This past weekend we went to see the Elf the Musical at a local theatre. The audience was full of families with small children dressed up in their Christmas attire. Outside the auditorium there was a photo backdrop for families to get their pictures taken. We joined the line and when we got to the front the family in front of us posed next to the cardboard cut-out, while the mom stepped back with her phone to capture the memory. As her kids huddled around the life-size cardboard cutout of Buddy the Elf, I offered to take the photo so she could be in it. She smiled, handed me her phone and scooted in next to her family. Afterwards, I kindly asked if she would take one for me, to which she eagerly agreed.
In case you didn’t catch it, this mom was going to capture a holiday memory - a family picture - without being in the photo! This might not seem like a big deal, but let me share another quick story with you…
Last year when his brother was born, my 13-year old son asked if we could look through photos of him as a baby. So I got out the photo albums (back in 2006 we still printed photos) and pulled out my computer. As we looked through the pictures, he asked why there weren’t many photos of me and I told him it was because I was behind the camera. I was a single mom when he was younger so this was mostly true… but there were other reasons. Reasons like - I didn’t feel comfortable asking strangers to take our photo because I didn’t want to inconvenience them. Or - Not wanting to be in the photo because I was too self-conscious of the way I looked. Reasons that resulted in lots of photos without me in them.
I continue to replay that moment in my head because it got me thinking about what really mattered. Pictures are about capturing memories - the people you’re with, the experiences you’re sharing and the places you’re exploring. When you change your perspective, it can change your actions. Here are some changes I’ve made this year in response to this new perspective, which explains why I hopped into action over the weekend:
I ask my husband to take pictures of me with my kids more often. I know I won’t be around forever and I want my boys to have photos to recall the experiences we had and the memories we made - Together. (And yes - this means I have real-life photos with my kids where I’m wearing pajamas and no makeup.)
I ask strangers to take pictures for me. And guess what? They rarely say no and usually ask me to return the favor, which (HELLO) means that more people get to capture their precious moments in a photo.
I offer to take pictures for other people. I intentionally look for moms, dads, couples or groups who are taking pictures and ask if they want me to take it for them. I make it a point to volunteer my ‘photography services’ as often as I can. As much as I want to capture memories with my family, I want to help others too. (And I’m guessing there are people out there who might not feel comfortable asking a stranger. Or maybe there is a single mom who would like to have a nice picture with her kids that isn’t a selfie.)
As we make our way through the holidays, I’m challenging you to commit to 2 things:
Offer to be a photographer when you see an opportunity.
Moms - get in the photo!
Wishing you a happy holiday season and lots of memory making!
- Crystalynn
For more tips, tools and inspiration, follow me on Facebook or Instagram.