Get in the Photo Mom!
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My daughter recently wrote this for a social media post...
“Get in the photo. Ask to have someone take the photos of you and your kids. They’ll want to see pictures of them with you when looking back and reminiscing.” - Abbey
There are many reasons we opt out of being in photos, and while we do not need to be in every picture either, here are a few tips and mindsets for moms to ponder before missing out on that next photo opportunity.
New Moms:
This is a tough time in motherhood. We are just trying to survive the sleepless nights and diapering schedules. We love to capture those sweet little baby moments, but in our post-partum exhaustion, with our day four hair, we would rather crawl under a rock than be in a picture.
During this phase, consider taking time for photos when you have gotten ready to go out for a special occasion or a meet-up with friends. Have your spouse snap a few shots or take a few selfies with your new baby.
Don’t discount the power of the candid shots on regular days, either. You may end up with a few gems to treasure! You can always hit delete if a photo is awful!
Photo Mom
Are you always the one taking the pictures, and then in the chaos, forget to ask someone to put you in a photo? Challenge your spouse or an older kid to take photos with you. Set a reminder on your phone to go off during an activity or event to remind yourself to get in a picture or two!
Pool Mom
Cheers to all the moms who love to rock their swimsuits no matter their shape! If you are a bit more shy or uncomfortable with your swim attire, there is no need to be left out of the photos! Don’t let the swimsuit hold you back from some fun summer family pictures. Hop in the pool with the kids! That leaves most of the swimsuits hidden below the water, and the faces above the water fill the picture! Consider a swim jacket, a cute cover-up, or a well-placed beach towel as needed if people are taking photos at the beach or pool.
Moms With Teens & Young Adults
Do you have a selfie-crazed teen, and they frequently grab you to be in pictures or constantly take short videos at random and unexpected moments?
Maybe your behind was captured, or you are enjoying your morning coffee with your pillow hair and favorite comfy concert t-shirt from 14 years ago. This is a good time to talk with teens about boundaries, like asking permission to post pictures of others online and considering the privacy of people in the background.
After a few undesirable pictures were posted on social media of family members on their birthdays, we adopted a new category for pictures called “Family Memories Only,” meaning they were not cleared for anyone to post publically.
You may also have teens who do not want to be in pictures with you or the family. During this stage, pick the photos that really matter to you for things like holidays or vacations, and compromise by letting go of taking a lot of other regular photos. Talk with your kids ahead of these events, and let them know that you respect they need a break from picture taking, but as a part of the holiday or trip, you appreciate their cooperation for certain pictures. Giving them space the rest of the time will help ease their annoyances when it’s time for the important shots.
Grandma
I’m in this group now. I have gradually learned to let go and enjoy. I do still call “Family Memories Only” on pictures for sure! I’m not too shy to ask a family member to take pictures of me joining in the fun! At the same time, I also appreciate the days we put the cameras down and enjoy our family events without the need for pictures.
Mom Photo Tips:
Setting boundaries is okay when you do not want to be photographed. Strike a good balance that works for you.
Don’t shy away from the candid shots people may be taking of you! They are inspired by something at the moment that may be absolutely beautiful!
You can always claim a picture to be off-limits to online posting but keep it for family memories.
Black and white photo filters tend to draw the eye to the sentiment of the photo and away from any of the imperfections we find in ourselves.
Crop out any unwanted items in the photo later. If the picture is a great close-up, but my bat wing arms are hanging as I wave, I can crop them out and save the best of the photo.
Remember that it’s ok not to document every moment in life. Enjoy some family activities without the pressure of photos.
You are treasured by your family, no matter your size, dirty hair, or old shirt. Your face represents comfort, love, and constant care to those who want you in their photos. Be thankful and proud to be in those pictures!
Looking for more fun and helpful parenting ideas? Check out these other posts!
Create a Kid-Friendly Happy Hour
The Best Way to Spoil Your Kids Rotten, and Why You Should
Parenting Summer Break Backyard Ideas
Tips for Talking with Kids When Bad Things Happen in the News
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