Fear the Beach Picture

Family beach pictures...three words that strike fear and dread into the heart of every mother. If you've done them once, then you know to be afraid. You know the sun will be blinding, the wind will be blowing, the kids will be complaining, and your husband will be resigned with a hint of unspoken "I told you so". You will have to find coordinating outfits that no one over the age of three would be willing to wear. You will have to bribe, cajole, and even threaten, all the while being careful not to bring tears to anyone's eyes or leave marks on their bodies. Kidding, kidding...sort of...you know I speak the truth.

If you're trying to take a picture of more than one person, it will take herculean effort to get everyone to smile AT THE SAME TIME. You'll be saying things like Smile pretty, I'm sorry the sun is bright, smile anyway, Close your eyes and I'll tell you when to open them, Stop hitting your brother, and Now come on, that one would have been perfect, if you hadn't moved, grimaced, closed your eyes, or been goofing around. And why are they goofing around? Can they not hear the urgency and pleading in mom's voice? This is serious business people and not for the faint of heart.

Because of all of the above, I had not taken anything but casual beach pictures for a few years. Maybe a shot or two before we would go out to dinner, but no outfits, no pressure, no multiple poses, certainly no fantasy of capturing the dream. However, next year my oldest will be in college, so there's that THIS MAY BE OUR LAST CHANCE kind of pressure. 

I did not however, even attempt a parents plus kids event. There is just no way I was ever going to succeed in that without major professional help. Trust me on this.

So we did it...we got some decent shots of the group and some even better shots of individuals. We had fun making fun of the whole picture taking scene. This was the first time I think I'll ever look back at our pictures without recalling threats or bribes. The begging was still there though!  

First a couple outtakes. We keep it honest here folks!

And now two group shots that made the final cut.

While we were taking these pictures, a woman stopped me to tell me our family is beautiful. I was honored and thankful and aware that these five are precious blessings and no picture can adequately capture how I see them.

I know you feel the same way about your blessings. Maybe not during family pictures, but definitely afterward!

Have you captured that elusive perfect shot at the beach? Have you found that beach vacation in general has its ups and downs? If so, you might relate to Family Vacation Reality Check!