photographing friends

So I had the opportunity this weekend to take a few pictures of my girlfriend Mel's girls. She called me a week ago looking for a tripod, she wanted to get some pictures of her girls for a Christmas card. Having three kids of my own, all similar ages to her girls, I immediately saw the flaw in her plan. There are some out there, who can corral their kids, get them cooperate and smile on command and then snap pictures of them. God bless you is all I am going to say if you are one of those people. Knowing her darling littlest is a runner, this would have been a challenge under the best of circumstances. Sometimes its just nice to let someone else entertain and you just get to encourage the smiles. So because I love my friends, I offered to help out and go on Saturday morning to take some pictures of her gorgeous girls at the park. There is a pretty narrow window when it comes to photographing kids (my only experience is my own) so I figured this wouldn't be a tremendous time commitment either.

I was right, we got our little session done in about 30 minutes, the girls were more than cooperative and the day was just plain perfect. I want to add a disclaimer here that I am in no way a photographer, I have a decent camera that takes some decent pictures and I am grateful for easy subjects. I wanted to share because this is something I HAVE been up to and it isn't my own kids and frankly I'm happy with the result. Enjoy!

Boog - otherwise known as Amelia

How can you not play in the leaves?

Okay so I wish that blogger didn't kill the saturation of pictures - this is so fun in real life.

How can you not smile with all those happy faces? Enjoy and thanks!

what i said was...

Okay, so I promised I would photograph and post new pictures of my latest projects.  Well I did indeed finish them, and I think they turned out fantastic. I was able to finish them in record time, which boosts my confidence in being able to deliver a beautiful painting on time.  I also realized that it is really easy to finish 4 x 4 canvas' faster than 24 x 24 canvas' (insert "duh" here).  In all these realizations, I realized, "crap, I can't post these paintings!" Why you ask?  Well because I need to send them to the owners, and I believe the recipients should get the first peek!  So yes, I have finished two more projects, and no you can't see them - yet!  I am also happy to report that I have finished two more cause ribbon projects, just waiting for my dear carpenter, Ryan to return his saw home so I can get them edged. I've started a new cause ribbon painting, but that one is under construction, so to speak.  So I have nothing to show you today, sorry, but for the clients patiently waiting, your paintings are shipping tomorrow! I also finished my idea for the t-shirt vote at Jon's school, I will finish coloring that one tomorrow and submit it Friday - nothing like putting your ego on the table for 5 year old through 9 year olds to vote on!  Ah well, it was fun nonetheless.  Thanks again for checking in - until next time!