Yep, your read that right. You will never here the phrases “smile big!” or “give me your biggest smile!” or “smile for the camera!” or ANY variation of that request.
(Right up there with “there’s no more cereal” or “I’ve never seen Parks and Recreation”).
But here’s the thing. Those phrases are engrained in us – it’s like whenever we see a camera emerge, these words just blurt our of our mouths.
When was the last time you forced your children to stand still and “say cheese,” resulting in a lovely photo that make your heart swell because of how sweet and natural it turned out?
Exactly.
I want them to feel and know that they are beautiful and valued just the way they are, instead of how they “should” be according to some undisclosed standard.
With guard down and quirks in full display. From silly to shy, grumpy to goofy.
Because when they’re comfortable and having fun, we see their true personality.
And when I can see their true personality, I can capture it.
And when I can capture it, you can savor it, share it, and remember it.
It’s childhood in all it’s emotional roller-coaster glory — isn’t that why you want photos to begin with? To capture all that wonderful wildness of life in this season?
So let’s try this a new way. Do you trust me? No cheese allowed, okay? Now we’re on to something real.