The Perfect Photo Shoot in 10,011 Billion Easy Steps

Every year I set out to take a series of portraits of my children. I did this after I hauled them out to a professional photographer to the tune of hundreds of dollars, thousands of tears (mostly mine) and the dawning realization that they would be more relaxed and easier to photograph at home.
This year was no different.
I pride myself on the compliments I receive for how beautifully the annual portraits turn out (if I do say so myself – and I do). That said, I think it’s time to tell the truth behind the perfect portrait. Things aren’t always what they seem.
Or, as I like to call it, How to get the perfect portrait in 10,011 Billion Easy Steps – with just a hint of child abuse and threat thrown in for good measure.
Autumn 2011 To Get the Perfect Shot Collage copy
Then we will have some animal involvement, to whit:
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Jagger says “this is my good side.”
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Ace must walk expectantly into every shot …
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Ace says “Here, let me shove you off this rock so there’s more room for me and my ball.”
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More “me and my ball!”
Moves like Jagger! Awesome Tazmanian Devil impression. I'm a whirling dervish!
“Moves Like Jagger” indeed! Maroon5’s got nothin’ on him …
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There may be goats … Penny and Billy are ready for their close-ups. Well, not Billy. Billy is busy being highly suspicious of the camera …
Finally, after endless takes, out-takes, and begging we might, God willing, end up with something like this:
My Babies, 2011
Autumn 2011 Collage of Matt
Auturmn 2011 Collage of Kassie

And every year I say it again, it’s worth every single second … and then some.

2 comments:

MadSnapper said...

absolutely worth every moment, and I know you enjoyed every one of those billions steps as much as the finished portraits. they are beautiful and much more special because 20 or 40 years from now when they look at these, they will remember the fun they had. love the dog shots to. you are very talented, so why pay someone who would not do it as well.

Furry Bottoms said...

That "Moves like Jagger" shot was perfect!!! You take really good photos.