What do you picture when you think of family photos?  If you are like most people, your family photo shows a picture of the whole family posed and smiling in front of the camera.  Right?  I have my share of family photos and most of them are downright appalling.  Certainly not the way I want to remember things!

Not Just Any Photo

So, when I decided to once again embark on the journey to the family photo, I decided to take a different twist.  The idea was birthed from a picnic.

Those who know me - know that I hate picnics.  All picnics.  Bugs and bees of all kinds are frequent guests of picnics and for some reason - they all love to be around ME.  I am miserable and just wait for ‘it’ to be over.  But then, my imagination got the better of me.

Many years ago, I invited my husband (who was not yet my husband!) on a picnic.  Yes, I know - - I hate picnics.  But wait - it was not just any picnic.  I had come up with a way to make the traditional picnic something out of the ordinary and special.  Special enough to over-ride my dislike…

He showed up for the ‘picnic’ expecting a peanut butter sandwich in a paper bag.  What he got instead was: my best blankets, satin pillows, croquet (from the list of perfect picnic games), classical music, a sun umbrella, and a picnic basket filled with chilled shrimp, tiny assorted sandwiches, cold chicken, fresh fruit, my finest china, candle sticks, a bottle of wine and small cakes, cookies and candies.  I have never forgotten the look on his face.  “My idea of a picnic,” I said.

It was a wonderful memory - and when it was time to think about the new family photo, I decided to remember that picnic in a special way.  A local photographer was intrigued with the idea and offered to do the shoot for free.  (He actually won a prize with our finished photo!)

The Perfect Family Photo Takes Time and Effort

It turned into so much work - as one thing led to another - that it almost didn’t happen.  I sewed dresses for each of my four girls - simple, cotton, timeless dresses.  We wore our romantic ‘Sunday best’ - complete with hats - but no jewelry - to keep it timeless.  We had seventeen boxes of props to carry to our picture site - among them - blankets of lace, baskets of both real and artificial flowers, 25 yards of assorted ribbons, my best tea set and china, and carefully selected cheeses, tiny cakes, breads and fruits.

Picture day finally came.  It had rained - no, poured - for 2 days and the ground was saturated - the air was hot, thick and steamy and the mosquitoes were out in droves!  My worst nightmare - come true!   We put sheets of plastic under the blankets of lace in an attempt to stay dry, and sat - posed - in what - at least to curious onlookers - appeared to be a very natural position for most of two hours!  Have you ever tried to sit up straight and balance a teacup precariously while perched on an uneven piece of wet ground?  Not fun! But, we did it and the result was incredible. 

Make A Memory

The pictures hang on my wall today and I will never forget the memories.  When it’s time to once again think about your family photo, I encourage you to go the extra mile and put some effort into the picture.  Do something different.  Make a memory you’ll never forget.