Vox

What Does Vox Look Like?

I have been lurking at the ME blog lately, just enjoying all their creative scrapbook pages. They post 'challenges' such as Scrap A Confession or You (NOW and THEN) which require a self portrait.

This has lead me to face the fact that I have next to no pictures of myself from the last 10 years or so. I actively avoid all cameras (SG used to joke that it was like I was in the witness protection program). I can't really think of any specific reason; though I have never thought of myself as especially photogenic, I don't consider my visage especially frightening, either. Pretty standard girl-next-door.

I am the youngest of 6 kids, which means there are very few baby pictures of me. My oldest brother, being first, was photographed every week. By the time they got to me it was more likely, "yeah, she took her first steps - now she'll be getting into stuff" - lol. I can only think of two baby pictures; me crying in a little Santa sleeper, me crying/laughing/making a face with my first birthday cake in front of me - oh, and this one. There are all the standard school photos, a few from Christmas morning, and in my sibling's weddings. The thing is, I wasn't photo shy back then. What happened?

Now, even the shots that do get taken, I find a way to cover my face, either at the time or in post production. I've shown you guys a cartoon version of me, and even a Vox doll from the doll maker. (I'll even update it for you)

Then tonight, as I was washing the makeup off, I looked in the mirror and realized I actually do like my face. It's no supermodel face, but it's a nice face - scars, wrinkles and all. I like that I see my mother, and my sisters, and my grandmothers in my features. I like that as I get older it is familiar and comfortable. I like that it is still a friendly face, open and approachable. So, if I like my face, shouldn't I be fine putting it on film?

Am I now going to rush out to the nearest portrait studio? ......er...probably not. But it is interesting to note that I feel more comfortable in my skin at censored years old than I did when I was 10 or 20 years younger. Hopefully that's a healthy step.

Posted by Vox at August 27, 2006 02:29 AM | TrackBack | personal