September 29, 2008

The Annual Keller Family Follies

So, once a year I frantically scour through our closets to try and collectively find five outfits that won't clash with each other. I then FORCE plead with my four men to WEAR them, and then I herd everyone together for our annual torture family Christmas card portrait.

Here is last year's portrait. Yes, the portrait that I was allowed exactly THREE FRAMES to capture - quite the irony considering that when I take friends out for portraits, I get HUNDREDS of frames to try and get one great shot. And I don't have to run and jump myself into those photos.

So, without any more ado, I hereby present you with some of the pictures we will NOT be using on this year's Christmas card...

family portrait 20081

family portrait 20082
Ok. Getting closer. But Middle Dude is still not appreciating the process. If you know what I mean.

family portrait 20083
All right. The Middle Dude is on board this time. But I look all squinty-eyed. And y'know, if the Mama doesn't look good, the picture's not going on the card ...

family portrait 20083
Whoops. I'm losing them quick. This gig's almost over.

family portrait 20083
This gig is DONE.


Details: It was HOT. Like, Africa Hot. And there were ants - thousands upon thousands of them. And flies. Oh my, the flies. And I think I just about had a heart attack on the climb back up the hill. And would you believe, we actually headed back out Sunday on more hot hikes to try other possible portrait locations?!? I'll post some of those tomorrow.

And, yes. I did get a picture on Saturday that I love and will be thrilled to put on our card this year. :-)

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16 comments:

tearese said...

you look great in that last one, with the light on you hair! We had the same trial last fall, but we were trying to keep a two year old and a four month old happy while the lighting was still good! I don't think we'll be doing another one for at least another year!

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I am so glad to know that I am not the only one with uncooperative children who like to look to the side when you want to take their picture.

And very good for getting that one shot!

Teri said...

Oh geez, I've already been thinking about our family portrait, too. Love how my kids always let me know exactly how awful the entire process is. It's amazing I ever get anything decent to send. I'm with ya.

Heidi said...

Looks like you had more success than I did. :) Even you no-goes look better than the best family portrait I got last weekend (other than the cool pictures where we are a mile away and you can't see our faces, or random pictures with just one or two children :)). Can't wait to see your favorite!!

Beth@Pages of Our Life said...

I see your post and think how hard it is to get the perfect family shot! Glad you finally got one. All of the backgrounds look so good! I love the info you have shared previously on Lightroom. I will have to come back and check it out later.

Quick Q: Did you have to learn Photoshop to be able to work in lightroom or do you just upload your pics into lightroom and work there. I am slowly learning CS3 but I feel like I am having to create a full recipe for each picture YIKES! I was just wondering if it is possible and much easier to work only with Lightroom and not have to work in photoshop.

Thanks, Susan for your input! Your time is precious so you can simply send me a shout of "yes you can use Lightroom for all your photo editing" or "no you still need photoshop". :-)

Mom2Da'Gorgeouses said...

Ah, the elusive perfect family portrait, so glad you were able to finally get one. I'm not sure I want to even try this year, maybe we'll just stick to one of Da'Gorgeouses like we did last year---LOL!!

Hugs & Blessings!

I Love Purple More Than You said...

I'm glad you got one picture you love. That's always a struggle for us every year... to get one good picture for our Christmas card that everyone is smiling and looking. Hope you get some more good pictures!

Kathy Jo DeVore said...

Last year's card is still on my fridge because it's so purty. :) And in case you need another laugh...

Hugs and kisses,

Kathy

Shell in your Pocket said...

How cute! I am going to take look at all your photography..how fun! I came over from pages of our lives...Happy Monday!
-Sandy toes

Rhea said...

Last year's card was incredibly gorgeous! The light was fabulous. I can't wait to see what you go with this year.

I like the colors you have everybody dressed in. And I like the casual look. :o)

Kathy_in_Colorado said...

So close! Love the photos and the idea behind using them. I'm so going to scraplift your idea for my scrap book. Can't wait till Christmas so you can share with us the photo you chose.

Skeller said...

KathyJo -
I really like your Christmas, errr Easter, card ... hey wait! I never got your card, you Grasshopper, you!!! ;-) I'm beginning to think that perhaps your life is rather consumed with all those boys, goats, chickens, books, school and farm stuff....

Sandy Toes -
Thanks for visiting :-)

Thanks, Rhea.
Casual is all we know how to do. :-)

Kathy in CO -
Thanks and scraplift to your heart's content. Today I spent way too many hours laying out the Christmas card. I'll certainly post it in December...

Skeller said...

Beth - left lengthy reply at your place.

Heidi - Your photos ROCK! Think collage - a collection of a bunch of the best of them would be terrific :-)

Beth@Pages of Our Life said...

Susan,

Thank you!!!!! Now I want to go learn all about Lightroom. Hee Hee

Anonymous said...

and of course, mama is looking luminous and glowing with the gorgeous sun halo in the last one.... oh well :)
~Tonya

Piggy said...

Why is it that having pictures taken is like having teeth pulled for some people, but then everyone enjoys and appreciates the finished product? :D