Behind The Awkwardness
The Shady Bunch
“While we were never the type of family to sit for a studio portrait, someone stumbled across a coupon and decided to give it a shot. Mind you, this is the ONE AND ONLY family portrait we ever took. I am on the bottom left with the too-big-for-my-face white fashion glasses and the poorly chopped bangs and I vaguely recall that we had a family meeting and decided to try and look “cool” — hence the sunglasses and the emotionless faces. I’m not sure what’s more entertaining: the fact that no one is wearing sleeves? Or that there is an honest to God ALF t-shirt being worn in all seriousness?”
(submitted by Erin)
Brotherhead
“This is of my older sister, perfect in all pictures, and older brother’s gigantically chubby head. The photographer thought this was the best picture of the whole shoot. My mom thought it was hilarious and horrifying, so of course she bought it.”
(submitted by Caitlin)
Bed Bath & Beyond
“One night my son decided he was sleeping in the bathtub. In the morning he informed us he slept well, but would probably be returning to his bed soon.”
(submitted by Katie)
Three Of A Kind
“Our middle child was terrified of having her picture taken so this attempt to get a portrait of all 3 kids utterly failed.”
(submitted by Melody)
The Irritated Four
“It was the hottest day of the year, and car ride to Olan Mills was without air conditioning and Mom, Grandma, my cousins and myself were all crammed in the car together. On the way Mom got pulled over for having a broken tail light. Needless to say by the time we got there everyone was already over it. Those dresses were hot and itchy, and even time our photographer was ready to shoot, someone started crying or had to go to the bathroom. I’m the one on the far right with the face. I still make that face to this day when irritated!”
(submitted by Rachael)
Tape
“My father took this picture of my brothers and me. He’s from Slovakia and English is his second language. Maybe he couldn’t read the sign.”
(submitted by Jessica)
Reach Out And Touch
“I photographed my sister-in-law’s wedding. I knew the window overlooked a part of the hotel’s roof, but I didn’t notice the workers until after I snapped a few pictures. When I got home and downloaded all the pictures, I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw this. Lucky for me she has a good sense of humor and allowed me to share it with you.”
(submitted by Laura)
Hockey Mom
“This is a photo of my mom, my brother, myself, and my soon to be born younger brother. I’m awkwardly in the hockey equipment on the bottom left. A family friend talked mom into having us all pose for this photo. It went on to win some sort of award in a Newport, RI photo show. It also hung in our house while I was growing up, which made for some awkward moments when friends came over.”
(story submitted by Sean; photo courtesy of Kim Fuller at www.kimfullerphotography.com)
Beltboy
“This is my pre-school picture. I had a fit and would not get my picture taken unless I could put my belt on my head. So my mom did what she had to do.”
(submitted by Mike)
Potty Training
“I think I was about 18 months old when my mother took this picture. I had climbed into the toilet on my own. My parents were a little upset because I was wearing my new leather shoes and my mother thought if she flushed I would get scared but I just giggled and smiled!”
(submitted by Ben)
