Last week, Michelle wrote:
“I have a quick question: how do you get your son to ignore you and let you take pictures? My daughter is just a bit younger than your son and for months she has not let me photograph her. She must see the camera and look at the pictures of the “baby” on the screen on the back. It is so disheartening to see her engrossed in her play, but as soon as the camera comes out (I try to sneak the best I can) that’s the end of it. I do have a number of pictures of her reaching for the camera but that gets old . . . Do you have this problem and if so, how did you solve it?”
I was tempted to write back and tell her that J is a golden child who would never do such a thing, but that’s such a load of poop that I couldn’t do it.
Of course I have that problem. Don’t most of us? I can’t think of a child who’s capable of reaching for the camera up to about the age of 2 who hasn’t grabbed for my camera.
I didn’t have any great advice other than the number one rule:
- Keep the children occupied with something so fantastic, so special that the camera becomes absolutely boring. See the picture on the left? J is fascinated with a star I have hanging on the wall next to my bed, so a great place to take shots of him engrossed in something other than the camera is on the bed under that star.
In addition, if he’s playing hard with his cousins or T, he really doesn’t pay me or the camera much mind, so those are great times for good shots, too.
BUT then, I thought of a few more things that might be helpful.
- Don’t ever show a child the picture on the back of the camera. The cooler they think your most important of tools is, the more they’ll want to possess said tool. This rule changes when the child grows to be a teen, by the way. If you want a 14-year-old to get interested in something, hide it carefully and pretend it’s a secret.
- Keep the camera out A LOT. J really doesn’t grab for the camera as much as he used to, and that’s probably because it’s a bit like an old toy. J is pretty used to it–in fact, I think he’s too used to it. He’s been freezing whatever he’s doing and smiling big whenever I grab the camera lately, like he’s been trained by someone who actually says things like, “Say cheese!” I don’t, and I really don’t want those kinds of pictures, but I guess it’s the stage he’s going through.
Does anyone else have any ideas for Michelle?
16 responses so far ↓
1 starfish // Feb 20, 2008 at 5:54 pm
NOW YOU TELL ME. I started showing him the back of the camera = what a big mistake!
No other advice other than sometimes I wait until first thing in the morning or right before bed - the more tired he is the more he’ll sit still for a photo as long as I don’t try to manipulate him too much. This tactic doesn’t work if you’re trying to capture a smile or something animated - but sometimes I get some very peaceful shots.
2 MelodyA. // Feb 21, 2008 at 6:20 am
Nice choice of texture. Very subtle.
Nice tips. I used to try and make it no big deal. Just take the camera out and play. Never say, “OK, I’m getting the camera. Can I take your picture?”
3 Stacy // Feb 21, 2008 at 8:39 am
Love the texture and the great frame. He’s such a cutie!
My kids are just so used to the camera now that it isn’t a big deal. When they want to look at the picture on the back or take a picture (while I hold the camera), I let them. I don’t want them to get mad about the camera. They don’t ask to look at themselves very often though, so it isn’t a problem for me.
I can’t remember where I got those brushes, but Design Fruit sounds familiar. I have such a bad memory!
4 carrie // Feb 21, 2008 at 9:21 am
GREAT photo, texture and frame. it is really a nice overall photo.
i have a similar problem, as soon as i pull the camera out to take a photo of em - she “strikes a pose.” sometimes i just don’t want her looking!
5 megan // Feb 21, 2008 at 9:40 am
love that frame & texture. i’m only using freebies right now, but i’m seeing some i might have to purchase!
one tip: tell kids to make their funniest face; right after that, they’ll burst into laughter and you can grab a great natural shot!
6 Mandy // Feb 21, 2008 at 10:04 am
I remember when Violet went through that stage, “posing” for me, but now she rarely likes me to take her photo, or lets me post it online! So, enjoy while you can! : ) I love the “old” feel to this one, and the frame is really cool! Great tips too, thanks!
7 Christina // Feb 21, 2008 at 11:13 am
Love your combination of texture and frame!!
Tip #3 is so true! I have the camera out so often that she doesn’t even notice it anymore. Every once in a while she’ll say “cheese” and I’m like “where did you get that?!” cuz i never ask for that!
8 Khrista // Feb 21, 2008 at 11:27 am
Aww, what a cutie! I really like the texture , and the frame is awesome! I’ll have to look for that one!
9 Khrista // Feb 21, 2008 at 11:29 am
P.S. love your FavIcon in the web address field! too cute!
10 Killlashandra // Feb 21, 2008 at 11:39 am
I agree with your last point of leaving the camera out all the time. That really helped me too. Once W.W. got the idea it was around all the time and Mom would take a picture whenever he asks, and yes, my 2 year old ham asks for his picture taken and wants to the results too. ;)
Nice edit. I love the framing job on the image and the textured striations in it.
11 Beth // Feb 21, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I am LOVING this theme this week.
Your picture is AWESOME!
12 Maggie // Feb 21, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I love the texture you used, coupled with the frame it looks fantastic!
It sounds like the ’strike a pose’ phenomenon has started to plague us all somewhat. But I think that your tips are great, and I totally agree - the more the camera is out, the less interested overall kids seem to be in it…
13 Bonnie // Feb 21, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Great Photo. Great Texture. Great Tips !
14 Jessie's Attic // Feb 21, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Oh this is just priceless. I love it!
15 Rose // Feb 21, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I really love your choice of texture and from as well. Beautiful picture.
Unfortunately since Harrison looks at me as the Paparazza Mama, I don’t really have any good advice. :)
16 MichelleL // Feb 25, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Thanks for posting this . . . I will be trying all the suggestions. :)
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