As a family photographer, I have had some awkward moments, one of those, when I was hired to take pictures on location at a family reunion. I had driven 2 1/2 hours into the mountains and there met up with the family during their reunion.
There was a grandma, grandpa, a large gathering of brothers, sisters, their spouses, and many grandchildren.
As we were finishing up I had the family all posed together, then it happened just as I was about the get the culminating shot I asked the grandpa and grandma to give each other a little smooch for the crowning picture. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, both glared at me with such intensity that I immediately felt a little like shrinking away. Little did I know that they despised each other.
It was one of those moments when time seemed to stand still and all you can hear is silence and your own heartbeat. I was so embarrassed and very surprised but, In the end, I laughed it off (not out loud of course) and moved on quickly.
Fortunately, everyone else in the family was understanding (after all they were all aware of the situation) and no one made too much of it, in fact my contact apologized for not giving me a heads up.
We ended up with some amazing pictures and a funny story without any further drama or embarrassment. It was a successful photo session. It’s a testament to how strong families can be even when they are going through difficult things!