What school photos have taught me…| Williams Lake Photographer

I want to preface this post by saying that I am by no means judging parenting in any way!!! We are all human and it takes a village. This post comes from a place of love.

I have been contemplating this post for YEARS but to be honest was a little scared to write it. I was nervous about how it would be received, especially since words cannot reflect tone. So please know that I am writing this with a most loving, supportive tone.

At what point in our lives did we begin to hate having our photos taken and why? Most of my clients talk about how they are not thrilled with having their portraits taken. Kids on the other hand do not have this inhibition. So when does it switch??? At what age does the inhibition rear its ugly head.

Seven years ago I started offering school photos. I began that journey from my own disdain to what the large, corporate school photographers were producing. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought my school photography would become a large part of what I am known for.

But with every light there is a dark.

My success in school photography is largely a result from my ability to capture a genuine smile or expression. Every child is different, every child has a story and it is my job to tell that story the best way that I can in the two to three minutes I have with them.

In chatting with the kids in front of my camera I would try and delve into their worlds. I would try to make them laugh using jokes and stories or just embarrassing myself with ridiculous, silliness. Despite all efforts, some kids would still give me this odd, forced expression of implied perfection. I would put my camera down and have the “what is going on” chat.

“My mom doesn’t like it when….. I show too much gum, my eyes get squinty or insert any other seemingly harmless request”. I get it. We all want the great photo of our kids. It is the photo that is sent out with this year’s Christmas card to grandma and all the other family members that we do not see on a regular basis. We want it to be perfect. I have done the same thing. “Honey, don’t smile like that, I want to see your eyes”. While this may not seem like a hurtful statement, what we are really saying is “Please do not be yourself, I don’t like how it looks”.

That was the moment that a nine year old stranger broke my heart. I was guilty of this with my own children and I had no idea that this was the result of my words. I had no idea that I had placed this heavy burden on my own children on photo day.

And there you have it – the moment having your photo taken goes from being fun to a stressful experience filled with self consciousness and doubt.

I have now photographed several thousand children and there is no greater beauty than a kid being their true self. As parents, we need to embrace this. It is ok to have a non smiley photo, a photo where the smile completely overtakes the face and makes their eyes squint with joy! Smiles that have nothing but teeth. Smiles that have no teeth. Grins, smirks, laughs. Let it all shine.

At the end of the day, your child’s self confidence and self worth depends on it. Grandma will get over not having the perfect photo for her fridge. I promise.

Corrie Lindroos Photography
Williams Lake Photographer