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Sometimes I don’t feel like photographing a family event. I’ll usually tell Beth about 10 minutes from arrival, “I think I’m going to leave my camera in my car.” Whatever fold in my brain that enjoys photography doesn’t always click because of the mood I’m in or recent failures. I toted my camera around Friday night and didn’t walk away with anything special so I didn’t feel like trying on Saturday. I don’t regret the decision because I shot a lot with my sister’s camera. Beth had her’s in case my aunts started doing headstands. They didn’t. :-(

On Sunday I celebrated with my Dad’s family, a group I usually don’t get that “click” with because they aren’t outgoing and I feel like a black sheep around most of them. Nevertheless I brought my camera in. Shortly after the meal my cousin relayed word to me that Grandma requested I shoot group photos. I looked around for a suitable backdrop. The tree was in a tight, ugly corner and flanked by a huge pile of presents and noms. But there was a short, cinnamon wall with a chair and empty entertainment center. The hosts approved my request to move the furniture and I had a very pleasing backdrop as well as a clean white ceiling to bounce off.

I easily knocked out family photos but I had a strong desire to get a photo of my grandmother… alone. I have seen family struggle with getting solo photos taken of themselves for all of my life. I know that it isn’t enjoyable to be reminded that you are alone but I believed, at least on Sunday, that any sadness that may be caused by my request would be outweighed by the happiness the photo would bring myself and others. After she stood with her children I asked her if I could take a photo of her alone and she obliged. *snap* *snap* I showed her the LCD screen and she giggled, “That’s me.” I was giddy. 

Shortly after the photos I sat across from her with my 70-210mm lens shooting some fun shots. I recorded a video of her opening a digital camera and making faces that I interrupted as “Why in the hell do I need this?”