.awkard.

After posing for pictures for so many years...

...I still end up looking like this.

I am not embarrassed to show these goofy pictures on my blog and Instagram because I like to believe it shows I am having fun and don't always take this whole thing seriously. For that reason, it may come as a surprise that I still get really shy when it comes to taking pictures in public and it is something that I am constantly working on. I hope one day I get so confident that I make it on the influencersinthewild page. I'm partially kidding.

Since my confidence is not 100%, I want to share some things I like to keep in mind when taking pictures in public:

#1 Avoid the rush.
You can easily avoid the crowds by checking the Google profile for the place you are visiting and scrolling down to popular times on any given day. Introverts like myself love this feature! I'm a professional people dodger.

#2 Remember, this is the new norm!
People are always taking pictures in public now, especially the younger generation. Yes, I'm looking at you TikTokers! I feel that I see more people doing TikTok dances and taking pictures while waiting in line at Disneyland, at the store, on street, etc... They don't care if people are watching, so we shouldn't either! 

#3 What's the worst that can happen?
People generally do not care that you are taking pictures, as long as you are not doing anything disrespectful/inappropriate like standing on private property, or destroying wildlife. Maybe someone will shoot you a glance or two, but they will eventually turn the other way. If they are really staring, put on a show for them (jk?), or move to a different location until they go away.

#4 Have fun!
Body language is everything. If you feel awkward and shy it will reflect in your pictures! Relax and just have fun to showcase your most authentic self. Pretend the camera is your best friend, or better yet, have your best friend take your pictures. My husband is my official photographer, hence the goofy expressions and non-high-fashion-model poses in most of my pictures.

#5 Keep going 
I know I said that I still get shy when I take pictures in public, but I promise that after doing it for so long, I feel much better! I am not as self-conscious as I used to be. The only way to build up confidence is to keep striking poses without a care in the world!

I shopped my closet for this look and focused on wearing items I don't really wear, or have never worn before. This is part of my plan to consume less while being mindful of the things I already own. I wore a long-sleeve, collar blouse under this old knitted sweater and kept the blazer on for some of the pictures.  I purchased my white boots last year from Lulu's, so they are currently sold out. I was not planning on wearing so much green originally, but I think I like how this look turned out.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I appreciate all the love and support!

Much Love,
PerlaGiselle