the most perfect family photo (and a very merry christmas to you).

 

(card credits:  main card background: Purdue Avenue Etsy shop; frame: kitschy digitals; leaves and red gems: design by dani.)

almost a month ago, before sickness and the hecticness of the holiday season bombarded our home, we sat down one sunday afternoon to take a candid family photo.

how did I do it?

well, for starters, I begged my family.  told them it was all that I wanted for christmas.

then I told them that they could wear whatever they wanted.

then I told them to bring something to do.  bring a book to read, a toy to play with, or a doll to hold.

I wanted candid…

then I set up my tripod, put my remote on my camera, checked the settings, then had to add my bounce flash to get the lighting just right.

then we were in business.

106 pictures later…

we got it.

and by “it”, I mean four that I could stitch together to make my perfectly candid family photo.

took merrill from here:

took lynn from here:

(the peyton + me combo here was a close second for the final cut..)

took ashley from here:

(for the record, this is the most pleasant expression I got out of ashley the whole 10 minute ordeal.)

and, well, peyton and I were perfect together here:

and we got this masterpiece:

(you know, after photoshop magic…)

and for your enjoyment, consider it a christmas gift from me to you, a couple of outtakes:

because sitting on the couch is SO overrated.

from my family to yours:

Merry Christmas!!!

Innocent Wonder.

This week’s challenge at I {heart} faces is “Innocent Wonder”.
When I read this theme, my mind immediately went back to this past summer, a lazy Sunday afternoon spent with my little family in the back yard, underneath our sun umbrella, good books in hand, and me, with my camera.
I am still in love with the candids I managed to capture that day.
Just one of my favorites:

I don’t exactly know what it is about this picture that I love..
Her eyes..
Those eyelashes..
Her pouty lips..
Or just the fact that I enjoyed that day.
Go to I {heart} faces to see more breath-taking innocent wonders.

August 29th..

Remote-ly fun.

I wanted to capture a candid picture for the picture of the day using my remote.  We were all having so much fun in my craft/sewing room, and I thought it was a fun take on the day.
Peyton is just too observant.  She knew I had something fun, and she wanted a turn.  (Then so did everyone else..)
They aren’t candid, but I thought they were cute.. especially her expressions!