A remarkable and shocking conclusion, I know. We're talking groundbreaking stuff here.
The researcher deduced that certain variables contributed to the difficulty of the task. For instance, the mood of the children ("Are we done yet? I want to be done!"),
their activity level (active 3-year olds do not prefer sitting motionless),
age (5-1/2 month olds do not yet understand the concept of "Smile at the camera...NOW!"),
and the effectiveness of bribery (which does not work at all with babies, and with certain 3-year olds, the question, "Can I have a brownie now?" is asked after every single picture.).
The subjects' cooperation was also directly proportional to their ignorance on subject matter such as lighting ("Let's hurry and get this picture done before it gets too dark!") and their mother's strong desire for a photo of her 3 sons together.
I've attached photographic documentation from the trials (and errors) of the study.
Let's not forget the sand hazard...
(No babies were harmed during this face plant.)
Fortunately, when the subjects were approached with a camera while in their element, and not being asked (i.e. told) to sit still and pose, the researcher found them much more willing to smile (genuine smiles at that) at the camera.
Another stunning revelation.
And so, the researcher was able to end her beach trip with photographs proving the subjects enjoyed themselves. The children's happiness and enjoyment was greatly pleasing to her and her research assistant, leading to cheesy smiles,
joyful leaps in the air,
and cartwheels** across the sand.
When we weren't forcing kids to smile for pictures, it was a wonderful time. And after all of those practice photos, a mother did end up with one picture she loves of her 3 sons.
We love our beach trips.
**OK, so maybe the cartwheel was to prove his athletic prowess to a wife who didn't believe he could do one. Even though it wasn't the prettiest cartwheel, the wife admitted defeat.
3 comments:
I'm sorry, I know it was so frustrating, but I have to laugh every time I look at Alex's expression in some of those pictures. It's classic. And you did end up getting some adorable shots so it was worth it. I've said it before & I'll say it again-- those are some handsome boys.
I don't think it gets any easier with age. Last week I tried to capture a picture with my three nephews 8, 6 and 5 and had the same problems. You managed to get some beautiful pictures.
Love this post. They are precious, even when they aren't smiling. Love them all. (and Mom and Dad)
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