The Winning Photo

As the family wandered hopelessly in a fruitless search for photographic excellence – there was the first annual MFPCT (Martin Family Photo Contest Trophy) to be won – I serenely worked on award-winning compositions. My experience with the digital camera made me the favourite. There were, of course, a few minor technical issues associated with the equipment used in the contest.

“You have to turn on the flash, Dad.”

“What?”

“It’s a disposable camera, Dad. And you missed the picture of Melika eating a candy bar,” Mitra snickered.

“I probably muffed the photo of Darius brushing his teeth,” I thought – Crestfallen.

Of course, I realized that it was possible to win the contest in two ways. You could take a standard approach – i.e. the winning photo – or you could be the winning photo. In former case, you would be credited with taking the picture, in the latter, you would be the picture. And idea came to mind:

Although the weather was generally cold and murky, I suggested a family stroll along Lake Zürich. We took, as usual, a long time getting ready to leave the house. Someone had to dress the dog and everyone had to decide on seasonably suitable outerwear. I chose:

“My Moroccan cape and my Яussian mink hat.”

“Your cape, Dan?” Nazy asked.

“Of course, my dear. It is red…”

“… brown…

“… and seasonal.”

“Do you believe that the kids will walk with you?”

“This,” I thought, “Will surely lead to the winning shot.” (It might have – if anyone had remembered to bring their cameras.)

On Christmas Day, Parental Martins slept late. Younger family members waited patiently – for a (very) short time. In the end, they established a candlelight vigil outside the door of the master bedroom.

Darius submitted his photo of the candlelight vigil to the contest organizers. A family vote selected this photo as the winner. Darius was the winner! (Contest rules mandate this excessive display.)

I tried to contest the results. “Block voting by the kids.” I said building my case.

“You lost, Dad. Just take your place down on the losers podium,” Melika said condescendingly.