Behind the Lens

It's funny how we change and grow. The person you are now isn't even close to the person you were then. Whether that then is ten years, one year, a month, or yesterday. Each day brings new experiences and feelings; all different and unrelated to the other. 

I have a YouTube channel (which I hope most of you know by now). The first video I posted on this specific channel was on June 10th, 2013. It was just a silly little daily vlog at an amusement park with my friends. The Elly you see in that vlog is still me, but the Elly writing this today is also still me. That didn't make much sense. Let me explain a little better.

The person I was on June 9th, 2013 (the day it was filmed) is completely different to the person I am now, yet we are still so similar. In the video I come off playful and full of life. I am those things, but in different ways. The part of me you see in some of my more recent videos is very relaxed and go with the flow. 

But even then, who I am in videos isn't completely me either. It is my personality, but it is more up front and in your face. If you would meet me in reality I would be so much more quiet and reserved; that is until you put something or someone in front of my face that I can't help but get excited about.

The camera also doesn't capture my thoughts or what I am experiencing in day to day life. Currently, my life has been a blur of work and school and moving. My mind has been filled with more thoughts about my future than ever, but that doesn't show on camera.

I didn't know where I was going with this post when I started, but I guess the message is an easy one. You may look up to people like celebrities or YouTubers (YouTubers especially). You think you know everything about them because they daily vlog or update their Twitter or Tumblr or Facebook enough that you think there's no way they could have anything private. But in reality, they do. 

They only show you what they want you to see. Videos are like acting in a way. You are yourself, but a more animated version of yourself. You dramatize the best parts of you to make yourself more entertaining. You play up the most noticeable characteristics. I guess, you just have to realize that what you see on the screen isn't always what goes on behind the lens. 

If you don't take my word for it, Zalfie (YouTubers Alfie Deyes and Zoe Sugg) hid plans about moving in together for two months. How many of you didn't see that coming? Nothing special, but still meaningful.

Much love,
Elly


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