The Art of the Photobomb

Have you ever wondered just how many people have photos of you? It is an interesting concept if you think about it. Think of all the family trips you have been on, think of the places your have visited, think of all the concerts and shows you have been to, think of the fairs, carnivals, so on and so forth, and then times that by the amount of camera usage at that event. There could be someone in China right now looking at their photos from Disneyland or New York, and you could be in it just because you were walking by as they clicked for a photograph. How crazy, right?

But then you could also be in any and every photo because you spend your days trying to be. Which brings us to the topic of today's post, The Art of the Photobomb. It really and truly is an art. And something that I have come to know and love over my years. With the holidays coming up there will be a lot of opportunities to jump in photos all over. Today I am teaching you the steps to being an expert photo-bomber.

1. Always be central. 

You need to be in the middle of whatever is going on. Make sure you are never on one end of the group. Because if you limit yourself to one side, you miss the opportunity to be in multiple photos in a row. 

2. Stand behind people. 

You might miss the conversation... but who cares!? You get to be in all their photos. And that is going to bring many more memories and a much better digital footprint. Years down the road what are you going to remember? Making conversation with a bunch of people you will probably not talk to again (unless you will... then that could be awkward) or having a million photos with you in them!?

3. Look for small windows of opportunity. 

Literally... small windows. Your whole body doesn't have to be in a photo for it to be a successful photobomb. One limb, one eye, or whatever else you can squeeze in. There are always keyholes to work through.

4. Never look guilty. 

Did you get caught trying to photobomb? Just smile and walk away. Or just duck down. More on the ducking down later. You just have to blend and pretend you are supposed to be there. It is as simple as that. If you make a guilty face the photographer will second guess that you are supposed to be there!

5. Work on your creepy face. 

Okay... doesn't have to be creepy... thumbs up or some weird face will also work. But I prefer creepy.

6. Open your ears. 

Most photographers count, "Okay... Ready? 1...2...3!" THREE IS YOUR LUCKY NUMBER! 

The countdown always means you are close enough to jump in.

7. Be prepared to jump.

 Literally. At the last second. Because sometimes you get caught on the first attempt. And then you have to squat down and jump at the last second. But also. Jumping connects to number 6, because you will probably have to jump there too.

8. Be prepared to stop. 

You might not be planning to photobomb... but then you are walking by and someone pulls out a camera. Stop. STOP! Always be prepared to stop for those moments. 

9. Blend in. 

Oh, hello family taking photo in front of the building. Hello, Sorority/Fraternity posing at event. 

Hello cheer squad jumping on the beach. Mimic them. Blend in. Be in the photo. Then walk away. 

10. Be mobile. 

This is the most important step. Be prepared to move around. Stand up, sit down, jump, squat, stand up, slide to the left, slide to the right, criss cross, criss cross, cha-cha real smooth. Okay. Maybe not all of that. But be prepared for anything and everything. If you can't move, you can't be in photos.

With all that being said. I wanted you all to see a little of my work.
So here is my photo bomb portfolio, based only on the photos I could find..