Strike a Pose

You just need to exist in your own story

Recently in our Sewcial Sparkle sessions

(Online zoom sessions for fabric and sewing lovers, hosted by me, Sam bringer of Sparkle)

“Putting yourself out there” has come up a lot and so I wanted to look at some of the reasons why we don’t post that picture on instagram, some tips for just doing it and also why it’s ok to just take pictures just for you.

SEWCIAL SPARKLE

I’ve never been particularly photogenic and I’m always the one in the group photo pulling a weird face.

Since I’ve started vlogging and regularly posting on instagram as Sew let’s Sparkle with Sam, getting the perfect shot has never been easy.

First there is the imposter syndrome… why would anyone want to look at a picture of me?

This middle aged woman, in her slightly out there sense of style with a heavy side of children’s TV presenter.

Then there’s the lack of confidence….. I don’t look like I did 30 years ago when I would happily twirl in front of any camera that popped itself in front of me with complete freedom and abandon.

Plus zero photographic skills…. I didn’t know one end of a camera from another and despite my love of Stargazing, the sun would often become my nemesis in photos.

What do I do with my arms….. I was constantly seeing confident creators striking a pose and looking fabulous and I felt like an awkward octopus.

Plus we’ve got the do I smile, not smile…. I just ended up looking like I was about to sneeze.

How to Take a Great Picture

6 Simple Tips

The sun is wonderful… but also slightly rude.

Stand facing a window indoors or head outside during softer light times like morning or early evening.

Avoid standing directly under blazing midday sunshine unless you want to look like you’re being interrogated by MI5.

You do not need to become a full-time fashion model.

Walk towards the camera.

Twirl.

Look at your fabric.

Adjust your sleeve.

Laugh at yourself.

Movement makes photos feel natural and takes away the “what do I do with my arms?” panic.

Seriously.

Nobody posts all 73 blurry ones where their eyes are closed and they resemble a windswept potato.

Good photos usually hide amongst the chaos.

Confidence photographs beautifully.

Whether that’s dopamine brights, vintage glamour, bold prints or full-on children’s TV presenter sparkle…

If you feel happy in it, it shows.

You don’t need a fancy studio setup.

Some of my favourite photos have been taken next door in Barbara’s garden with my tripod balanced precariously while I attempt a dramatic twirl amongst the flowers while trying to not fall in the pond.

Barbara’s garden has become a bit of a regular character on my Instagram at this point.

Very English country garden.

Very cottagecore.

Very “please ignore me while I spin near your hydrangeas.”

A lovely backdrop can help you feel more confident and adds a little storytelling magic to your photos.

It could be:

• a colourful wall

• your sewing room

• a local park

• your fabric shelves

• or your own version of Barbara’s garden.

The important thing is finding somewhere that feels joyful and you.

This one matters.

Not every photograph needs to go on Instagram.

Some pictures are just for you.

To remember the dress you finally finished.

The fabric you fell in love with.

The version of yourself who felt brave that day.

Those memories matter too.

At the End of the Day…..

Social media can sometimes make it feel like we’re all competing in some strange never-ending highlight reel.

But your photos don’t need to be perfect.

You don’t need thousands of followers.

You don’t need to look 25 forever.

You just need to exist in your own story.

So take the picture.

Even if it feels awkward.

Even if your fringe is misbehaving.

Even if you don’t post it.

Because one day you’ll look back and see not the flaws…

but the joy, the creativity and the sparkle.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I think Barbara’s roses are ready for another photoshoot…

Don’t forget to Sparkle

Sam