I know it’s not just me….I can’t stand those ridiculous Instagram poses. My recent trip to Peru saw scads of mindless tourists sitting, either forward or backwards, with their arms stretched over their heads while friends or strangers clicked away with their phones held upright….pic after pic after pic because that’s what they see on Instagram. Sometimes I doubt they even notice what’s in the background, they just knew this was the place and the pose needed to mimic some other mindless Instagrammer who copied someone else. It really hit home on the top of Huanay Picchu as a large group filed to the “spot” and consumed 10 or 15 minutes snapping their canned poses while the rest of us endured being trapped in swarming bugs and blocked from exiting or perhaps actually getting a nice shot of the background without raised arms in the frame.

Therefore, I am now pushing for a viable alternative, the Willis Wall Pose. No sitting….you gotta balance on one leg while the other is raised 90 degrees. The arms are also raised with a 90 degree bend and palms must be facing outwards. If you can’t hold this pose for more than a second you don’t deserve to do it. If you’re afraid of falling off the precipice due to crappy balance then….don’t do it. AND, there is only one shot required. No turning backwards, no sitting, just one pose for one pic. Then turn around and actually admire the view and perhaps capture this view in a properly oriented photo.

HISTORY The Willis Wall Pose was first struck on the top of Mt. Rainier in the year 2000 out of the sheer exuberance of being on this summit at 6 AM with crystal clear skies. BEHOLD THE BIRTH!

*The original and first Willis Wall Pose: summit of Mt. Rainier, 2000*

This incredibly sophisticated pose, requiring limber joints and superb balance, was introduced to the trekking world in Peru and is already spreading like wildfire; many thanks to my daughter, who contributed mightily to this outbreak.

*Random Dude: “I don’t know what you’re doing, but I’m in!”*

To ensure that future generations are introduced to the Willis Wall Pose in South America, we infected our guide Nico, who will surely spread the pose to future trekkers, who in turn will carry this epitome of photographic candidness to Europe, Africa, Canada, Kiwiland, Australia and beyond….bwa haha haha!

*Guide Nico adds his own style to the Willis Wall Pose*

So mindless Instagrammers, take note. Strike the Willis Wall Pose…..just once! Then enjoy your views and surroundings. Note: pose can be struck on left or right leg.

*Cassie and Sarah strike the Willis Wall Pose in perfect unison at 12,916’*

This picture is an example of superb form, already perfected by my daughter at age 16:

*Cassie demonstrates perfect form on the summit of Mt Adams, 2011*

BUT, I’ll end with the master, sensei and originator of the Willis Wall Pose demonstrating execution during a race without breaking stride……

*Willis Wall strikes the pose without breaking stride in a foot race*

TAKE NOTE AND POSE!