I remember the dread I always felt every time Picture Day came around. I’m not a photogenic person, so as I got older, I definitely went out of my way to look…original. Now, as a parent, I get a thrill every time my kids bring home school photos. Did the photographer catch them off guard? What awkward pressed-lips smile did my 10-year-old choose to cover up her missing front tooth? Did my 7-year-old sneer at the camera like I told her to? You’ve probably assumed, correctly, that I’m not the kind of mother whose reputation is on the line whenever my kids sit for their school photos. I actually really, really enjoy terrible school photos. And I’m amazed by the creativity American high school kids are allowed with their senior photos—in Canada all we had to work with was a generic grad gown. I have no idea the spectacle I would have dreamt up if someone had given me options like fire. Today I want to share some of the extremely awkward school photos people have submitted recently to Awkward Family Photos. I hope some of these remind you of your emo/goth/grunge/raver high school pics!
