Out in the Wild

Oh, outfit photos. The daily trek to my porch, or to the local scenic spot where I set up the tripod and get to snapping photos. It's really not a problem...until other people decide they want to get involved! Holly Dolly calls them "Creepers".  Jen from A Little Bird Told Me calls this experience the "secret shame" of the outfit blogger. I've only been blogging since March, and I have already enjoyed a number of outfit photo shoot humiliations.

My porch is fairly secluded, so I don't get a lot of watchers there, though I did recently surprise some repair men. However, on days I know I can't get home before dusk, I run to the park down the street from my office for a mid-day photo shoot. There are always other folks in the park, which is fine, parks are public space and all, but a lot of folks seem to be very interested in just what exactly I am photographing.

The usual suspects are vaguely employed middle aged men, and I suspect these are the "creepers" to whom Holly refers. They see what I am up to and straight up watch. Sometimes they offer tips, which would not result in the type of photographs appropriate for this blog. I have found that the best method here is to ignore them; my requests to be left alone are met with vitriol and vehemence (Don't get me started on why some men seem to think that womens' whole purpose in life is to stroll around, smile, and flirtingly respond whenever we are spoken to, no matter who the speaker is and what the comment may be).


Lest we get too bleak, however, there are a number of normal, friendly people who are just curious about what I'm doing. "What are you taking pictures of?", people will often ask, as if there is something really cool just past me, like synchronized swimming geese or a rabbit village. Sometimes I tell them. Sometimes I don't. It sounds a little narcissistic to say that I am taking photos of myself, and maybe it is? Though the topic of the narcissistic nature of blogging can be discussed another day....

Sometimes, after I've admitted I'm a fashion blogger, women or girls will chat with me for a few minutes about their favorite shops and styles, and this friendly repartee is always wonderful. These few conversations more than make up for the creepers! And at the top of the list of Things I Have Learned Since Blogging, is this lesson: to be unabashedly me. Maybe I'm weird, but I am happy this way! Bloggers, what are your outfit photo experiences? Readers, what would you think if you saw someone randomly taking photos of themselves? Would you approach them?

Top: Forever 21

Jeans: Gap

Necklace: Shop Calico

Ring: Shop Calico

Shoes: Franco Sarto

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunglasses: Michael Kors (similar)

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