Cork women encouraged to 'Get in the Picture' as part of nationwide movement

The Get in the Picture campaign is back for its fourth year on August 19. Here its Cork founder SHARON HUGGARD, Body confidence and style coach, tells us more about the movement
Cork women encouraged to 'Get in the Picture' as part of nationwide movement

Sharon Huggard founder of Get in the Picture. Posing as 'Director Debbie'. See below. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography

In 2022, Get In The Picture started as a local campaign and two years later it is the confidence movement sweeping the nation.

It is dedicated to empowering women to confidently come out from hiding behind the camera and celebrate who they are, just as they are.

Let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of shying away from photos. I hid from the camera for decades, but no more! It’s time to celebrate ourselves. EveryBODY is worthy.

I have created five fun Get In the Picture Archetypes™ to help you see yourself in a new light. Which one resonates with you?

Sharon posing as 'Selfie Samantha'. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography
Sharon posing as 'Selfie Samantha'. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography

Selfie Samantha: The Social Media Queen

The Instagram darling who’s always ready for her close-up. Samantha loves capturing the perfect shot, whether it’s a stunning selfie, a glamorous group photo, or an artistic flat lay.

Her Instagram feed is a work of art, meticulously curated to reflect her vibrant personality.

Strengths: Samantha’s creativity and eye for aesthetics are truly remarkable. She knows how to work her angles, find the best lighting, and use filters to enhance her photos. Her online presence is a source of inspiration for many, showcasing her style, confidence and joie de vivre.

Struggles: However, the pressure to maintain a flawless image can be overwhelming. Samantha might spend hours editing photos and may feel stressed if a picture doesn’t get enough likes or positive comments.

This constant quest for perfection can lead to self-criticism and comparison.

In Real Life: At work, Samantha thrives in roles that involve marketing, branding, and social media management. Her ability to engage and inspire others with her visual storytelling is a powerful tool in the digital age. As a mom, she ensures each family moment is documented beautifully, though she might sometimes prioritise appearance over spontaneity.

Posing as 'Reluctant Rachel'. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography
Posing as 'Reluctant Rachel'. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography

Reluctant Rachel: The Shy Supporter

The shy, behind-the-scenes orchestrator who avoids the camera whenever possible. She is the one who volunteers to take the group photo, making sure everyone else looks great while she stays safely out of frame.

Strengths: Rachel’s empathy, reliability, and supportive nature make her a beloved team member and a nurturing presence in any group. She excels in creating a comfortable atmosphere and ensuring everyone feels included and valued.

Struggles: Rachel’s self-consciousness and reluctance to be in the spotlight can sometimes lead to feelings of invisibility and under-valuation. She often doubts her abilities and may miss opportunities to shine.

In Real Life: In the workplace, Rachel excels in supportive roles, such as administrative positions or project coordination. Her meticulous nature ensures that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. As a mom, she creates a comforting and secure environment for her children, though she might need encouragement to step into more visible roles at school events or family photos.

Director Debbie: The Perfectionist Planner

The mastermind behind every group shot, ensuring everything is perfectly arranged and everyone is looking their best. Her organisational skills shine through in her ability to co-ordinate people and settings for the ideal photo.

Strengths: Debbies’s leadership, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex scenarios are invaluable assets. She ensures no-one is left out and every picture tells a story.

Struggles: Debbies’s perfectionism can sometimes lead to stress and frustration when things don’t go as planned. She can be overly critical of how she and others appear in photos, which can detract from the enjoyment of the moment.

In Real Life: At work, Debbie thrives in managerial or directorial roles, where her efficiency and strategic thinking come to the fore. She is a natural leader who ensures goals are met and projects are completed to the highest standard.

As a mom, she runs a tight ship at home, ensuring routines and responsibilities are clear, though she may need to relax her standards to enjoy more spontaneous family moments.

Sharon as 'Photobomb Phoebe'. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography
Sharon as 'Photobomb Phoebe'. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography

Photobomb Phoebe: The Joyful Jokester

The fun-loving, spontaneous friend who brings joy and laughter to every picture. She’s the one who sneaks into shots with a big grin and a playful pose, adding a spark of humour and liveliness.

Strengths: Phoebe’s playful nature and infectious energy lift the spirits of everyone around her. She makes everyday moments memorable and ensures that every photo session is filled with fun and laughter.

Struggles: Phoebe’s light-hearted approach can sometimes be perceived as not taking things seriously enough, which might affect her credibility in more formal settings.

She might also struggle with maintaining consistency and discipline.

In Real Life: In the professional world, Phoebe excels in creative roles that benefit from her energy and enthusiasm.

She brings fresh ideas and a positive attitude to her work environment. As a mom, she makes everyday activities fun and engaging for her children, although she might need to work on maintaining consistency and discipline.

Posing as 'Candid Clara'. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography
Posing as 'Candid Clara'. Pictures: Anna Groniecka Photography

Candid Clara: The Authentic Advocate

She values authenticity and prefers natural, unposed photos that capture genuine moments. She’s the one who treasures the candid shots that tell the real story of an event, rather than the staged ones.

Strengths: Clara’s genuine approach to life and relationships fosters deep, meaningful connections. She values honesty and integrity, ensuring that her presence in photos is a true reflection of herself.

Struggles: Clara’s preference for authenticity can sometimes make her sensitive to criticism and resistant to anything that feels inauthentic. She might resist participating in photos that feel staged or artificial.

In Real Life: At work, Clara thrives in roles that prioritise sincerity and integrity, such as counselling, coaching, teaching or social work. Her ability to connect on a genuine level is highly valued. As a mom, she encourages open communication and honest expression within her family, though she might struggle with societal expectations that feel superficial.

By recognising and celebrating all of these women, the campaign aims to promote self-awareness, body positivity, and the joy of capturing life’s moments in a way that feels true to you. The goal is to empower women to embrace their unique styles and understand that they are enough just as they are. It’s about celebrating our diverse ways of being, showing up in the world, and, most importantly, being visible in our own stories. You are the story.

So, next time you’re faced with a camera, choose to get in the picture with confidence and pride. After all, every photo tells a story, and it’s time to tell yours. Let’s stop erasing our history and start celebrating our presence. You are enough, just as you are.

Join the ‘Get In The Picture’ movement on instagram by following @sharonhuggard_ then on Monday, August 19 upload a photo as you are on the day tag @sharonhuggard_ and #getinthepicture to be in with a chance to win amazing prizes and take part in this movement.

Spread the word and share this to encourage other women to get in the picture too.

Let’s capture the real and the beautiful moments that make up our lives. Every woman deserves to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.

For further information make sure you are following instagram @sharonhuggard and check out www.getinthepicture.ie Photo credit: Anna Groniecka Photography

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