That Photographer Friend

Do you have one?

If you do, dang you’re blessed.

Do you have that one friend, or that one sister: She is your photographer whenever there’s a white wall or tumblr-worthy backdrop. She captures candid moments of you, and then sends them to you. She is up and ready whenever you say your model vibes are on. She would order you to pose for a picture, even if you didn’t really ask her too.

Either because she’s got that keen eye of a photographer, or she understands that precious moments should be preserved, or that your Instagram feed needs an update.

Or maybe like me, because I want all of that above, and I love my friends, that I want to give them something that maybe they can reciprocate in the future. I like having my picture taken (when I’m not on fugly mode). I like looking at my candids, when I’m most myself. I’d like to have some tumblr-inspired posts on my IG. I want a bomb display pic.

                
But I rarely, almost, ALMOST never, get those cool photos. Because I am THAT photographer friend.

And it’s sad for me. When the moment is right or the atmosphere is perfect, I’m always freezing my friends or sis, whipping out our phones, and then start snapping away, for them. Ugly or beautiful or funny or whatever, there’s always something different to be kept for remembrance. I know that it’s JUST ME that should be blamed for having high hopes of them reciprocating the same thing for me, so that I’ll have pictures of me too that isn’t a selfie. Guess you can’t always trust that life will be fair.

                
Recently it was my sister’s birthday. I told her I’ve seen people do those birthday photoshoots with some kinda plain wall and some birthday balloons or birthday OOTDs, so I was inspired and I told her we should do the same, which she most happily obliged. We took some great ones. There were derp faces and awkward stances and sweet smiles and many more. She was happy. I was partially happy.

                
I was remembering how when I wanted her to take photos for me (I have to ask. See the diff?) She’d do it – reluctantly. And she’ll do it fast and hasty with the little enthusiasm, like I’m embarrassing her. Sorry not sorry sis, that I’m not the perfect one like you.

                
Then there’s the other time when I went up to the capital with my school for a marching procession in conjunction with our 32^nd National Day. Pokok went to, but not with our school entourage. And I was happy and excited because my best friend would be there and we’d hang out afterwards too with other friends as well, and I was happy too because finally I’d have that photographer friend who I can most comfortably ask to capture moments of me and the marching gang on that festive occasion.

                
Boy was I wrong.

                
I thought we’re super close and comfortable with each other that Pokok wouldn’t mind. But Pokok did. I was so so sad. Not because I couldn’t have photos taken (ok maybe I was a little bit, maybe like idk 40%?) but I was sad when Pokok confided that it felt like I was using him. Like his sole purpose there was to be my photographer. IT WASN’T.

               
And that wasn’t it. Pokok also asked me why I can’t take selfies with my friends instead – “like I always do.”  Exactly. Like I always do.

                
That’s because I don’t have that one photographer friend.

One of the very very very few photos that are not selfies 

Thank you Ivan for taking this during 2014 Graduation Night when I was emceeing. This is super rare, as the other photos are all of the popular kids. Thank you nevertheless :)

This is was taken in front of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque before we departed for a trek to Pulau Selirong. TSK managed to get this shot of me and Ben all bc we fussed the life out of her too hehe. 

When I was leading the Zumba session during the leadership course of SMSA's new MPP/PRR intake. Idk who but one of the student photographers took it during the perfect moment when my mouth looks like that of an awkwad fish during the my intro. I would post the others if they were clearer... but anyways thank you!

I can't really post or brag any more pics, because I don't have much, others are too fugly for the public eye hehe sorry. 

But since I don't have much, I treasure every single one I have. 

So despite everything I've said... to all the random and unacquaintanted photographers who ever took my photos, and those very few friends who I forced (haha.) them to... "Thank you. "

So how about you guys - do you have no that one photographer friend? If not, do you yearn one?