Photo Shoot

Every now and then, my long-suffering family allows me to try to take a family picture of us all. It's a simple idea, really. Set up the camera on the tripod, pose the family, push the timer button, and run like...well, you know. Somehow, it's never that simple in reality.

Today after church (when we all look kind of nice) I got Yancy to help me tack up sheets and direct lights to a certain spot. Then the fun began. I never really know exactly what I want, so I end up giving vague directions like, "Okay...do something funny." Or I pose each person in a way that looks cool, but requires an awkard holding of the arm, legs, and head. When they grimace in pain because their elbow is boring into the tile floor I sweetly say, "Remember, look natural...no, give me a better smile than that!" To which my husband replies, "Oh...natural...yeah, because I always sit indian style on the floor with my head tilted to the side." And the kids end up laughing so hard they ruin lots of shots. Then there's me...dashing into the hole I've asked them to leave for me, (so that it looks like we're just a happy family, casually sitting together)...all the time trying not to trip over the tripod leg, making sure my bra strap isn't showing, and striving to look relaxed instead of out of breath...all before the little light flashes ten times and then takes the picture - Ready or Not! I know there are people who do this for a living, and could give me great looking shots with a lot less effort, but where would be the fun in that?