of about 8 lbs and then a friend posted a photo of me from July 4th picnic. Aaaaaaaccccck! I look heavy - heavier than I think I look. I guess that's motivation.

photos of myself are always motivating to me. sorry

you SHOULD feel good about those 8 lbs! That is 8 lbs. that is gone and (hopefully!) won't be back!

The camera really does add (the appearance of extra) weight, and it's not always only 10 lbs. (The bigger you are, the more weight it adds). Everyone looks wider in a photograph then in real life. The effect is so subtle, that we don't recognize it easily in other people, just in ourselves (just as we notice when we've put on a little weight, but don't see other people's weight gain until it's pretty obvious).

Because the photograph is two dimensional, and you're three dimensional, the photo is somewhat a "flattened" image of you, and therefore wider.

Use the tips photographers use, to get a more realistic image of you. Stand at a slight angle. Imagine a clock-face if the photographer is at 12 looking at 6. You are standing in the 6 o'clock position, but instead of facing 12, face somwhere around 10 to 11 o'clock.

Then elongate your neck, and cock your head slightly (if you've ever had a professional photo taken you know the position I'm trying to explain).

Candid "surprise" photos are rarely flattering, but if you have a few seconds to pose, you'll look more like your real-life self in photos.

I went 4x4ing with my husband and some friends this last saturday. And I haven't seen alot of weightloss yet, but a certain picture from behind with me walking in front of him on this trail we stopped to explore on foot. Wow I look as wide as a MAC truck! I know I need to lose weight. I just didnt realise how wide i am from behind. A view I dont reallly see in the mirror! It was a good motivation.

Oh I sooo know what you mean, Guttersnipe! But the 8lbs you lost are definitely motivation. You're doing great! Keep it up!

Hey, no matter what pictures of you look like, just remember that those 8 pounds are real and they're GONE! I totally don't look the way I want to, but I'm never going to gain those 12 pounds back again, and that is something awesome. Hang in there and keep plugging along. It will take time, but it is worth it. We're here for ya.

Stupid 4th pics!!! I had one smack me in the face too

Thanks for the support. I truly appreciate it.

Funny how there are no full length mirrors in my house. Maybe should have put one up quite a few pounds ago.
So when I go to the library, they have those mirror type front glass doors and it's pretty motivating.
Maybe I need a full length pic of myself to hang on the fridge.

Good tips kaplod.

I feel ya!! Stick with it. Get revenge on those cameras!!!