Radio producer, David Isay, says that in a culture inundated with the stories of celebrities, we also need to be able to hear the voices of ordinary people, because their lives and contributions to society are no less important than anybody else’s.
Wow, what a concept, especially for those young people in our lives who are having a difficult time dealing with their body image.
Think what it would mean to be able to tell your son, daughter or family friend what it was like before you became more physically active.
For lack of a better term, were you overweight? Did you have a hard time going up the stairs because you used to smoke? Did the bullies in school make fun of you because of the way you looked?
Regardless of the reason(s) you are getting into better shape, make sure that you record your fitness history with before and after photo’s.
God created us in his image, so while you are working at becoming the image he created, use those before photo’s to motivate you in continuing to reach your health and fitness goals. Later you may find that the photo’s you take are just what a friend or close relative needs to see to get into better shape.
Somebody with a low self body image may think, “My body sucks, why couldn’t I have been born as physically fit as ______ (insert name in blank)”.
Having your own before and after shots can help motivate them to realize that they can also improve their own physiques. They don’t just have to sit and feel helpless. They don’t have to be stuck in the same body everyday.
Begin recording your fitness history today using simple photography technology. Consider helping someone else record their fitness history also. I agree with David Isay. There is great value in the stories of ordinary people.
Digital cameras and phones with cameras make picture taking very easy. You can save the pictures to your computer or to the web, which makes it easy to archive and share your photos. The photo management programs are generally simple to use and rather intuitive. If technology is not for you, and you don’t want to invest in a camera, then consider purchasing a preloaded 35mm film camera that can be recycled. Shoot the pictures and return the camera to get the film processed and prints made.
- To respect the privacy of others never take pictures in a locker room.
- Have someone else take pictures of you. You get a better result.
- Make sure you have good lighting.
- The focus should be on you. Keep the camera relatively close. This minimizes unnecessary clutter in the background.
- Take multiple shots. Digital cameras make this very affordable. Professional photo shoots often total hundred’s of photos from which only two or three photos will be selected to keep.
- Have fun. Don’t be afraid. Be in control of your photos both while shooting and in how you use them. The Christian faith perspectives of the photographer and the person being photographed can shape the physique photography they make.
Derek Beech holds an Associates Degree in Health & Nutrition and has authored a number of books related to this very same subject. Currently, he is working as a human resources manager and personal trainer in Campbell River, BC. Along with his wife he has competed in numerous bodybuilding competitions however, having placed first at the Northern Canadian Bodybuilding Championships earlier this year, he has now decided to take a couple of years off from the competitive scene in order to spend more time with his children, Chris (17) and Kaila (11). Contact him at derekbeech@hotmail.com or www.derekbeech.info Coming to Derek’s website- “Community Before & After” photos
Do you have a story to tell? Send Derek your before and after photo’s along with some brief history and he’ll post them so that others can be motivated.
