Family,  Holidays

The Breakdown of the Family Photo

Each year at Christmas we try to get a family photo of all of us before we open presents, and each year my family groans when I set up the camera because I inevitably forget how the timer works, and they're left to stay in each other's personal spaces while I read menu settings.

I always snap a few pics to see if everyone fits in the frame and is mostly in focus, which means I'm never in the first photo of the session.

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When I think I'm satisfied, I give the "You ready?" call, click the 10-second button, and scurry next to anyone who will have me (all the while asking fretfully, "Where am I supposed to go? Where do I sit?")

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After the red light blinks and we hear the "click" of the shutter, I tell everyone in my best Photo Nazi voice to stay put, because they all know I will need to take another one to be sure.

More groans.

I test the camera again, while they preen and chatter, and my brother has no idea that I've captured a real smile on his face…

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Click.Scurry.

"Where do I sit?? Sabrina, is there room for me??"

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And just when they think I am finished, I capture the essence of who we really are on all the other 364 days of the year.

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I was originally planning on posting my "Farewell to 2014" post, but decided to do this one first. 🙂 I know it's a little late, but I hope you all had a really nice Christmas, filled with lots of laughter and love.

5 Comments

  • CJ

    I’m laughing, you have some lovely photos there, and well done for capturing that elusive smile. There’s always someone who just glares at the camera isn’t there! Wishing you and yours a very happy 2015. CJ xx

  • Diane Grick

    I smiled and chuckled as I read your post. I thought I was the only one with this problem. The VERY same thing happens at my house! The whole gang is very patient during the 1st 2 photos, but then a riot begins when I continue on the pursuit of the “perfect” photo. And even when I think I’ve captured the “perfect” photo, I STILL have to photoshop a smile on somebody’s face!

  • Joann09

    Adopt me, please…….
    I can be your moms older sister (I have white hair now)?
    Or maybe your dads older sister?
    Or just ” that lady from Houston”…..?
    I LLL your family!
    I could bring my dogs – all three of them. They would love the mix!
    I think…?.??.

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