Paul Wilson Goss: Family Matriarchs Begin Playing an Increasingly Active Role in Family Photos

PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 09, 2012

Recently released information by The Huffington Post discusses the struggles many mothers face as it relates to being included in photographs with their children. While there are a variety of reasons for exclusion, many mothers digress that ultimately, they are the person tasked with taking the pictures and recording childhood milestones, which causes them to be absent from important film memories. Moreover, there has been a movement among some mothers recently to reverse this trend. Photographer Paul Wilson Goss applauds the action of these determined women and comments on their progress.

It is safe to say that many mothers who snap thousands of pictures of their children can only find their own face in a handful of these pictures. Several mothers were profiled and The Huffington Post stated: "Josanna Webber is in one photo from her son's first birthday party. Nancy Pollard had to search back an entire year to find a single one of her with both her children. Irene Martin has only been in six photos in 11 years. Angela Hayden found one--just one--with her and her son, after sorting through three years of photos, and Anna Johnson found five--wow, five!--with her daughter, after clicking through 3,000 on her computer." Photographer Paul Wilson Goss recognizes this challenge, calling it, "an all too common theme."

Of course, reasons for exclusion from children's pictures vary for each of the mothers. Some mothers state their discomfort with their weight due to pregnancy, and hence, their decision to hide from the camera. Others noted that they were so busy keeping up with their young children that they did not have time to fix their hair, shower, and put on makeup, thus creating a lack of desire to jump into a picture.

Ultimately, an essay called "The Mom Stays in the Picture" is summoned upon for reference. Photographer Paul Wilson Goss commends the camera-shy women who have responded to the essay positively and who have insisted on making their presence known in family pictures.

Paul Wilson Goss, in his own business, believes that more moms are trying to take an active role in front of the camera and thinks no matter the overall "state of affairs" women should feel more comfortable sharing in "magic" moments.

Mother Kayt Sukel made her own comments regarding the article, stating, "No makeup, unbrushed hair, and sweats. But Mama is in the picture."

The presence of mothers in photos is not only a boon to the mother's self-esteem, but is also important for young children and their futures. The article notes, "Mothers should take photos because one day it will be too late. Because divorce means an end to family pictures; because children grow and rebel against the camera; because tragedy intervenes."

Paul Wilson Goss agrees, "This is a common problem when you look through many family photo albums. Mom wants to make sure everyone else gets to be in the picture at the fun vacation spot, so she takes it and is missing from the shot. Or sometimes, Mom is too busy taking care of everyone so she doesn't have time to get ready. Family pictures create priceless memories and act as important reminders of milestones. In the end, it's about capturing that time where your family is together. Focusing on that will make you less self conscious and more comfortable in front of the camera."

ABOUT:

Paul Wilson Goss is the owner of Paul Wilson Goss Photography. He photographs a wide variety of subjects, and specializes in engagement photos, senior portraits, birth announcements, and family portraits. Paul Wilson Goss has won awards for his photography. He specializes in making his subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera, despite their experience level with photo shoots.

Website: http://paulwilisongoss.net/