Let’s be honest: family photo albums are like a time capsule of our lives, filled with cherished memories and, let’s face it, a few cringeworthy moments. If you flip through your family album, chances are you’ll spot some familiar tropes that seem to make their way into every single collection.
You know, those classic poses that have become almost a rite of passage for families everywhere. Here’s a lighthearted stroll down memory lane as we uncover seven family photo clichés that everyone seems to have. Spoiler alert: you probably have at least one of these hidden in your own collection!
The Classic “Say Cheese!” Shot
Ah, the “Say Cheese!” shot—an irreplaceable staple of family photography. You gather everyone together, and the photographer (usually a slightly frazzled aunt or uncle) instructs everyone to grin and say, “Cheese!” What follows is a mix of forced smiles and squinty eyes, with at least one person trying to sneak in a funny face. No family album is complete without this iconic image, where you can almost hear the collective sigh of relief when the flash goes off.
The Group Hug
Nothing screams “We’re a happy family!” quite like the infamous group hug. You know the one: everyone squeezes together, arms entwined, looking like a giant tangled pretzel. While the intention is sweet, the result often resembles a chaotic game of Twister gone wrong. But hey, it captures the spirit of togetherness! Plus, it gives you a chance to show off those holiday sweaters that are probably gathering dust in the back of your closet. Bonus points if someone’s face is half-hidden or someone’s shirt is riding up awkwardly!
The Jumping Shot
Then there’s the jumping shot—where everyone leaps into the air, arms flailing, grinning like they just won the lottery. Sure, it sounds fun in theory, but in practice, it often results in one family member accidentally kicking another in the shins. Still, there’s something undeniably joyous about capturing that spontaneous energy, even if it does mean having a few shots where someone’s mid-air expression is less than flattering. It’s a bit chaotic, a bit silly, but hey, isn’t that what family is all about?
The “We’re All Doing Our Own Thing” Photo
This one’s a classic. You’ve got everyone in the frame, but instead of facing the camera, everyone’s off in their own world: one sibling’s on their phone, another’s deep in a book, while someone else is trying to convince the dog to look at the camera. It’s a snapshot of real life, capturing those moments that often go unnoticed. It’s a quirky reminder that while you may all be physically together, everyone has their own vibe going on. Plus, it makes for some pretty entertaining stories when you look back and remember the chaos of that day!
The “Perfectly Imperfect” Photo
Ah, the “perfectly imperfect” photo, where someone’s hair is a little wild, a toddler is crying, and Dad’s making a silly face. This is the kind of shot that captures the essence of family life in all its messiness. It shows the real, unfiltered moments—like that time you thought it would be cute to take a nice picture outdoors, only to have a gust of wind turn your carefully styled hair into a bird’s nest. These images often become family favorites, lovingly dubbed “the real us.”
The Holiday Card Pose
Every year, families across the globe engage in the annual tradition of the holiday card photo. This usually involves everyone dressing in coordinating outfits (that may or may not be comfortable) and striking that perfect pose that says, “Look at us! We’re a happy family who definitely has it all together!” Spoiler: no one actually has it all together. Yet somehow, these photos manage to capture the spirit of the season—complete with fake smiles and a background of twinkling lights. There’s something delightful about sending these out to friends and family, letting them in on the façade!
The “What Were We Thinking?” Snap
Last but not least, we have the “What were we thinking?” snap. You know the one—a family member suggested a themed shoot, and now you’re all dressed up in matching costumes from a favorite movie or TV show. It could be a wizarding family, superheroes, or even something as random as a historical reenactment.
More from Vinyl and Velvet:
Leave a Reply