Everyone likes to capture a happy family photo. To mark a special occasion or event. To have something to look back on in years to come. But what is often not captured in the ‘happy’ family photo is the battle of wills behind it. Here is our story…
This story is part of our Making Memories series.
Let Battle Commence for the Happy Family Photo
Mummy (8 years parenting)
There are 3 things you need to make a happy family photo. Energy, the ability to smile and willing participants.
And as a family, we like to try and get one good, happy family photo when we go on a family day trip – often for a birthday treat.
And when I say ‘good’ or ‘happy’ family photo, I simply mean just one shot with everyone looking vaguely in the right direction, with a reasonably jolly expression on their face. Surely this is possible? Right?
You would think that I was asking them to count sand.
Today, we are currently at the top of a deceptively steep hill, in the ruins of a old castle after quite a long and busy but very enjoyable day.
So enjoyable that we hadn’t had a moment to come together and yell cheese towards a camera. It’s really not that hard.
And I really should have kept my mouth shut. But I couldn’t. Because I love taking family photos and putting them together in a photo album. Being able to look back over the years, seeing how the boys have grown, remembering special days, marking the moments.
So, no we didn’t have any of the 3 things needed to take a ‘good’ picture. It was hot, we were all tired and thirsty. No-one was feeling particularly jolly.
But where the rest of us decided that for a moment we would grimace, take the shot and then move on with our day – it was at that moment that Luc decided that he was not so willing.
Not even a tiny bit. He was done. No parental bribery would cut it. No hard stare would shake his resolve.
He was ready to battle.
And unfortunately, I’m ashamed to admit, so was I.
Tips for Getting a Happy Family Photo
Here are some great tips from the professionals on how to take happy family photos that you will treasure.
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