The Challenge: Get a free 8×10 photo taken (Or build your own studio)
Growing up, my family was not the type to get professional photos taken; school photos aside, we were more of the “grab the camera as the baby is running around naked” type of family. We have an abundance of family photos, taken by my parents, but not one is a professionally taken photograph. When I saw Rookie Mom Challenge #33, Get a Free Baby Portrait Taken, it actually made me nervous!
- Where would I do this?
- How would Weston act?
- How would I act?
I love taking photos of my son, and I think I’m pretty good at it, so with some trepidation, I marched forward to the photo studio to complete my challenge. We have a lack of photo studios on Long Island, but stumbled upon CLIX Portrait Studio; though they are not currently running any free photo promotions, I asked if they would help me complete my challenge with a free 8×10, and they were more than happy to help!
My Little Ham
Of course, the little one resisted his afternoon nap before the shoot. I was expecting the worst, but as soon as we got to the open and clean studio, he perked up. CLIX is a family owned franchise, and they were in-between customers at the moment, which gave us ample time to ask how the whole process worked. There is a studio room, with big overhead lights and many backgrounds to choose from. I chose the green rustic door background, with a porch-like base; I thought it was very classic and a little Tom Sawyer-esque. As soon as we entered the photo room, my tired boy became the total ham he is; when I sat him down on the “porch,” he started grinning and waving. The photographer kneeled before him, and I stood behind the photographer, making popping noises with my mouth to make Weston laugh.
But, He’s Perfect!
After the photos were done, we sat down at a computer and were able to scan through all the shots with the photographer. I chose my favorite shot in which Weston looks like he is clapping hands (adorable!).
The photographer looked at the photo and plainly said, “I’ll just edit that scratch on his cheek out.” I was baffled! Edit my child? I didn’t say anything, because, when in Rome, right? If I was going to have a professional photo done, I was going to go all the way with it. He did edit out the scratch perfectly, but something about the change left a knot in my stomach.
In my eyes, he’s perfect no matter what, and I would never edit him. When I take photos of Weston, I want to depict and remember the Weston I see everyday, scratches and bumps included. He’s a little boy, he’s going to get scratched and bruised! Of course, I could have denied the edit, but in the long run, I was honestly surprised by my visceral reaction to the scratch being taken out.
The final picture is indeed adorable, and it was definitely a challenge I wouldn’t have done with the Rookie Moms’ suggestion.
What would you do if the photographer wanted to edit your baby’s face?
[Photo credit: Olivia Howell — all rights reserved]
Find more baby activities with the 52 weekly rookie mom challenges.
If you’re already participating, use hashtag #rookiemoms on instagram or twitter so we can cheer each other on.
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