It’s been said that the camera never lies. Perhaps, but it sure can stretch the truth. Consider, for example, photos of running and sleeping.
Personally, I’ve never been much of a runner. I always say that you never seen anyone smile while they’re jogging.
In fact most runners tend to look like they’re having a miserable time. No pain, no gain, right? That pain is clearly visible. Grimacing, squinting, gasping for breath:
Photo by *Nom and Malc
That picture is true to life. In contrast, you have the glossy stock photos that create a fantasy world of running. Graceful. Effortless. And the smiles – oh, the smiles:
Photo from All You
Look at that: Even the dog seems to be smiling. This image may be true for some casual joggers. But I suspect that it would make most runners cringe.
Stock photos of smiling sleepers also are abundant. They depict the gentle side of sleep. Restful repose. Sweet dreams:
Photo from All You
Again, this picture may capture the ideal sleep enjoyed by some – or by many of us some of the time. But I imagine these photos frustrate people who are unable to sleep well. Across the U.S. millions of us have a sleep illness such as chronic insomnia or restless legs syndrome.
These problems can make sleep a battle. Tossing and turning. In and out of bed. Up all night:
Photo by Dyvo
Whether running or sleeping, true life can be much less glamorous than a stock photo. What caption would you give to the picture of your sleep? “Sleep is bliss”? Or “sleep is a struggle”?
