Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Family Photo

Everyoneeyessquinting_2

Taking photos of each other is something we rarely do in our family. I don’t know why, it is just like that. Maybe it is because I do not like to my have photo taken. Maybe it is because I ask permission to take photos instead of taking them candidly? Maybe it is because I try to hard, and they make faces, and say silly things, while I am trying to take their photo.

I took this photo in front of the Costa Romantica….After taking it I asked it I could take another, because Yann and Sacha were squinting.

They weren’t too happy about having to stand like models for another one of my photo attempts.

Chelsea_fake_smile

"Too dark, my fault…wrong setting. By the way Chelsea what kind of smile is that?" I asked laughingly.

She said, "An American-show-me-your-teeth-smile!"

Oh. Okay. Whatever. Smile French style.

Sachasquints

As I was taking the photo Yann asked, "What is a French smile?" As he made a face at me.

"Why? Why? Why? Do you guys do this on purpose? Don’t squint. Don’t talk."

Just look at me, and don’t move, please."

Sachanaples

"Sacha?! What are you doing? Smile. Stand still. No faces." I begged.

Chelsea interjects, "Yeah, my new yellow purse from Malta is in the picture!"

(…and she isn’t usually an airhead!)

Sachatongue

This is why I take pictures of door handles.

Comments

60 responses to “Family Photo”

  1. Regina Clare Jane

    The first commenter?! I am never the first one! Yay for me!
    How absolutely beautiful your family is- I know they all take after you, Corey dearest!
    But c’mon- one piccie, please, of you, with sugar on top? You all know how much we love you!

    Reply
  2. EB

    Have you tried to optimize your photos? I found an easy way to get a more clear and sharp photo. Refer to picopti.com
    _____________________________________________________
    Hi EB
    Thanks for the tip!

    Reply
  3. Lilly

    Your family is beautiful and these photos are precious just the way they are…
    But! If you want to have one nice photo for the mantle you can use photoshop to copy Sasha’s head from one photo and stick it over the sticking out his tongue head in the other photo and Voila! a perfectly posed family. It will even look like they all posed nicely at the same time!

    Reply
  4. ally bean

    lol. “Oh. Okay. Whatever. Smile French style.” This is a wonderful photo essay because it is so real. Truly entertaining.

    Reply
  5. Jeanette

    You need to find a bystander it take the picture so you all can be in it and maybe the other 3 will behave for the stranger(a friend yet to be found) and voila a prefect family picture on the Costa Romantica. Sounds easy, huh?
    Looks like fun is being had by all.

    Reply
  6. martina

    It is their turn to take pictures of you! You have a very good looking family. Chelsea’s purse is a beautiful color 🙂

    Reply
  7. Marie-Noëlle

    From the last picture I can figure how good your father is in teaching his grandson to pull faces (“80 reasons isn’t enough”)!!!
    The whole post is great, maybe not for the family’s poses but for all the memories that go with them.
    Before the time of cell cameras, I used to say “another one, just in case (it doesn’t come out right)” … and we ended up with tons of (close)doubles…
    I know somebody who doesn’t move at all when being photographed, who shows beautiful smiles and natural looks… ????????

    Reply
  8. Lynda

    Your family is adorable! The photos are great with “American” smiles, tongues sticking out and squinting eyes because you’ve captured the little things that you will always remember. Great photos of Malta and Tunsia as well! ♥

    Reply
  9. Kristen R

    I am giggling I feel much the same way about taking photos of our family, perhaps the momentum of the moment and lack of perfection in the photo is the gift.
    Perhaps that was a bit deep and really it is just door handles stay put when asked.
    XO
    Kristen

    Reply
  10. angela marie

    I so know what you mean! I tried to get a family picture for our Christmas cards last year… not one turned out. grrr

    Reply
  11. risa

    maybe it’s because of the artificial nature of many posed family portraits? but i love these…everyone looks happy, relaxed, and like they are having fun.

    Reply
  12. Lisa Oceandreamer

    Sometimes these photos, the semi-candid photos become the most memorable. I loathe having my photo taken so I am always the one taking pictures…looking back on some of the family and friend photos I’ve taken I like the ones where I remember the “silly” moment. You have a beautiful family Corey – ALL of you!(I’d love to see one of all 4 of you)
    XOXO

    Reply
  13. rachel

    i like this.. unfortunately, i am not very photogenic and i do not enjoy taking pictures… my parents have a bad time getting me into the frame.

    Reply
  14. Liz Ness

    In series, this is an awesome set of photos of the family…love it and the dialog that goes with it…wonderful!

    Reply
  15. AnnieElf

    So – where are YOU? Oh, there you are, on the other side of the camera. Hah, I do the same thing too. Lots of pictures of me on the other side of the camera.

    Reply
  16. patpaulk

    Yes, where are you?? Beautiful family, though.
    ————————————————————-
    Hi Pat
    I am behind the camera! 😉

    Reply
  17. Gypsy Purple-Chamara

    Corey…I missed some of your posts…and what precious one`s they are….love this pictures…I have the same problem….no keeping them still and the worst is the comments….rarely a normal picture of the Pansegrouws

    Reply
  18. stephanie

    Am catching up on your trip…love all of it! Family pictures….its universal!
    so true…so funny!

    Reply
  19. Ulla

    PRICELESS!!! Door handles or not, you are family and that’s what matters!!!!

    Reply
  20. jolene marie

    Hmmmm, are WE related? Those look our family photos!
    😉

    Reply
  21. T Sheeley

    What a beautiful family you have Corey!! I love your sense of humor by the way. And please tell Chelsea I love that yellow purse!!!!
    Teresa
    xo

    Reply
  22. Shannon

    How funny. I thought those were the antics of tikes (my own kids do the same fidgeting and complaining). Dear lord this tells me things won’t improve when their older….LOL.

    Reply
  23. Britt-Arnhild

    YANN, I KNOW YOU ARE READING THIS BLOG AFTER DINNER (what did you have for dinner tonight?)…..
    I HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!
    CAN YOU PLEASE FIND COREY’S CAMERA AND TAKE A SERIES OF PHOTOS OF HER…..
    WE ARE A WHOLE BUNCH OF PEOPLE (read fans) OUT HERE WANTING MORE COREY PHOTOS………

    Reply
  24. tut-tut

    Beautiful family; you should have accosted a passerby, given him/her the camera, and jumped in with the others!! You are very attractive, and you should be part of the picture.

    Reply
  25. constance

    Hi Corey,
    Do you want to know what I notice the most in these photographs of your of your family? I detect that they like and truly care about one another.

    Reply
  26. Acey

    This post really made me smile. Pictures are always better when you know some of the unfolding details …

    Reply
  27. french husband

    Dear Britt-Arnhild,
    Just right, I’m reading Corey’s blog after dinner. (As a matter of fact, Chelsea prepared the dinner tonight:
    Tomato Quiche and bulgur with green beens + a good bottle of rosé wine ;-).
    Now, about getting Corey’s camera and take a serie of pictures of her ? Well, are you sure you don’t prefere more door handles ? 🙂 I could try that! It would be easier!
    Actually, I should think to create a Blog : subject : ABOUT COREY !

    Reply
  28. Fran aka Redondowriter

    I am the family picture taker and a lot of this has to do with the fact that I also do it professionally in my work place. It is such a wonderful way to capture people–and to have memories to go back to. I just love it when my computer goes to screen saver and the slide show from iPhoto begins to run. I love your photos–and also liked Sacha’s story about the right to kiss a girl. Well, now a year later at 13, did he?
    ___________________________________
    Hi Fran
    If I tell you how many times Sacha has kissed or not, I will have to pay him more than I can afford 😉

    Reply
  29. Miz Booshay

    Ah…even in France(Malta)….families can’t seem to get it together in front of the camera :o)
    It’s a miracle to get my whole gang looking nice at the same time.
    A miracle.
    I do like seeing all of the fun personality that shines thru in those shots.
    Fun and cute!!!

    Reply
  30. carlene

    Yikes! What a good looking family you have! It’s probably a good thing that they squint and fool around in front of the camera, otherwise their good looks would just be TOO MUCH for the rest of us to take, lol!

    Reply
  31. lauren Mumford

    That is my family. My french family. Love them all because I love you.
    🙂

    Reply
  32. susanna

    Hah! You had me laughing with this post, Corey. Your family is such a hoot. Chelsea has a face straight out of a painting and her “new yellow purse from Malta” is stylin’!

    Reply
  33. cruststation

    That is exactly what happens when I try to take a picture of my partner :), no photos without a tongue sticking out!

    Reply
  34. diana

    what a beautiful happy family !

    Reply
  35. tinker

    They are all beautiful – even if they squinted a little – or made American show-me-your-teeth smiles 😀
    But I do understand your frustration – we have so few family photos where at least most of us are looking at the camera and not making a funny face, too. Maybe it’s not just our families, but all of them?

    Reply
  36. Britt-Arnhild

    Dear Yann.
    A blog ABOUT COREY – that would be perfect! But without doorhandles PLEASE. Easier or not! I am sure you also prefere COREY to DOOR HANDELS!!!!!!!
    And will you please tell Chelsea that she is welcome up to The Blue Café to make her Tomato Quiche. She will have to wait till August/September though, when the tomatos are ripe in The Blue Garden.

    Reply
  37. Vanessa V

    I am smitten with you people. Well, I am imaging you in the photo also. This is so funny, and your comments. Although, no matter what faces they make, they are all so gorgeous, it doesn’t really matter…..I love it, “Stand still, please, why are you doing this…” Sounds familiar…xxo,V

    Reply
  38. tiffini elektra x

    Gorgeous fun pictures! Oh my I so dig that yellow purse! What a stunning family – all that is missing is beautiful you!!

    Reply
  39. meredith

    You trying to get your family smile made me smile this morning. They are a handsome bunch 🙂

    Reply
  40. berrie

    YANN please let us know when the corey site is up! I do believe you would have an even bigger following then she does here, with a blog like that!!!!! I hear ya Corey on the family photos…UGH it’s hopeless! but the personality that comes through is always REAL! Love these shots of your familia! xo

    Reply
  41. MyMelange

    Corey…how funny , you make me laugh!!! I don’t enjoy my photo being taken either…so I can relate! Lovely family!

    Reply
  42. shabbyinthecity

    You have just reminded me of the worst day of the year…every year…trying to get a photo for our Christmas card!!!
    These are great fun though…and your family is photogenic even with their tongues hanging out! Tongue in Cheek pictures!

    Reply
  43. Beachy

    Oh Corey – I am so glad to hear there is yet one more mother who tries and tries to take family photos, and realizes it just won’t happen! I have stacks and stacks of my attempts, and usually the photos we like best are the ones where everyone is silliest – just the way they actually are! =)

    Reply
  44. Nicol

    What a lovely family! I can see the love and fun and playfullness mirrored from yours in their faces! Don’t you love vacationing all together?? Such lasting wonderful memories.

    Reply
  45. ParisBreakfasts

    There’s a trick that usually works with group pictures.
    Get them to look at each other, not you.
    Generally they’ll relax and you’ll get a nice shot.
    It would help to find a plain background with no portholes 🙂

    Reply
  46. tommiea

    my kids don’t even smile anymore….they just give me this look and say “cheese”…..and they are only 2 and 3!
    lovely photos none the less…

    Reply
  47. cheeky

    The moment you ask the family to stand still and smile for the camera is like telling someone, “Don’t look”. What’s the first thing they do? Look.
    You did manage to capture them beautifully, faces, squints and all. What a joy. merci bien.

    Reply
  48. Julie

    I love Chelsea’s purse and American smile. 🙂

    Reply
  49. Jenny Rebecca

    Oh this post cracks me up! That last sentence is the kicker, LOL.

    Reply
  50. Anastasia

    What a wonderful family you have…I can relate as we hardly take photos with all of us together…wriggling toddlers are hard to take…

    Reply
  51. Carol

    Same here with family pictures that’s why I prefer to take photos of my flowers lol
    Btw finally and mainly thanks to you I have made it to a flea market again after a very long time! Come see! Hugs Carol xox

    Reply
  52. Carol

    Ha ha just loved to read that little conversation between Britt and Yann! That tomato quiche dinner of Chelsea sounds so yummy! And yes please Yann please make an “About Corey” blog!

    Reply
  53. colleen

    Ah, I see what you mean about the habit of sticking out the tongue. This would make a little nice flash book.

    Reply
  54. simple me

    What’s wrong with the faces? I like them. Happy family they are saying.

    Reply
  55. nel

    lol..my family does this too!!! Great post, Nelxo

    Reply
  56. Sheri Pittman

    My son always made faces as well. He is now 38 and regrets not having a good picture of himself that he can show to others!

    Reply
  57. Jana

    Oh, Corey, what a gorgeous family you have!

    Reply
  58. Shelley Noble

    These are absolutely great photos, Corey! You ARE good!

    Reply
  59. Paris Parfait

    So cute – even the bad photos aren’t bad photos. 🙂

    Reply
  60. Sue McG

    ‘This is why I take pictures of door handles.’ That’s too funny!!! I have similar exchanges with my family trying to get a good pic, but sometimes the out-takes are pure gold too 🙂

    Reply

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