A picture is worth a thousand words..right?
The explosion of Instagram, Pinterest, photos shared on Twitter, Facebook, and yes, even on LinkedIn demonstrate that yes, pictures draw us in. But do they always tell the right story? An authentic one? Candid shots are my favorite -- those that capture the moment as it is, not how we position it to appear to be.
Smile for the camera. Why? Because the moment is a happy one or because I want it to appear to be..? Ok -- perhaps this is all a bit too cynical, I know. Can we at least agree that pictures shape perception and well, sometimes that perception is staged? Here's what I would challenge us with this day:
Capture the moment as it is. Perhaps it's not a picture you would publish or share but use the power of the candid photo to motivate you to do better, capture a great moment, correct what's broken, keep going or remember why you're doing the work.
Be authentic. Don't share photos that misrepresent the truth. Don't pose for the camera when it misleads the viewer into thinking something is true when it isn't.
Be responsible sharers. I've said it before, but don't pimp out your clients or those you serve to pump yourselves up. Be careful about sharing the picture of you delivering a turkey dinner to a struggling family. If you serve others, don't nullify your humble servitude for a quick atta-boy-photo-grab. And in general, get permission before sharing pics of others.
Pictures are powerful but let's strive to capture authentic moments, share when appropriate and share responsibly.
-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP
