Every year at this time we gather at my parents' house to take the family picture that will be sent out in their Christmas card and that will hang on their entry wall for the entire year. We get this photo by setting up my tripod and using my camera's self-timer (impressive no?), and do this in about 6 shots. (I always like to sneak in a couple shots while no one is posing.)
Yet even with this easy, nonordeal-type scenario there are comments and grumbling. No one actually fights having the picture taken, it's more like a general vibe of impatience with comments like "What are we waiting for?" "Can we move this thing along?".
It has taken me years not to be seriously bugged by the feeling that exists as we do this, but I think I'm finally realizing that it has nothing to do with me and a whole lot to do with them (I'm not naming names, but the guilty parties are males and are related by blood).
Family is complicated. They're the people I love the most but who drive me crazy in a way no one else can. There are so many underlying issues going on, but no matter what we're family. Aargh!
**Does your family make you crazy?
Do you use a self-timer for photos?**
Do you use a self-timer for photos?**
Comment Window Tidbit: Don't forget, tomorrow is the 12th! This will be our last 12 on the 12th for 2010!
7 comments:
I am so jealous that you can get a great shot of that many people that quicky. Probably because there are not tiny kids trying to run away or melting down. I think it's human nature to resist these big group pictures. Tyler's family does them all the time and people get SO grumpy! And yes--people are complicated. That's a truth I've been focusing on lately and it's helping me deal with people I would naturally just label negatively.
I love that your family does this every year. As you know I have tried to be better lately about getting in some pics myself. You are so right, my family gives me grief but they are still family!
The fact that your family will all get in a picture together is a credit to you all! Our expectations are so high when it comes to family.
And...you got a great shot. Practice has made you all very good.
I think it's amazing that you do this every year, even with the grumbling. That's the power of women - being able to make the men do something they really don't want to do! And it's worth it; great annual documentation.
Family IS complicated. It's interesting to me that the people we love the most can get under our skin like no one else. What can you do?
Can you believe I have never used the self-timer on my camera??
why do men grumble? at what point in the evolutionary process did grumbling play a vital role in the propagation of the species?
Family is definitely complicated. I use my self-timer pretty often. I think your mom should use the one of everyone prepping for the photo! SO funny. (Where's Jared?)
I deal with plenty of grumbling even though I'm only trying to take a photo with the three of us, so I can only imagine your plight. But it's SOOOO great that you do this every year for your mom and family. Hooray for the "it's not me, it's them" epiphany.
I use the self-timer sometimes, but I like the remote clicker thing a lot more.
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