Valentine’s Day has always been a bit of a social divider. Some people love the sweet ambition of a lover’s day, while others greet the day with a cynical eye.
This Valentine’s Day, I invite you to think about a favorite quite of mine: “We accept the love we think we deserve.” Taken from the coming of age story Perks of Being a Wallflower, the quote provides a meaningful reminder that love is not just about Hallmark cards and chocolate. It’s also not just about romantic love.
Love comes in many sizes and forms, from a bewildering diversity of directions. Love feels differently when it comes on a Tuesday, it sounds different when it’s foggy. Part of what is glorious about love is how it changes us and makes us grow as individuals.
Many of us have complicated relationships with who we are. Sometimes we see ourselves as not being enough physically; sometimes intellectually; sometimes we just feel that we haven’t accomplished enough. It’s a human trait to never be fully satisfied with our own identity in the moment.
This Valentine’s Day, I want you to accept love. Not just the love that you think you deserve, but more. Accept love from yourself, from your friends and family and lover(s).
Taking a photo is an act of love. It’s a documentation of what is real and present; a chance to capture a specific detail or moment. A newborn baby; a happy couple; the way rain trickles off a tin roof – all are aspects of life that lovable in their own way. Through photography, these loved moments can be preserved forever.
Being the subject of a photograph can be intimidating. It can be a place of insecurity, and a chance to feel unworthy.
Being photographed is also a chance to accept who you are, to let love in. It can be incredibly empowering and be a chance to see elements of yourself that you didn’t know existed.
This Valentine’s Day, capture the love that exists in your life.
