Family Portraits

Yesterday I was hired to help create a holiday photo with some family friends. Chris and Kristi and their two awesome kids wanted a fun holiday photo for their 2009 Christmas card. They also wanted to include their family pet in the photo. I will admit that I sometimes am at a loss for something other than “traditional” family photos. I was heavily influenced by a recent photo posted on Atlanta-based photographer Zack Arias’ web site – his own family photo, and the series which was posted by the photographer hired for that job, David E. Jackson.

So, we set out to assemble the family: mom, dad, son, daughter, dog. Cool. But, how do you get interaction? At this point, don’t lose your cool. Take a drink of coffee. Wait for the tree to catch fire. Or not. Those LED’s don’t burn very hot.

Cue kids melting down. Cue one kid looking at camera, other not. Cue dog. Exit dog. Cue dead battery on PW. Cut! Regroup. Bribe kids with candy. Ask: “Do you have a lollipop?” – YES!  And they did – a huge candy-cane-swirled sucker! Yes, both kids loved it – but the dog went nuts!

2009 Family Holiday Photo

Thanks Chris and Kristi for trusting me to be able to get a family photo of you and your family. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun as well! Happy Holidays to all!!!