Saturday, December 1, 2018

The Dreaded Christmas Photo Shoot



The Dreaded Christmas Photo Shoot

"One more," and they groan.

Eyeballs roll, backs slouch,
Hammy Ones take center stage
as dogs squirm, cats bolt ...

"forget them," I yell
as it isn't worth any more scratches.
Sneak 'round back of tripod,

peer through lens, adjust light,
shout "Places!", hit delay button,
run back into frame... know I blinked.

"Another!" and they groan.

Perhaps this year
I'll fill Christmas cards with bloopers.
Show the real face of us.

by Margaret Bednar, November 29, 2018

We are at a stage now where most are of drinking age.  I will ply them with promises of mixed drinks and good beer.  That should appease them.

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Camera Flash!"  The inspirational photo is below... and she has an uncanny intensity (and determination) about her that reminds me of myself trying to get the perfect family photo each year!

Jessie Tarbox Beal

13 comments:

tonispencer said...

Interesting the Christmas photo shoot. My mother was always the one who did the picture taking. I would run and hide when I saw the inevitable coming. Beals started taking photos when she was 16. I personally was never impressed with her work. I like the thoughts of bribing the youngsters with alcohol and beer!

Old Egg said...

Our family has been so much more compliant, although one or other might make a face to spoil the picture; so it is always wise to take two or more.

Kerry O'Connor said...

I have been a fan of your photos for years, Margaret. Don't stop snapping.

Jim said...

I like this, Margaret. I am supposed to be the family photographer but I am slipping lately. We'll have dinner and classic white elephant gift exchange at our house again this year. On the Sunday evening before Christmas.
..

Kim M. Russell said...

This will be the first year that there will be any Christmas photos in our house, Margaret. Usually it’s just the two of us and I’m looking forward to sharing it with daughter, son-in-law and, most importantly of all, grandson Lucas! I like the idea of blooper Christmas cards!

Sanaa Rizvi said...

Ah yes I can relate ❤️ A delightful response to the prompt!❤️

Yvonne Osborne said...

Cool take on the prompt. I wanted to participate (even try a 55 like old times) but I'm stymied. I would love to get some "real" photos in Christmas cards. Though a handwritten note would be nice.

brudberg said...

Oh I love that... and I would likely be one of those groaning (or the one throwing snap shots around)

Vivian Zems said...

Delightful! A mum's job is never done. All the best with bribing your troops into acquiescence!

kaykuala said...

I'll fill Christmas cards with bloopers.
Show the real face of us.

That should be fun, Marge! It showed them at their candid pose not really concentrating but bent on trying out sips of hard liquor! Reality at its best!

Hank

Susie Clevenger said...

Oh, I love blooper photographs. They are the real treasures. My youngest daughter, husband and I went to a comedy show last night and had as much fun laughing at our bad selfies as we did the show. I think blooper photos would make the best Christmas cards.

purplepeninportland.com said...

Love that family photo, Margaret! Most of the people look bewildered. In my family, if Dad took the picture, either people were cut at sides or head were missing.

KB said...

I can relate. My Dad loves to take Christmas photos and it takes ages to get through Christmas dinner because of the constant posing :)