image found on http://weheartit.com/from/m-a-l-e-d-i-c-t-i-o-n.tumblr.com
Tough times for a child who can sometimes take on the form of a pretzel.
Depending on the time/place/moment/noise/temperature/season… Mac can be tough to get a decent shot of.
After an epic fail in Year 1, where I was meant to be helping, and subsequently Mac’s individual photo was atrocious, I have been banned from assisting by Mac’s dad.
So Shawn has had the task, and has done a great job, for years Kindy and Grade 2. As a hardened journo from way back, he isn’t shy asking for a ‘re-take or do-over’.
This year he wasn’t available so Mac’s aide, Tim, took charge and assured me he was up to the job and was going to make sure it’s a good one ( although I don’t think he realised how much easier said than done this actually is 😉 )
I do think it will work out ok – Tim’s nothing if not determined. On collecting Mac at the end of the day Tim advised, “we didn’t get him smiling, but he did look ‘a bit posh’ ”… hmm, intriguing… can’t wait to see it now.
Tim took the initiative for Mac to have ‘two sittings’ for individual photo at different times of the day and said the photographers “were extremely accommodating”. I love that Tim took the job so seriously – he and Mac appeared to have a good time, even if Mac wasn’t prepared to smile whenever a camera was anywhere near him. But Tim being a bit pushy helps the photographers know they can ask for a redo themselves and not feel like they are embarrassing anyone, in fact it would be welcomed. It also sends a message that it’s ok to set a higher standard for all kids photos, particularly those who aren’t always as easy to photograph.
In this era of digital photography there’s no real extra cost to taking those few extra shots here and there.
I actually think there’s almost a social role for photographers to ‘step up’ and ensure they are presenting those most at risk of being devalued, in valued roles through respectful and thoughful use of their art.
Still, glad they are done for another year but only ‘half glad’ that kid in the pic at the top of the post isn’t mine…
Inky Ed 