Body Image

slhall0822
slhall0822 Posts: 128 Member
in Motivation and Support
You know how when some women (or men) look in the mirror, they see a person that is much larger than they actually are? Well, I have the OPPOSITE problem. I look in the mirror and think DAMN, YOU LOOK GOOD. Then when I see a pic of myself, the camera tells me otherwise. I guess it's a good thing that I have a good self esteem... but then again, it has caused me to not really pay attention to my weight gain over the years until I step on the scale or see a picture of myself. Anyone else have the same problem?

Replies

  • rachellem3
    rachellem3 Posts: 24 Member
    I have the same problem. I thought i was the only one, glad to know i'm not alone.
  • alexbusnello
    alexbusnello Posts: 1,010 Member
    I'm mixed on this. Sometimes I look thin and my pictures look thin, some times I look bigger in the mirror and thin in the pictures or some times i look big in the mirror and big on camera.....it's weird for me....
  • MissFit0101
    MissFit0101 Posts: 2,382
    I'm the same way. Not necessarily in the weight aspect, but generally I just feel prettier when I look in the mirror than when I see a picture of myself.
  • penrbrown
    penrbrown Posts: 2,685 Member
    YES! I always think I look fantastic in the mirror but then when I see pictures I think: HOLY CRAP I'M HUGE!!!!

    It's the weirdest disconnect and I have no idea what's up with that.

    Does the camera add 10lbs? Do I just think too highly of myself? What is it?
  • danamariers
    danamariers Posts: 155 Member
    I think many people have that mentality right before they think they are super big (at least for me)- I spent a lot of time thinking, "wow-that person is way out of shape. At least I'm not like that" and then you see a picture and compare it to when you were taking care of yourself and you realize that you've accumulated a few extra chins or set of breasts on your back...
  • JULIEdance
    JULIEdance Posts: 139 Member
    I'm mixed on this. Sometimes I look thin and my pictures look thin, some times I look bigger in the mirror and thin in the pictures or some times i look big in the mirror and big on camera.....it's weird for me....

    This.
  • sarahg148
    sarahg148 Posts: 701 Member
    It all depends on angles and lighting...which is why I look terrible in pics lately. :wink: Oh...plus the extra 20 lbs...
  • IronMikeFox
    IronMikeFox Posts: 458
    I sort of have a similar problem. When I see myself in a mirror I think I look disgusting. Then, when I see a picture of myself, I'm like, "God I'm even grosser than I thought!"
  • Nessiechickie
    Nessiechickie Posts: 1,392 Member
    I think I'm much prettier in person and it is hard to get a picture that actually makes me look good.
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    This is why taking progress pics is such a good idea. Yes, even us guys go through this. I look at my pics from a year ago and I think "wow, and I thought I looked good!" lol.
  • Zicon
    Zicon Posts: 27
    Trust the mirror. The camera lies. The four pictures below are all of the same cat, taken with the same camera -- just with different focal lengths.

    catfocallengths.jpg
  • slhall0822
    slhall0822 Posts: 128 Member
    Good to know I'm not alone I'm not sure why I have the disconnect either although I've often wondered. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a picture of myself and thought "who's the fat chick"? LOL. That's why I have taken official before pics and taped them on my treadmill. It is by far the best motivator I've found when I start to feel like quitting a workout early.
  • AmberJo1984
    AmberJo1984 Posts: 1,067 Member
    With me, I have a poor self-image in the mirror and the camera. People tell me I'm losing weight... and that I look good... but, I can't see it no matter what.
  • kelbax22
    kelbax22 Posts: 48 Member
    I am the same way usually. I look in the mirror and think I look good and then when I see full body pics, I am so sad!!
  • AmberJo1984
    AmberJo1984 Posts: 1,067 Member
    Trust the mirror. The camera lies. The four pictures below are all of the same cat, taken with the same camera -- just with different focal lengths.

    catfocallengths.jpg

    I love these type of pics.... It definitely does proof that the camera lies.
  • Wuggums
    Wuggums Posts: 339 Member
    When I was 150+ pounds heavier, I never thought of myself as "obese" and felt like I was in pretty good shape for a big girl. But now, I have horrible body image and self esteem issues. I look in the mirror and still see the same 350+ pound girl. I think a ton of it has to do with the excess skin I have. Before I meet someone new, I feel like I have to tell them about my weight loss, because I'm afraid I'll be a disappointment to them when they see me in person. No matter how much someone tells me I look great, I have a very hard time believing it. I think it just takes a long time for the mind to catch up with the body...I'm getting there.

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