It’s no secret I enjoy photography. It’s also no secret I do not like to take photos of people. It’s too stressful. I like to capture light and shadows, angles, architecture, even movement of water and expressions of animals. But animals don’t complain.

People have opinions. They have expectations. They want edits. I rarely edit. I find photos in the everyday, and I frame them the best I can, and if they turn out, great. If not, no harm done. No one is offended. Of course, I take candids of family members to capture moments, but they’re in our memories if the photos aren’t ideal. Again, no pressure. Sitting back and enjoying the moments are just as good, if not better. 

One of my most beloved friends called and asked a favor. Could I please take their family photos? The situation was complicated. The timing allowed for a very small window, which fell on a busy window in the community, tying up most photographers. One of the family members had extensive editing experience, so I wouldn’t be responsible for that piece of it. It was the night before three weeks of travel. It was my birthday. My response was instant but sassy. “I must love you a whole lot, because, of course, I’ll do it.” 

I knew they wouldn’t put any pressure on me. We had supper before we started. Some changed clothes too early and had to troubleshoot a stain or two. Their color palette might be my favorite family choice I’ve seen; it was understated, as if they just happened to show up with colors that complemented one another. Twelve people in countless combinations of poses between the backyard and the front yard, sometimes with a bench and sometimes without it, and even a cute cat included toward the end.

I took a lot of photos, even when I knew people weren’t quite ready. I knew I’d catch some good memories even if they weren’t frameable. We took some silly ones. We caught the sunset. We helped those who don’t like photos be more comfortable and let those who like photos get some extras. They told stories and got the giggles. They bossed each other. They did what families do. And I loved every second of it.

Because I was leaving the next day, I wanted to make sure they downloaded all the photos to confirm there were no issues. With hundreds of them, it took a while. Several of us continued to chat. They gave me a very sweet card, which I didn’t open until I got home later. It was the very best way to spend my birthday and the night before my trip. Something that seemed way outside my comfort zone ended up being my sweet spot that night because of how my friend’s family welcomed me. Don’t get me wrong: I have no desire to take family photos again. But I’m certainly glad I said yes.

We might say yes at times and not feel great about it, but how will we know unless we try? Sometimes comfort is on the other side of discomfort.