I used some of the kid's Christmas portraits to make up some storyboards - my very first ones - as gifts for their grandparents (and for me, too, of course!) . I was so pleased when everyone seemed to like them!
These one's are 10 x 20
And these ones are 12 x 18
Here are some of Mica's Christmas portraits. Unfortunately, she was really not into the whole photo shoot thing and wouldn't co-operate at all. Even when Colton was standing behind me doing everything in his power to make her look in his direction - making animal sounds, singing, making funny faces - she did her best to ignore us. But, in the end, I'm okay with that, because that's just how my little girl is and it shows in her photos.
Here are some of Colton's Christmas portraits. He was great fun on this shoot!
In years past, I've always taken the kiddos to get Christmas portraits done. Picture day was always one I dreaded - dress up the kids (and try to keep them clean!); bundle them up into the car; make the one hour drive to that big department store that we all love to hate (but don't know what we'd do without); now we're there, the kids are wrinkled from being buckled up in their car seats, but they're in good spirits and are ready for our appointment - but (of course) they're running late and we have to wait; now I'm trying to keep the kids entertained (and clean - no rolling on the icky floor, please!) while we wait;, big surprise - the kids don't like sitting quietly and waiting (who knew?!?); now it's at least half an hour past our appointment time and we're finally called, but by now the kids have lost all interest in co-operating - they're bored and cranky; I spend another 15 (very frustrating) minutes trying to coax the kids to look in the direction of the camera and finally settle on a mediocre photo just to put the kids (and me) out of their misery; next comes the worst part as they try to hard-sell me on the "extra" shots they "had" to take - more mediocre pictures for more money - again, I give in just to make them stop!; I hand over all my money and am finally able to go on my way, with a promise that my photos will be ready for pick-up on X date; weeks and weeks later X date rolls around so I bundle the kids up again and make the drive to the store again and stand in line again to pick them up - only to be told that, Sorry, try again next week; so next week I go through the whole thing again - bundle, drive, line-up - and FINALLY am able to successfully pick up my photos! And after all that, I've never been quite satisfied with the photos - and the more I learn about photography, the less impressed I am with department store pics!
So, this year, I decided to do the kid's Christmas portraits myself. It was my very first attempt at any kind of studio lighting and I was nervous, but I figured that I couldn't do any worse than what I've paid for in the past. I transformed my little living room into a make-shift studio and gave it a try. It was a great learning experience - and I need a lot more practice - but in the end I was pleased with my effort!
I only took a few shots of the kids together - Mica was NOT in the mood to sit with her brother - and this was my favorite shot of them both. (those of you who received a Holiday card from our family will recognize this photo!)
Today I attempted my first studio lighting set-up! I was so nervous to try it, but it wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. I really enjoyed myself and look forward to trying again! (who needs a living room anyway - I'd rather have a photography studio!)
I'll be sharing more as I proof them, but this one jumped out at me and I wanted to share it right away. It's - obviously - an out-take from the shoot, but I just love it!
Are they mad at each other?
Or are they united in their annoyance of me?
Or maybe they just don't like the snow?
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