Manners Monday: Sharing Photos of Others

The past couple of weeks, my Manners Monday posts have come about as the result of those who choose to communicate in a way that lacks manners and common courtesy via social media. You'll remember my last post was about Sharing Good News with Others and today's post on taking and sharing photos of others was inspired by a Facebook status I read of an acquaintance this morning.

I like to laugh and let's face it, people in general can do some pretty silly things and can dress in really unique ways sometimes. While I'll often pass by someone on the street and and think what they're wearing makes a really bold statement or visit a client who adores her newly painted neon orange office, it is not mine nor anyone else's job to judge others or point out what we feel is horrible taste. When I opened my Facebook page this morning, I saw a post that read, "....and we're not even at Walmart yet!" It was a photo of a woman (who was a complete stranger to my acquaintance) in a very unflattering outfit with gladiator sandals that had material that spanned the majority of her calf, a super tight romper and hair all teased out with a headband that had a massive flower attached. While I admit it was somewhat amusing and I know her intent was to spark some Monday morning humor and comments, this is the equivalent to gossiping, but in photo form. Sharing unflattering photos or information with others is not at all classy or ladylike.

There are many who feel that because they own a camera or smartphone and have taken it upon themselves to take a photo that they have a license to share it with others or post it, regardless of how the one being photographed might feel. If you want to take a photo of someone or something that belongs to that someone, such as their pet or their super cute baby, it is always best to ask permission first. If you wouldn't feel comfortable explaining why you want to take their photo, it probably means you should slip that camera back into your handbag and focus on something else.

Maybe you've spent the day with friends or family and many will eagerly be awaiting the photos from a fun-filled event on various sites such as Facebook or perhaps via Instagram. If you see a particularly unflattering photo of someone but you look amazing in it, don't post the photo as tempting as it may be. Crop everyone else out of the picture and post it with just yourself if you must, but do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. Be respectful with photos and don't make people look ridiculous when you know that is not a good representation of them.

As always when you're sharing images via social media such as Facebook where you have the ability to tag others, don't do it unless you ask the other people if they would like to be tagged or until they ask you to tag them. More {HERE}on tagging and Facebook Etiquette. When it comes to minors and small children, make sure you have the parents' permission before posting, for safety reasons.

Also, be mindful that if you are meeting a newborn baby of a friend or family member for the first time (perhaps immediately after the delivery) that it is not a good idea to begin posting photos online. It is a precious and momentous occasion for the happy parents and they will want to announce to the world via photos their bundle of joy, don't beat them to the punch and steal their thunder, unless they've asked you to do so on their behalf for a particular reason.

Has anyone ever posted a photo of you that you were horrified to discover or without your permission? What are YOUR thoughts on photo sharing?

XO




*Photo Credit

Life is Like a Camera

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"Life is like a camera, just focus on what's important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don't work out, just take another shot." ~unknown

I just love this quote, it really makes me think about life. It's so easy to get distracted sometimes by minutia or an overwhelming amount of background noise, I need to focus more on only what is important and block out the rest.

This photo makes me realize that once again this year I've taken far too few photos. I need to change that. I really have no excuse now with my relatively new iPhone. It has actually come in really handy while shopping and while meeting with clients. I also recently signed up with Instagram to encourage me to take more candid photos of everyday life on the go.

Do you have a cherished, favorite photo in your home? Maybe it's from your wedding day, the day your baby was born, from a fun trip or with a special friend. I'd love to hear about it! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

XO

Feature Friday: Practical Tips For EVERY Woman

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Ladies, it's Friday already! Can you believe it? This past week I finally got a chance to catch up with my blog reading, after spending last week away with my hubby in Sarasota. I couldn't help but share these wonderful posts with you all!

There are some skills in life that I know nearly every woman is trying to become better at. And sometimes we've come to a point where we feel like we've perfected something only to find a new and better way of doing things. Here are 3 that I felt would be relevant and fun for you all to read. Enjoy!

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1. Picture Taking Tips:  While this post isn't a complete handbook on the art of photography, it does allow all of us ladies with just a regular ol' digital camera to learn some great tips on improving our picture taking skills and getting sharper, more beautiful images. Ashley over at Domestic Fashionista did a lovely write up of how to master the art of your little camera and it's filled with beautiful photos of her recent trip.

Click on her Photo Taking Tips for those of us Without Big Expensive Cameras to see more! Thanks Ashley, I'm going to spend some time with my camera this weekend. :)

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1. Three Ways to Pin Down Your Design Style: I don't know of a single woman who can say that she has completely perfected her design style. If you're out there-my sincere congrats!-for the rest, here is an interesting post that shows you three distinct ways to determine your design style. The post is more about how to pull everything that you love into your home's design scheme vs. trying to identify with a particular style name that sums up your overall decor style.While knowing that you like eclectic, french country or vintage modern style can be good, labeling it may not always be the most effective way to achieve the home of your dreams.

Sherry and John of Young House Love provide a fabulous post here that everyone is sure to learn from or even confirm that you are going about discovering it the right way. Click on the link to discover your Design Style. Sherry and John's blog is filled with useful design and home tips, they never disappoint!

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3. Home Truths Your Guests Won't Tell You: I loved this last post because not only was it well written but it was also kinda funny too. The point about the bathtub made me laugh! :) It's all about the little things your guests will never tell you about with regards to your home or the guest room that you've provided for them! Save yourself some embarrassment this summer while entertaining guests by reading this post by Struggling to be Stylish.

If you are relatively new to this blog you may not have had a chance to see the post I wrote on the Etiquette for Hosting House Guests. This would be a great accompaniment to the article above.

Now if you're someone who spends any time at all staying overnight at the homes of your dear family and friends, you'll want to get all the goods on How to Be the Perfect House Guest.

I hope you find these posts to be as fun and informative as I did.

Happy Weekend!

xo