"I hate pictures of myself"

Your weight and body are not the problem - it’s the idea that you need to love and look “perfect” in every picture you take✨🫶

Pictures are really tough, especially when struggling with negative body image. I remember YEARS of avoiding pictures, hiding behind others or my stomach, and staring at old photos of myself for hours and thinking, “I thought I was fat then?!”. It sucks to feel this way and miss out of saving memories. It sucks even more to not feel comfortable or confident in your body, spending HOURS to get ready, only to leave the house more self conscious than before. It makes sense you are feeling this way when we are living in a society of Facetune, photoshop, and filters. We are constantly hit with pictures of “pretty people” on social media - how could you not compare yourself?

Your weight and body are not the problem - it’s the idea that you need to love and look “perfect” in every picture you take. You deserve and CAN feel comfortable and confident in your body and pictures - at any weight or size.

Here are 4 reasons we have a harder time with pictures than the mirror:

1. Perception and distortion: When we look at ourselves in the mirror, we often see the familiar, mirrored reflection of our face. Pictures show the non-mirrored version. This is also why the front vs back camera or some apps may distort our perception of our face/ body. This perception can lead to a sense of unfamiliarity and discomfort when looking at pictures. Thanks, Zuckerberg (only kidding, please don’t come for me Mark).

2. Familiarity bias: When we see a picture, it may present a slightly different perspective or capture moments that we are not used to seeing. This can make us feel less comfortable or satisfied with our appearance in those images. For example, if you can see your side profile, something you don’t typically see, this may affect your feelings about the picture and your body.

3. Self-judgment: We may scrutinize our perceived flaws or focus on aspects that we are insecure about. The act of being photographed can also make us more aware of our appearance, leading to heightened self-awareness and self-criticism. Ever ZOOOOM way in to different parts of your body and just tear yourself apart? That’s definitely a #fun way to boost self-esteem.

Obviously, I’m joking. Over analyzing yourself in pictures can easily turn into a rabbit hole. Shift the focus to experiences and relationships: Instead of solely focusing on your appearance in pictures, shift your attention to the experiences and relationships captured in those moments. Value the memories, emotions, and connections associated with the picture rather than solely critiquing your physical appearance.

4. Posing: Photographs often capture specific moments, expressions, or angles that may not reflect our best or preferred appearance. When we pose for photographs, we may try to present ourselves in a certain way, which can create a sense of self-consciousness and result in less natural or authentic expressions.

I always thought influencers took 1 picture and it was *perfection*. I hated taking pictures and felt embarrassed because, “I could never look like the models or influencers I see in IG”. Then, I started following photographers like @davidsuhphoto and my mind was blown. He shows how people move through poses, make slight pose adjustments, etc. People take HUNDREDS of pictures to find the *right* one to post. I guarantee that even Emily Ratajkowski has pics of herself she doesn’t like - and she’s a whole ass supermodel (and an author, podcast host, actress, and mom #feminism).

Accepting New Clients!

Are you a busy professional who wants to eliminate stress with food, feel accepting of your body, and are tired of always trying to find the “right” way to diet? What if I told you I have a 12 week framework that would guarantee improved body image, feeling more physically and mentally pleasant, feel more satisfied after eating, all without having to do crazy diets or restrictions, click below to learn more! I only have 5 spots left!

Abbey Roberts Counseling LLC is an inclusive telehealth nutrition practice that believes each client has their own unique experiences. Counseling services can be intimidating - I believe it's important to build a trusting relationship in which we can have a conversation, joke and laugh, and find a solution that works for you. I also love using resources from other mental health providers of various gender identities, body sizes, races, ethnicities, and cultures to help provide different perspectives. I primarily see clients for: digestive issues, eating disorders/ disordered eating, and body image issues.

Requesting an appointment or signing up for a group program does not lock you in. You will have a free 30 minute call with me to share your experience, what you are seeking support for, and to see if this is a good fit. I'm excited to meet you!

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