Are you the designated family photographer? The one that’s always behind the lens taking on the responsibility to capture the memories and special events?
It’s an honourable role to take on and I applaud any of you out there that are doing this.
I have a question for you …
Are you making sure that you’re in some of those photos?
If the answer is NO, this isn’t uncommon. It’s likely due to things like getting caught up in capturing the moment, you feel more comfortable taking photos rather than being in them, or maybe it’s because you’re feeling a bit self-conscious about your appearance.
No matter what the reasons are, the downside is that your kids won’t have any photos of you to look back on. And that is unfair to them. It’s also unfair to your grandchildren, and future generations.
With the holidays coming up quickly, this is a perfect time to make sure you’re getting in on the action with your family.
Here are a few solutions to consider.
Ask for help. Ask your partner or another family member to “grab a quick shot of me and the kids please?”
Take some selfies. Don’t dismiss simple phone selfies. Have some fun with them.
Use the self-timer. Set up your camera/smart phone for a few intentional shots. If you’re not sure how to use the timer on your phone or camera, do a quick search on the internet. It’s likely just a quick setting that you can easily set up in a few seconds.
Use a wireless remote. This will give you time to settle into the photo with your family, and when you’re ready you can hit the remote to take the shots for you. Be sure to take a few so you have a better chance of getting a great shot.
Here’s a hack that I just discovered … you can use your ear buds as a remote for your smart phone! I know … crazy, right? A quick search on the internet for your specific phone and ear buds will provide you with the steps on how to do this.
One last thing …
If you’re uncomfortable having your photo taken, remember this …
There will be a time when all your children and loved ones have of you are photos. They won’t care how your hair looked, or whether your make-up was perfect, or whatever other flaw you think you have – they won’t care one bit about any of that.
They will just want to see YOU. To remember you as you were back then.
Recall how you feel when you look back at photos of your loved ones that are now gone. Do you judge how they looked then? Or, do you swell up with love and memories? It’s likely the latter one. And that’s exactly what your kids will be doing some day.
So, abandon any ideas that you’re not photogenic, or you just don’t look good enough … instead, lean into the camera. Smile. Genuinely smile. And know that what you’re doing is building memories for your loved ones, and for future generations.
