Year In Pictures: Parents, Get In The Picture!
A mama’s gotta be in the pictures every once in awhile. I kind of forget about that sometimes. Most times, actually. But then I have a wistful glimpse into the future and realize my kids will look back on their photos and think they didn’t have a mama because I’m never in any of the pictures. I’m either too busy being in charge of the photo taking or, when the camera is suddenly turned my way, I duck away and blame “baby weight” for lack of interest in appearing in the shot.
Moral of the story: moms and dads, get your faces on the other side of the camera sometimes. Set the timer. Hand the camera to someone else. No matter how awkward you might feel, your kids still think you rule and they’ll want to remember what you looked like at this stage. Baby weight, bad haircut, out-dated clothes. No excuses. It’ll make you all the more endearing later.
Responses and Conversations
Thanks for the reminder Amy! This message has come home to me in a new way lately. I’m working on a Mother’s Day project (I know it’s early, but five kids scattered throughout the country takes more planning) for my Mother-in-law. After looking through a box of about 500 pictures I ended up with two that have the entire family in them. None of the tender Mother/kid moments I was hoping for. My sister-in-law doesn’t think they exist. So, another reason for getting in front of the camera is in case your kids want to make you a cool gift someday! With a mom like you they won’t be able to help but be inspired to make cool photo gifts!
Comment by Lisa on November 3rd, 2008 at 9:13 am
Wow, Lisa. That’s a poignant story that is good to hear. I definitely sometimes fear that my kids will be left with just two shots with the whole family together, like you experienced looking through family photos for your mother-in-law. That’s why I have to remind myself to get myself out from behind the camera all the darn time!
Comment by Amy Frazier on November 3rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm