Growing up, I think I thought I was a model. I took any and every opportunity to dress up and “play model.”
My mom was a photographer for a music magazine. She would take pictures at concerts, etc. Then, she started taking pictures of local soccer teams, baseball teams, gymnastics teams etc as a side business. She’s a talented lady. She had the back drops, the lights, and the nice camera. I loved it.
I became a little ham, which is interesting to me because as a child I was a serious kid. I meant business and was very much a perfectionist. Looking back at these pictures, I’m glad I never took myself too seriously and just would have fun in front of camera.
I was confident.
I had the serious look DOWN.
Rockin the Ghostbusters shirt on a set of one of my mom’s sessions.
I had to show this…simply because of the glorious 80′s attire. This is one of my brothers, Mickey.
Tryin to do a sexy pout. Looks like I failed. I looked pissed off.
Notice the 101 Dalmations bikini. Love it.
This is my favorite shot of me and my mom. It’s so 80′s and bright!
Trying to look sexy. the world was my photoshoot 
.
Not sure what look I was shooting for…
And don’t worry..my desire to be in front of the camera lasted into highschool…
Eek…even going through my awkward phase and even when I clearly did not know how to apply make up—I still rocked that confidence. (side note: look at those brows!)
I wasn’t afraid to act like a goof and make fun of myself.
Somewhere along the way since high school I lost that confidence to want to get in front of a camera and ham it up. I got to a point where I hated every single picture of myself and I never wanted to take pictures.
How does that happen?
I got caught up in a cycle with food and exercise that led me to feeling like I was never good enough. My mind was sick.
I’m finally to the point where I look at any picture of myself and think “you look pretty.” Can I tell you how good of a feeling that is? Just to be at peace with yourself.
I’m not a ham anymore, but I’m happy with how I look again. And I love it.
I know I’m not a model, but dang it, I’m pretty . (hope you know I’m not saying this because I am conceited–I say this because I believe it–and I didn’t for a really long time)
Are you camera-shy? Do you love being in the front of the camera?
Do you typically like yourself in pictures or loathe yourself? (Hopefully it’s like)
PS—My mom and I’s sale on Notecards is coming to an end! YOU HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 15th to get 25% off!
If you order 2 or more notecard sets, you get 25% off using the code: FALL.
Here’s our website: Go and order some. I will love you forever. Really.
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
I love your photos!!! I wish I had photos from when I was young but my mom lost the photo bug after her third child. But that was okay with me – I never felt pretty in pictures. I went through a terrible awkward stage that lasted from about 4th grade through my senior year of high school. Seriously. I am still not 100% comfortable in front of the camera, but its because I’m shy not because I don’t think I’m attractive. I actually think I am pretty too. I was just the ugly duckling in my family.
I love the pic of you and your mom with the paint spattered background. It just screams 80s!
And who is the man with the snake skin jacket?
You ARE pretty!
Great photos! The last two of you in the polka dot dress–OMG, I didn’t even think it was you! I guess that’s what make-up can do (playing up or down eyes/eyeliner) Wow, loved those pics!
I am 50/50 happy with pictures. Everyone says that I’ve never taken a bad picture and I laugh because half of them I can’t stand. I get overly critical of myself when I see pics of me and it drives Hubbs mad! He doesn’t understand why I don’t see myself the same way he sees me, but I’m working on “letting loose” a bit more and not worrying too much about how I look. Overall, I am happy with myself when I look in the mirror (despite many, many flaws) and, like you, I know inside that I am “pretty”, so just because a picture isn’t the best photo of me, it shouldn’t reflect how I feel about myself. You go on with your pretty (and confident) self!
Fun photos! I know me practicing photography with my little sisters they’ll have some to love years from now.
I’m hating myself in front the camera right now. There was a point I liked pictures of me, but I’ve become overly critical. Hopefully I’ll get to that point of being happy with myself again.
You’re so darn cute! Love the 80s photos!! Has anyone told you that you resemble Jessica Simpson? Anyhoo, I used to hate myself in photos but I’m over it.
I was a ham as a kid, too. I had a big personality for a tiny child and remember one Easter picture where I have my hands on my hips and kinda one shoulder forward, head all cocked and sexy-like. I was maybe 8
I lost it somewhere along the way, too, and had years where I hated every picture. It wasn’t even years where I was actually awkward. Those years, I still thought I was the bomb. I like most pictures now, though, and can definitely say with confidence that I’m pretty. Now I just have to get my husband to take more pictures. He hates them. Pretty sure it’s not a body image thing for him, though. He just hates to ask people to take our picture. We’re working on it.
Awww you are gorgeous!!! LOVE all of the photos!
I wouldn’t say I’m camera shy, but I don’t like being caught off-guard (which is probably true of most people.) A lot of the members of my mum’s family are camera shy and it drives me crazy when we’re at big family events because they never take any photos, or want to be photographed.
I LOVED this post girl! And you were and still ARE gorgeous
Ah! I love the neon outfit in the pic with you and your mom. It screams early 90s.
Can’t believe you put all those pictures up. Very cool. We were sooooo 80′s lol!!!
While in gymnastics you always had a great self image, I guess you had to find yourself without gymnastics.
Love this post.
Great pics! The one of you and your bro is so cute, and the ones of you and your Mom are great!
I pretty much like most pictures of myself. Kind of the same as your story, was a total ham when I was little, went through a very awkward, insecure phase where I hated my looks, but came into my own in high school and haven’t looked back! Sure, there’s still the occasional picture that I think was maybe taken at a bad angle or something, but for the most part I’m happy when I see a shot of me.
I’m loving these photos! You were so cute.
Whether I like being in front of my camera depends on the mood I’m in. I usually don’t mind as much as I did a year ago though.
You really know how to smile with your eyes. Smizing I believe it’s called?
It’s not conceited to say you are pretty. It’s confidence, and it’s an entirely different and BEAUTIFUL thing. I love the photos, too! The 80s … yeah … good times!
I think you look gorgeous in your photos. Now your brother with the hair…wow. LOL.
I am not photogenic at all – I have a hard problem taking a decent picture.
Awwe such cute pictures! You’re absolutely gorgeous.
I love being in front of the camera but I’m camera shy when I’m actually “modeling”. My boyfriend’s a photographer and will take pictures while we’re in a park or something and I feel awakward when I’m by myself. At least until I warm up to it lol
this is great… you ARE pretty. I like the last photos, you look great with darker hair!
I’m so glad you got your pretty back!
Everyone has something to feel and be confident about, and that is in no way being conceited.
You were a cute kid – how fun to grow up around the photography biz.
I wish I grew up in the 80s! Haha, this photos are so great! You were such a little model. And, wow…you have changed so much. Such a beautiful woman…not only on the outside, but the inside too. It seems like you have a strong head on your shoulders. Your blog is by far my favorite. Yeah, I just claimed that I have a favorite blog. Never thought that would be possible!
Holy 80′s throwback!
That’s so great that you have all those memories of yourself during the stages of your life. And your absolutely right, you ARE beautiful
so these pictures are absolutely priceless! You’re such a little trendy girl – love it!
I’m don’t shy away, but I don’t go for the camera either! I’m usually critical of pics of myself – hate that i’m that way!
Girl, you are damn pretty!! I loved this post. I grew up around the same time you did and have so many pictures of me sporting the same awesome 80′s clothes and hairdo’s. At the time I thought I was the coolest, most rockin chick ever. It is totally unfortunate that so many of us lose that inner feeling of coolness and confidence. I’m glad you’ve been able to finally realize how pretty you are again and feel good about saying that out loud. If I had a blog I would probably do the same thing. Maybe I’ll just post it on my Facebook account instead
Hi pretty girl!!
I love your old school photos! I’ve always been a ham. There are far too many pictures of my sister and I “modeling”..complete with the fan, and a sheet taped to the wall for a backdrop. Lots of props. Lots of glasses, and bushy eyebrows, but also lots of smiles and fun and innocence. I hope I have little girls that do the same thing one day!
Great post! I love all the old pictures!
I’m not really camera shy, but definitely don’t have the desire to pose that I used to
i am IN LOVE with these pictures. the one of you and your brother is PRICELESS! you are seriously the cutest person ever, i love this post!
It kills me how much you’ve changed over the years! Some people don’t change all that much but I know I did and it never fails to freak me out to look at photos of myself even from 5 years ago. I don’t care to be infront of the camera all that much either. I love that you do ‘flashback friday’s'!
Have a good weekend! Boomer Sooner
I’m getting closer and closer to the “like me in pictures” days. I’m still seeing the overweight momma most times, and I admit, that’s horrible. But you know what I’ve noticed? It’s the pictures where I’m not 100% comfortable or happy. For instance, if you look at my reunion pictures, where I’m super happy to be with people I adore and haven’t seen in years…I’m pretty damn hot. LOL But, when I’m feeling icky or just haven’t put any effort into myself (meaning taking the time to do my hair and makeup – and I NEVER overdo it) I can tell and I look…well…frumpy.
By the way…LOVE the acid wash jeans.
And I must say, for a, what – 6 or 7 year old – I would hope you wouldn’t have that sexy look down. 
My niece danced up on my car door the other day…totally shocked the heck out of me. She’s 6 and droppin’ it like it’s hot. AWKWARD! You’ve got it down now, lady, that’s for sure! 
You totally were totally an adorable 80′s queen… there is just too much 80′s awesomeness to comment on.. acid washed jeans… hard rock cafe shirt… semi-mullets… I LOVE IT & WANT TO HAVE AN 80s PARTY RIGHT NOW!
I’m jealous off all your glamour shots… I would have loved doing “photo shoots” growing up… heck I’d love to do them now. I’m a photo hog.
Those were the best pics ever! You look exactly the same as when you were younger, no way you would never not guess that was you! And you’re not only pretty you’re gorgeous!
I think that once you started seeing pictures of yourself like the ones towards the end, your standards freakin sky rocketed! Holy crap, girl, if I had photos of myself that looked like that I know for sure I would start getting pretty damn picky too!
These pictures are too cute! I love that 101 Dalmations swimsuit – I’m pretty sure I had one just like it!
these are pretty effing amazing. i wish you lived in SC!
LOVED this post! Such a great reminder of how we should think back to when we were younger, before (at least for me) the self-consciousness of puberty started me really criticizing myself in pictures. I used to be pretty camera shy, and now I’m not – just because it makes me sad that there are SO many months/years of my life I was ashamed and there are no pictures of me then!
And yes, you ARE beautiful!
I love this post and I love your pictures! You are gorgeous! I would like to say that I like taking pictures of myself but I don’t. I used to all the time but I am not confident with the way I look. I would like to get to that point. I want to believe that I am beautiful. It is hard to get to that point.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this. oh man, your brother had to be an 80s heart throb with that hair! the mother/daughter shots are my favorite. you guys must have so much fun together
your reflections are great, as usual. and you have learned so much about yourself over the years. i appreciate you sharing that with us because i know we can all relate!
you are gorgeous, inside and out!
your pictures are beautiful!!
being happy and liking what you see in the mirror and in pictures can really change everything ..and bring so much positivity to your life
as women i feel like we go through ups and downs but its really great that you are happy with yourself. its the best gift you can give yourself
I adore every single one of these pictures! I adore your ‘tude in the second one. And the hardcore 80s one of you and your bro is so classic. Seriously, this is amazing!
I don’t think I’ve ever had huge confidence in front of a camera except when I was pretty darn young. Now I’m rarely even really exposed to cameras, well obviously except for the food but they usually stay aimed at the food. The only time I’m alright with a camera being in my face is if it’s me taking the picture (so no one ever has to see if it’s dreadful) or if there is booze involved. Liquid courage? Ha. But typically when I see pictures of myself I reeeeeally dislike most of them. And then I feel bummed out and think, “is that how I really look?” Sad, I know. I’m hoping someday I’ll be more comfortable around cameras and with candids of myself. I don’t like feeling awkward getting my picture taken or thinking i’m terribly unphotogenic, that’s no fun! Thanks for throwing out this awesome message though, I’ll gain your camera confidence one of these days
You are beautiful.
.
As I’ve gotten healthier in the head, I tend to like pictures of myself, too! It’s pretty freeing
How cute were you?
I am not camera shy but don’t really like looking at the pics I have taken.
Lady, your photos are TOO cute!
I’m not camera shy but I definitely like or dislike photos if I’m not feeling confident about my bod.
Lately, I’m loving pics of myself, but that’s because since I started exercising, I see a strong body that can DO things.
I love the pictures! What an awesome blast from the past! That picture of you in the pink shirt is adorable… I’m pretty sure we had those same chairs (and little table!).
I know what you mean about going through a phase of being camera shy. Sometimes I still see a picture and instantly hate it and have to take a second look to realize I was being too hard on myself. I’m glad that you were able to overcome your insecurities and see yourself for the beautiful person you are!
You are so brave to post all those pictures of yourself! I don’t think I’d have the stomach to reveal pictures of my younger self online.
Ah, you were definitely a ham! Adorable though. And that awkward stage? Definitely went through it except that I would NOT pose in front of a camera. In fact, I have no pictures of myself from pretty much grade 3-9. Awkward stage didn’t start until around grade 6 but the not liking myself was there for a long time. Now I’m more comfortable being in front of a camera and even enjoy it.
Haha! Love you in all the 80s gear.
And you are so gorgeous in those like senior shot looking pictures. I love them. You’re even more gorgeous now. 
ah, i love all the pictures! I was def like that when I was a kid but as soon as I hit around the age of 8 or 9 something happened and pictures were not as wanted.
as of now i don’t mind taking pictures but there are certainly inspections done thereafter and then the idea of if they’re good or bad comes around.
I love all the photos of you…you should entitle this the Evolution of Lisa!
I like to be behind the camera because I am overly critical of myself and usually don’t like the way I look in photos.
those early pictures are priceless! i love to hear you say that you are pretty! it is NOT at all conceited and i wish more women could say it!
You ARE pretty!!
Say it to yourself all the time!! 
Believe it, you are not conceited, you are healthy and loving yourself and that is AWESOME!! 
Whoa! You were quite the model – whenever I try to pose or do a model face I FAIL! Haha.
Never knew that you wanted to be a model.
You sure are pretty!
I typically don’t like how I look in photos…I’m definitely my own worst critic. Something I’m working on.
You’re gorgeous! Your kid pictures are hilarious
It’s so awesome to see everyone’s progession!! You really are stunning now and it’s so nice to hear you too believe you’re pretty! And I love to be able to think the same about myself — most of the time that is!
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