Photographic Feat

Isn't it funny how we can put our complete photographic faith in a complete stranger?

Here's the story: You are on holidays with a partner, or at least exploring a new, exciting place. There are only so many architectural shots you can take with one person smiling like an eejit at the camera, or haphazardly stretching your arm as far as it will go to get both of you in with the result being some sort of weird angled scenic view behind you and yours half cut off faces.

It's now time to get a look-at-the-two-of-us-having-an-amazing-time-in-this-exotic-place photograph so you can post it on facebook, or more historically, print it out and display it at your front door for all your guests to see and envy with a polite "Awh, look at you two."

It is at this point that the stranger comes in. You find a cool ancient pyramid or a 15th century castle and believe this is where you want a fantastic photograph. Then begins the search. You eyeball every person who goes by. He's wearing a leather jacket; too dodgey. She has a wonky eye; shit photographer. That couple are kissing in the bushes; don't disturb.

Eventually someone tickles your fancy. Either another member of a tourist group-they've done the same thing only ten minutes previously, a cute looking female-she surely wouldn't do a runner like the guy in Mr. Bean (For those of you who don't know Mr. Bean, God forbid, but check this out anyway: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l4dieIcyNY), or a cutesy couple sauntering along gazing into each others eyes-they have all the time in the world and surely wouldn't mind helping those in need of a memorable photo.

Now the photographer is chosen you have to rely on their photographic eye to deliver exactly what you had envisioned for your perfect shot. You stand, you smile, they click. You have to take what you're given. Lucky for you if the person has a photographic eye. Unlucky for you if they don't and it looks like the pyramid is a party hat sticking out of your head and your partner has a little man walking between their legs.