Thursday, December 18, 2008

Family portraits in December?

I don't own flashes or strobes or light boxes. I shoot outdoors or near really large windows. So when they called wanting portraits in December I was a little unsure. Unsure because of the weather. Unsure because of the grayness that defines winter. Unsure cause of the mud and muck.

But, but, but . . . they've been married 25 years this month. And, the daughter is 18 and needs some portraits made. And, and, and . . . well, okay, we'll give it a shot.














I'm so glad we did.

-dana

P.S. I know you can see my legs reflected in the last shot. Her expression, position, smile are all so genuinely her that I wanted to include it here. Just pretend my legs aren't there. Like they don't even exist. Not in a morbid-gross-body-dismemberment sort of way but rather try to imagine the photo in a without-my-reflection sort of way. Thanks.

30 comments:

wesleyjeanne said...

These are wonderful. I agree about the last photo: what a pretty smile, so genuine. Maybe you can photoshop your legs out somehow.

What a nice looking family: and you've done a great job capturing them.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Beautiful pictures. You did an awesome job!

Jen :)

pam said...

Beautiful family. I didn't even notice your legs I was so engrossed in your dd's smile. Have a very Happy Holiday! pam

Sheila said...

Oh Dana they turned out really nice. I think the lighting is just perfect and the subject matter is great. Another great job by Dana. A+

Sabra said...

Gorgeous photos, yup, another great job by Dana. If you hadn't p.s.'d I would never have noticed the reflection.

Lauren said...

IF ya hadn't pointed the legs out, I wouldn;t have noticed them - the expression takes over.

Excellent photos!

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful pictures!!!!

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful pictures!!!!

Anonymous said...

Nice shots Dana! Still would love for you to come to St. Louis to photograph my kiddos!

Mom IsAmagpie said...

The pictures are pefect. You did a wonderful job capturing their spirit. Beautiful.

Unknown said...

Great shoot Dana! you found the perfect place and the weather must have cooperated :) I didn't even notice your legs - silly lady!

Elissa said...

lovely photos..... i LOVE the one of their hands/rings together. i am almost never a fan of those at weddings, but something about those hands 25 years later... it just says so much more. beautiful! glad you gave it a go!

Rachael Hutchings said...

GORGEOUS! K, if you're ever in S.California, I'm hiring you to shoot our family pictures!

Carrie Cooper said...

Dana,

Actually if you hadn't said a think I wouldn't have noticed.. love the pics

Bloggy Mama said...

They look terrific!! I didn't even notice the legs... silly you.

Irene said...

Wishing you lots and lots happy years to come. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family.

Artfulife said...

They are wonderful!

Christina Joy said...

Yup I agree! Yay for natural light! And those legs o'yours? Nothin', compared to that pretty gal's eyes!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on 25 years ;-)

brown robin said...

fantastic! you are so talented!

Tine said...

Great great great pictures!!!
I didn't see your legs in that last picture, I had to go back and look when I read your PS. Really she is so beautiful that you don't see the reflection, you just see her!

Kit said...

What a beautiful family! God Bless and Merry Christmas. Kathy at: kathysfunnyfarm.blogspot.com Come visit me sometime.

Kit said...

What a beautiful family! God Bless and Merry Christmas. Kathy at: kathysfunnyfarm.blogspot.com Come visit me sometime.

Pony Girl said...

Lovely photos, Dana! I wouldn't have even noticed the legs if you hadn't pointed them out, LOL! ;-) I hope you had a very merry and bright holiday!! With lots of good cheer and foods!

Pearl Maple said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family, always enjoy visiting your blog space to see what lovely things you are sharing with us all.

Great christmas play list.

Dee said...

Absolutely beautiful pictures. I didn't even realise your legs were in that shot until you said. lol. D. :=)

Anonymous said...

Even being told the legs were there I only saw minor sparkles on glasses....which of course may mean I need new ones.
But very lovely natural portraits that I am sure they are thrilled with.

:-) said...

What beautiful portraits! I am sure they will treasure these special pics for years to come!

Messy Jess said...

I love how you captured her parents laughing. And their hands. How precious.

Anonymous said...

SO BEAUTIFUL! i am so glad you did this! i keep telling my hubby we need family pics. he keeps saying he wants to lose weight first! ugh! we have been married, hmmmi think 16-ish years (i can't keep track of those little details. lol)
anyway, good for you for getting this done. your family is gorgeous.