While in California for the Alcocer wedding, my mom gave me two old cameras. One belonged to my grandfather, an Agfa-Ansco Readyset 1A, the other, a Polaroid 210, belonged to my step-dad, Tom. I’ve yet to figure out the Readyset, but I got the 210 up and running.

However, I’m still trying master its rangefinder. My niece Anna bluntly underscored my lacking skills when she pointed out that I cut off her head after taking a picture of her and three of her three older cousins: Aundrea, Olivia, and Enedina.

I tried explaining to her that the camera was new to me and that I’m still learning how to use it. Her body language told me she wasn’t interested in hearing that. Nor was she dazzled by the Polaroid’s “instant magic.”

I had been called out by a seven year-old. And she was right. That initial photo was a tad too tight.

Apparently I made amends later in the afternoon after taking a group shot in which every body had an entire head. “That’s a great picture, Uncle Mike” Anna said.

So, let’s re-cap: shot a photo that was too tight, was criticized for it, then tried to make excuses for it while playing  the “instant magic” card (neither of which worked), then shot a better photo next time out. I’d say Anna might make a pretty good editor some day.

Lastly, a quick clip of the girls playing Mario Bros. on the wii: