Duck! That doesn’t work. She’ll take the picture anyway. Hide! Maybe if you’re not around she’ll take a picture of someone else. Mom is strapped. She’s walking around with a loaded camera and she is determined to get as many prom pictures as she possibly can. Next week, she’ll be sitting with all her friends showing them off, telling each of them how proud she is. It doesn’t matter whether you think it’s a horrible photo. She’ll show it off regardless of your feelings about it.
Moms and prom pictures are as inseparable as you and your prom date (hopefully). This is the crowning moment of their life as parents of high school students. You already dealt with all the pressure of finding the right prom dress or tuxedo, the best prom limo, and a date you actually want to spend time with. Now, you have to deal with your camera-toting Mom. There’s really nothing you can do about it. Just be ready.
When teens think of prom pictures they generally visualize the moment at the prom when the photographer takes that photo that will go on the mantel at home for the next ten years (or until it’s replaced by a wedding picture). What many don’t think of is that Mom will be snapping photos from the moment you wake up on prom day. Be prepared! You may have to look at yourself having breakfast, or getting ready, or even freaking out at some point during the day (Moms love to catch that moment on film). You won’t like it, but they’ll justify it with the old, “You’ll understand someday when you’re a parent.”
You might understand but it won’t make it any easier. You are at Mom’s mercy today and she needs to do this. It’s the last opportunity before graduation and then high school is done. Don’t be surprised if Dad decides to get into the action too. They’ll both take as many prom pictures as they can and then send you off to the prom with that sad look in their eyes. Don’t worry, though. They’ll cheer up every time they get to embarrass you in front of your friends. Those prom pictures will be coming out of the drawer every time someone new in your life walks into the house.
