Impending Awkward Family Photos
“There’s me. And there’s daddy. There’s grandma!” the 5 year old called out, flicking through the family photos.
“And that is me! And this one. Here is me!” Joins in the 3 year old, flicking quickly past all the unimportant people, aka people that aren’t him.
Eventually, ¾ of the way down a stack of photos that stands higher than the 3 year old, I get the shout “there’s you mummy!” And then again we start with the rote of that’s me, that’s grandma, grandpa, friends, other family members etc.
And I start to feel a bit left out. Sulky even. Why am I always the one taking the photos? Why am I in so few? Okay, so actually I know the answer to that. It’s two fold:
1. I’m a control freak, plain and simple. I don’t like other people being in charge of the camera.
2. I don’t like having my photo taken. I look gormless and dull 90% of the time when other people take my photo.
Why did I not remember these things when I agreed to a family photoshoot with Jo Belfield? Why?
I’m sure that Jo is a wonderful photographer. I’m sure she is, just look at her photos. They look lovely.
She says, gulping worriedly.
But, but, but…, I’ve never been to a family photo shoot before and now all I can envisage are hideous family portraits like these from Awkward Family Photos.
Oh Lord, help me! Have you had a family portrait before? What was it like? Do you have any tips and tricks to stop us looking like fools? Apart from remembering to blink, not wearing head to toe denim or dressing up as Barbie for the day, that is?
I'm Heather, an ex expat, now back in blighty and living in Lancashire. Which is just like Lapland... only less snowy and stuff.
Sorry but hate it or not – as I do, we have to be documented for future reference. And that song really is right, in 30 years time you won’t think you looked so bad.
I know, I know. I just need to suck it up. And it will probably be fine, right?
I have nothing but commiserations. That’ll be me in a few weeks or so, as we need some family pix too. I’m gulping right along with you.
oh dear, maybe we should console each other over a few glasses of vino.
Karen and I had some professional photos done after our wedding – in a studio. I look like a Russian novelist.
ha ha ha ha ha ha. sorry. Ha ha ha ha.
Stick the kids in front of the camera…. and duck!!
good plan!
Never had one, never plan to. My fake smile would be totally obvious.
this is what I’m worried about.
I got our only family photo done as a very special Christmas present for my Dad the Christmas before he died – another important reason to do it! I was too busy to even restraighten my hair on the day and just got the kids to wear stuff they like, and the photos worked out great
Best of luck x
cheers. Am sure it will be fine. Mostly. Gulp.
I hate getting my picture taken too. But I need to do this at some point as we never did this as a family with my parents and when my dad died I had no pictures of me and him or my mum, him and I. Sad. Good luck xx
This is what I worry about. them having no pictures of me in the future.
I have not had one of those photos since I was about 9 years old- if you must do this to yourself, try squinting slightly, it avoids that wide eyed stare and can pass for a smile, stand behind everyone else so no observation is made of size/figure/dress sense. Having pets for a focal point is great, everyone can look at and stroke the cute puppy, avoiding any eye contact with the camera. Good luck.
Oi, what are you trying to say about my dress sense? I resemble that remark!
Hide behind the kids.
I think I may have to
You just reminded me that we haven’t had one of these done in a long time. Yes, just grin and bear it (pun intended) because you will treasure the pictures in years to come.
well. not if I look like any of the above I wont. lol
Get a photo with your children tickling you! (or whispering silly words like “wee wee” into your ear) Surefire way to get a few happy, natural shots!
that’s a good idea!
I’m with you. My family knows not to mess with me and the camera. I love to take pictures, just don’t want to be in them. I humor them occasionally, but then again, I’m the one who maintains the photo collection…
I may be guilty of having deleted a few of me that we did have cause I looked awful. Vain much, moi?
There’s a photgraphy studio in the next town to us that seems to specialise in this type of thing. Always good for a laugh as the traffic outside the place is a bitch, so it’s something amusing to look at. A recent example was a picture of 2-3 year old wearing nothing but a kipper tie covering his modesty – very odd, very dated and a little bit scary.
yeah, thanks for that. i feel tonnes better now.