“In the moment, the person next to you matters most.” — Jay Payleitner
Dear Friends:
Rita and I have five kids, four daughters-in-law, and eight grandkids. I cherish any picture with all 19 of us and we’ll take those posed group shots any chance we get.
But you know what can be even more amusing, memorable, and even valuable? Two person photos. Typically, not posed.
Most of the those photos—taken wherever and whenever—better capture the personalities of those people you love so much.
We have an amusing array of two-person photos, creatively framed on a special shelf in our hallway. Randy waist high in the Atlantic Ocean with Rae Anne standing on his shoulders. Three-year-old Isaac listening to Max’s tummy with one of those yellow and blue Fisher-Price stethoscopes. Isaac and Rae walking to the bus stop. Alec and Isaac on a berm pondering life.
Other favorites include Jay holding newborn Alec on the day I became a father. And, of course, Rita nuzzling one of her grandbabies.
A couple favorite photos of two grandkids even made it into my book, Happy Semiquincentennial, America! You may have noticed Jack & Reese with Jack’s baseball participation trophy (page 110) and Emerson & Nolan making a sandcastle (page 60).
Two-person photos become a connecting point for those two individuals. Whether it’s a toddler and a great-grandmother. Cousins who happen to be the same age. Or a teenager goofing with their much younger sibling. Don’t be surprised when, years from now, those photos become favorite posts acknowledging milestones over social media.
Yes, take group shots. And solo shots. But be intentional about capturing moments of connection between any two family members. Don’t just keep digital versions. Print them off. Frame them nicely as gifts or for your own in-home gallery.
Keep making connections!
/jay
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