Growing up my dad always called me “Butterball.” I think it was meant to be a term of endearment, but I’m pretty sure he may as well have been calling me “chunky butt” because that’s how I interpreted it. Also, I was always the “roundest” of my siblings. In fact, my tiny, petite mom always tells me I get “esas patas” (those legs) of mine from my dad’s side of the family.
On the other end of the spectrum, my mom always tells me how photogenic I am. We’ll be looking at pictures and it never fails:
Mami: Oh, look how beautiful you are in the picture. You’re so photogenic.
Me: Thanks, Mami.
Mami: Did I ever tell you about how you were chosen by a children’s modeling agency because you were so photogenic?
Me: Yes, Mami.
Mind you, I don’t ever actually ask my mom why she didn’t actually sign me with them. I suspect it had to do with money, but I really don’t want to get into why I was never made into a child star so I could makes lots of money, become my parents’ boss, throw it all away on candy, Barbies, theme parks, and the eventual drugs and alcohol that always follow, then burn out at the young age of 16 and have to check myself into rehab. No, I don’t want to discuss these missed opportunities. So instead I change the subject.
Also, I don’t want to point out to her that I’ve already deleted all of the pictures where I had a double chin. Of course she thinks I’m photogenic. 🙂
So what does this have to do with the yoga photo shoot that we got for completing the 30-day yoga challenge? Well, let’s just say it reinstated my mom’s decision to not have me model. Because I pretty much suck at it. Sadly, dreams of becoming a 30-year old, short, plus-sized model are over. It’s a good thing I kept the ol’ day job.
Apparently I’m most photogenic when taking casual photos in a large group. But make me stand by myself in my spandex yoga clothes and tell me to strike a pose and I freeze and panic. Why did I think we were doing a group photo? Why hadn’t I practiced at home in front of a mirror? Why were all of these girls so skinny and bendy?
I felt so uncomfortable in my skin, which is weird since after many, many years with this body, I’ve become quite comfy in it. What can I say? I was out of my element and I still have my moments.
I managed to only strike two poses, because suddenly I forgot everything I have learned in yoga. Out of the 11 photos our wonderful studio owner sent us, I only will be showing you the two below. That’s because I’ve already deleted the other nine pics and want you to think I’m naturally photogenic.
I do love these two pics a lot, and am super happy I didn’t run out of the room without getting photos taken, which is what I really wanted to. At the end of the day, I did something that scared me and two good photos came from it.
Thanks to Christine at Full Circle Yoga for organizing the challenge and all of its wonderful prizes! I look forward to taking the challenge again next year, and practicing for the photo shoot in front of the mirror beforehand. 🙂
When was the last time you did something that scared you?
I Sweat Pretty 
I saw the pics on facebook last night and I think you look awesome! It takes guts to do that and you were really brave to participate. I hate having my picture taken!
Thanks, Victoria! Will I see you tonight?
Aww, you look gorgeous! I love the second one, the look on your face is so peaceful but determined. You make one heck of a yogi!
Thanks, Faith!
I’m taking my picture on Sunday & still have no clue what pose to do. Ahhhh!
I’m here to help!
Here’s a bunch of poses: http://thechive.com/2009/05/08/sexy-yoga-photo-gallery-25-photos/ 🙂