Awkward Family Photos

March 28, 2014—August 10, 2014

Childhood friends Mike Bender and Doug Chernack began a blog in May, 2009 after Mike saw an awkward vacation photo hung in his parent’s house. Realizing that there were probably plenty of other people out there with their own awkward family images, the two friends decided to create a friendly place where everyone could come together and share their uncomfortable family moments.

Thus, Awkward Family Photos was born. The authors/guest curators started by posting a few of their own childhood photos and those provided by friends, and the site quickly took off and became an internet sensation; it now receives millions of hits and submissions from around the world.

The “Awkward Family Photo” exhibition, at the California Heritage Museum, opens on March 28, and will continue through July 27, 2014. It invites you to celebrate those less than picture-perfect moments in an exhibition that explores ten family themes: The Family Portrait; Siblings; Vacation; The Kids; The Holidays; Weddings; Dad; Mom; The Grandparents; Birthdays; and The Family Pet.

As far as a perfect definition of awkwardness, it may not exist. Everyone can look at a picture and take away something different about what makes it awkward, but at long as the viewer feels some level of discomfort, there is awkwardness.

Ultimately, this show is about more than just photos and stories. It’s about celebrating the family experience and shining a light on all of those deliciously awkward moments that come with the price of family membership.

Three “Awkward Family Photos” books have been published by Random House, Inc. The books are available for purchase in the Museum’s shop.