For several years now, my childhood friend, Annette, and I have been saying we should take pictures of each other’s family. We both tend to be the one behind the camera, and it seems like those of us who enjoy taking pictures are the worst about getting pictures of ourselves with our family.
So this year we finally set a date, and I was looking forward to it. But, as usual, I kind of procrastinated the planning. We had settled on outdoor pictures for Saturday afternoon: I would shoot her family while Micah watched the kids and she would shoot us while her husband watched their 3-year-old twins.
BUT it was in the 20’s here Saturday. Little kids and pictures are hard enough, then you add freezing temps, runny noses and the idea of us switching back and forth…it was just not sounding like it was worth it. I got to thinking, what if we just did them in our living room?
I love a picture set in nature, but our living room makes it so much more personal, so much more real. A few hours before Annette was going to come over, I cleared some of the furniture and clutter and started getting us dressed. No, I didn’t go buy anything or plan anything out. I liked the idea of us being in our own element, wearing what we would normally wear on any given day. I know traditionally family photos (especially the kind you hope to place on a Christmas card) call for new outfits, beautiful backgrounds, and fresh haircuts, but the more I learn about photography and the older my kids get (it goes so fast!), the more I just want to capture what’s real.
In 40 years we probably won’t remember every detail of our living room or the shirts that I put Milly in the most. But by capturing things as they truly are, I hope to preserve some of that.
She really just wanted to dance and twirl. Being at home, we could take a break comfortably, while she got some energy out.
Did you take any family photos this fall? Are you ahead of the game with Christmas cards? I didn’t send any out last year – oops – so that’s next on my list!
I hope you have the most wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by loved ones and pumpkin pie. I have much to be thankful for, and I pray you do as well!
Julia Konya says
Love the photos a lot! It's on my list to do to find my family photos today. Since my computer crashed I have this fear that I lost them all! 🙁
Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says
These are beautiful! I love that you kept it fresh and simple! Those are my favorite kind of photos. I was just kind having a moment yesterday when I realized we had not taken family pics for a Christmas card and now my oldest has two black eyes from surgery…:( He is totally fine besides the shiners so I'm hoping they heal fast or some photoshop editing is going to be in my future! 😉
Bethany DeVore says
Beautiful photos of a beautiful family!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Really lovely. You all look happy and relaxed and I'm sure that's what you'll want to look back on and remember someday 🙂 And, no, I have not taken one single step toward Christmas cards yet. I am barely holding it all together for our move in a few weeks! Maybe we'll be able to snap a shot this week on Thanksgiving…
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
I think they turned out beautifully and I'm sure they put a smile on your face because they are far more personal than a picture in a pretty field. Well done! You all look great. Happy Thanksgiving!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
Love it! I love doing family photos in our home. These are beautiful 🙂 xo Kristin
Lindsay @ The White Buffalo Styling Co. says
I just love these and your beautiful family! You look gorgeous and of course, super stylish 🙂