Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Photo Session

I've been wanting to take pictures of the kids out in the fall leaves. I keep missing my opportunity, due to weather or crankiness or whatever. Yesterday, I managed to get both kids dressed and down to a park in our little town that is covered in pretty leaves, contains public sculptures, and is right on the water. During the course of an hour, I took, no kidding, over 600 photos.

I like photos to look natural. They don't have to look straight at the camera and smile. Just kids being kids. I definitely got natural.
However, I did want to get a few photos of both kids together. Since Christopher couldn't run around after Ashlyn, (and, she was seriously running most of the time we were out there) I needed her to get near Christopher and pose a bit.

But cooperation just wasn't in her plans for the afternoon.
In this photo I asked her to stand behind Christopher, and she could hold his hands. So, um, she did. Seriously, over 600 photos, and this may be the best one of the two of them. It pretty much cracks me up though, so I may need a print to hang on my wall.

The best part of this story came this morning, though. It was picture day at Ashlyn's school. You could sign up to bring in siblings for photos. So, I signed up. The photographer asked Ashlyn to sit in a certain spot in the middle of the backdrop. Christopher was then put down beside her. Ashlyn immediately put an arm around Christopher and smiled perfectly. Today she smiles perfectly, with a wrinkled paper and some painted metal buckets for a backdrop.

20 comments:

Unknown said...

Great shots. I love them all!

I have to get better at candids (oh, and picture taking in general).

sara said...

I love all the pics! Absolutly beautiful! And I totally agree, natural is best. It lets their little personalities shine!

The Dunns said...

Wow! Awesome pictures! Great colors! I especially love the picture of Christopher sitting with leaves in both hands and Ashlyn in the tree. Beautiful!

Doesn't that make you crazy how you can photograph your kids when they are most at ease and end up with a bunch of goofy pictures, but they will sit still and smile just right for a total stranger?!?

Katie said...

Oh. Wow. Just wow. I love the natural look. His eyes are just awesome in that second photo!

I LOVE the one of them both laughing. That could win a photo contest. ENTER IT IN SOME! You are a great photographer.

Anonymous said...

Loved them all!! Want some!! I love the candid camera look too - although ones where kids are actually looking at the camera can be really sweet too if they are in a good mood! You do have cute subjects too. xoxo

Laura said...

I can't believe you actually took over 600 pictures. You're crazy.

I'm sorry you didn't get one of the 2 of them all smiley and perfect but I think the ones you did get really show them for who they are and there's a lot to be said for that.

Anonymous said...

I love the beautiful, natural pictures! As soon as the rain quits, Beth and I are heading out under the red maple in our front yard; we got some similar pics of her last year just playing around and they are some of my favorites.

We could also use a 'family' Christmas picture, but I'm not really sure how this is going to work. The last couple of years have produced some highly amusing results - not that we have to have the 'perfect' gray studio portrait, but still.

Speaking of naturally beautiful...those children are! Their skin looks like it's made of milk and roses.

Anonymous said...

Would you drive here to Belgium and take photos of my kids? It is soooo hard to find a photographer overseas!

Harrisonjoy said...

awesome pictures, Angie! I just love them AND I just love the subjects!! :)

The Matthaidess' said...

I love the pics! So cute!

Kellie

Harrisonjoy said...

The one of Ashlyn with her legs crossed is my favorite...it's hilarious!

House Dad said...

It's so easy to take pictures of our kiddos, isn't it? Perfect little creatures.

Anonymous said...

Please go help Katie with her photo shoots. Your kids are darling and look like they're having lots of fun. Great photos!

Are you a professional photographer? If not, you should be!

Katie's mom

Jackson said...

where oh where has your little family gone?

Mommy Fats said...

Angie--your kids are beautiful! I can't believe how big Ashlyn is. How are you guys doing? I am adding you to my blog so we can keep track of you guys. Say Hello to Allen for me and Pete. Miss ya. Kristi

Sharon said...

Love your fall photos, Angie! Takes me back to the days H & H were this age! Enjoy every minute of it!

Sharon said...

Happy Birthday, Allen!!!!

Amanda Jean said...

what great pictures of your beautiful children! the leaves in the background is the perfect backdrop. it looks like you had the perfect weather for your photo shoot.

Smitty 1, 2 , 3 and 4 said...

Damn, I swear I commented on this. Oh well. Love the pictures. 600!! holy. That is a lot. How did the ones at school turn out and how are you? It has been two, TWO, weeks.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE fall pictures! The colors are so amazing! I always get such great photos of my kiddos in the leaves too! I love the one of Ashlyn's legs crossed too, that's hilarious! They are GREAT pictures Angie, your kids will thank you someday for taking so many amazing pictures of them!