I’m relatively active on social media and I believe use it in the way it was intended. To connect with people personally and socially. I have been accused by some people of exposing myself and my family “too much”. I know we are not living in a “safe” world – I am not blind to the risks at all. I believe social media is a tool (like any) that can do good or evil (positive or negative) if you will – depending on who’s hands the tool falls into.
My purpose for taking and posting photos is never to expose anyone. In fact, I have an agreement with my children that at any time they can ask me to remove any image and/or not post it at all. Sometimes they ask me not to post a certain photo when I ask them if it’s ok to post or not.
My purpose of taking a photo of ANYONE – clients or not – are to affirm them, to make them feel good about themselves, to help them see another angle of themselves, to lead them to a better acceptance of themselves, for them to grow in their love for themselves. I like posting images of people to help them see their own beauty, their own uniqueness, their reflection. So many of our efforts are to hide from who we are, hide from our appearance, hide from being seen in the world. So much of it comes from how we were programmed by our parents, society, our upbringing. Our past shapes so much of our distortions.
This is a picture of my mum – ever shy and low in self esteem – her beauty is truly seen by everyone but herself. I will continue with my rebellion against what brakes people down. I will continue to capture and share beautiful images of people who are willing to allow me that priviledge. My purpose is simple: to help people see themselves again.
Yours in capturing YOU, Leonie
