why do they need to be looking?
by Kathy Wolfe ~ January 22, 2008
I think as photographers - maybe just as moms… we try to get that “perfect shot”… you know the one, where our kids are looking at the camera, smiling, not smiling, the perfect eyes, the perfect look. I do it, you do it - come on, you know you do. I think because we have this “idea” in our mind of “that shot” and we feel we need to achieve it. So when my boys are together, and willing to participate - I feel I must put them to the test - and guess what - it doesnt work. They get irritated, I get irritated… it turns into a fiasco.
I was “complaining” about this to my mom over the weekend - showing her in my camera - my “failed” attempts at photos of my boys. The silly faces, the 100 shots I took and saying to her that none of them were “any good”. When she said to me, “WHY DO THEY NEED TO BE LOOKING??” and it was like a MAC truck hit me straight on. WHAM - someone just punched me square in the nose. MY GOD! what am I DOING??
They dont. THEY DON’T!
There is nothing wrong with these shots - just because they might not fit the mold my mind originally set up. There was nothing wrong with them. I think what hurts us most the time, as photographers, is that we go into something, with the “idea” of how something should be, and then if it doesn’t work, we turn up disappointed…putting too much pressure to get that perfect shot.
So I went back through the pictures I took - the ones that I really was going to delete.. and found myself loving the fact that my boys were together. and that in itself made the shot all the worth while.
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
you are such a sweety! And yes…any image of my 2 together are priceless. I should show you the one for my x-mas card. After so many failed attempts…I got the most perfect one. Neither of them are looking, but the love between them you can feel from the paper the picture was printed on.
The card is on my blog, if you ever have the chance checking my december archive! 
Love your new blog! 
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
“found myself loving the fact that my boys were together”
That’s it Kathy, that’s it.
You’ve got a wise mom. And sometimes we all need that Mac truck once in a while.
You know I love this image! Moremore more!
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I love your mom
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Kathy, What a great pic of your two handsome boys! Love your new blog!
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:01 pm
It’s so funny cause for clients pictures it doesn’t bother me at all for the kids to be not looking BUT I want my girls to look at me with big smiles. HA But I rarely can get one of them both looking at me.
Love your new blog!
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Kathy -
Thanks for your perspective - I totally needed that. I too get frustrated because my pictures don’t turn out exactly as I had imagined. I will go back and revisit some in the trash bin with some new perspective.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I know exactly how you feel, and I think you put it perfectly. And then I think on top of that that it is so hard to step outside of your own work. Anyway, all that to say I love this image as is.
January 24th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
You are so right.. I find I am always proding my kids to look at me I dont do it as much with other people’s kids and get that same thing that happens them iritated me iritated.. blahblahblah.. and you are so right its that they are together.. being THEM thats what is important. Well said girl.. thanks for the reminder.. would love to see your other “outtakes”
January 25th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
HI Kathy, I love your photography and your site. You take some awesome photos. Do you mind sharing what equipment you use :)? Many thanks, Angie
January 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
HI Kathy, I love your photography and your site. You take some awesome photos. Do you mind sharing what equipment you use :)? I’m on a new lens hunt at the moment. Many thanks, Angie
January 26th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
thanks everyone! Angie - I have a Nikon D200 and mostly use a 50mm or 85mm prime lenses. Also have a few zooms that I use.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I think I found another kindred spirit… I have a similar post on my site. http://www.jenniferhogan.com/newsworthy/2006/12/eureka-shot-at-last.html
I feel your pain…
Jennifer