the photos that don’t exist, I’ve learned to create the ones I want. I control the outcome. And because of that, I have no regrets.
In fact, this has become a bit of a philosophy for me. I’m not above throwing my own birthday party. I’m not above celebrating my own accomplishments. And I’m certainly not above saying, “Okay everyone…I’m getting in this one.”
Life is too short to spend it documenting everyone else’s memories while disappearing from your own.
Years from now, the people you love won’t just want to remember where you went. They’ll want to remember that you were there.
So hand someone your phone.
Set up the tripod.
Use the timer.
Ask the stranger.
Do whatever it takes.
Because your future family deserves photographs that include the person who loved them enough to take them in the first place.
Check the group photo from my birthday! This was taken using the Telesin phone holder. I’ll link it down below.
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$6.09
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$17.99
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$19.99
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