It's time to take the annual Christmas card family photo. As parent of three teenage girls, normally something like this would require all kinds of planning and official notification of the portrait subjects. But I've figured out how to pave the way for family photo success.It's called a bribe.Oh, don't make a face. We moms have all done it. I prefer to think of it as an "incentive."I have a go-to spot for such photos: the local pumpkin patch. Yeah, I know, it's been done to death. But it turns out there's something about rusted farm machinery, hay bales and pumpkins that makes for an almost foolproof family photo setting. I'm nothing if not consistent.
But first my "incentive."Who wants In-n-Out burgers for dinner?, I called out one afternoon.The Wonderful Camera Obscura,We're going to take a family photo at the pumpkin patch and those who cooperate get hamburgers for dinner, I informed our three girls. They grumbled a bit, but at least all three of them got into the car.Heading over to the patch, I reviewed the requirements for the hamburgers.I need smiles, I told them. And everyone needs to look at the camera. No crazy eyes, I told one daughter who has a habit of going all googly-eyed when photographed.
Can we get pumpkins?, they asked.Sheesh, my inner Grinch thought. Weren't the hamburgers enough for them? And weren't they a little old to be carving pumpkins?But I didn't want to lose the subjects before we even arrived at the patch. This deal could fall apart faster than you could say "Great Pumpkin."Fine, I said, but no pumpkin picking until after we take the photo.At the patch, I herded them toward my favorite old tractor. Come on girls, I said. Don't get distracted by the baby cows and pigs!, I called out as I stomped past. Photo first!
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