awkward family photos

While meeting with a photographer at his office, I stumbled upon this amazing book, Awkward Family Photos. I wanted to steal it from his office but had to refrain because he was a really nice guy. Fast forward weeks later, I found the book again and tucked it under my arm with the intent of purchasing it from the store. Fifteen minutes later and very distracted, I walked out of the store completely forgetting I had the book nested in my armpit. Fortunately for me, two steps out of the store, my awesome friend asked me, “Hanh, did you pay for that?” Holy Beef Jerky! Needless to say, I went back inside to pay for it and my kleptomania remains in the closet.

In my last post, I briefly expressed my anxiety for family photos. To further strengthen my distress, and maybe yours, here are some visual excerpts from the book.

Nothing like some denim mounting to capture true family bonding.

I love kids, they’re the most expressive in the family. I try not to take anything personally.

Are you even from the same family? And I thought my family members were way different.

When planning attire for family photos, I tell clients it helps to coordinate their outfits. That means: wear what’s comfortable, stick to all formal or all casual, select 2-3 colors and make sure at least one article of clothing are within those colors. That does NOT mean, "here's a challenge...find matching plaid for everyone in your family." And if you’re somehow able to find plaid for your two year old as well as your sixty year old…I shudder. 

If you stare at the picture to your right long enough, you might see one of those cool optical illusions.  But you might get nauseous too.