Photo Op Disappointment

A friend called the other day and asked if I could snap a couple pics of her family for a Christmas card. Now... this lady is a talented photographer who takes TONS of great family pictures for OTHER people... but was finding it hard to get a decent one of HER whole family in FRONT of the camera. I totally, TOTALLY get that. Absolutely... so I agreed! BUT, looking back I should have just said, "Thanks for thinking of me, but sorry... I'm just not too grand at taking family pics."

We live and learn right?!

I had some time beforehand to snap a few pics of the area.. and thouroughly enjoyed clicking away at things that DON'T move! (HA... I tell ya, how much easier it would be if I could just hit a "pause button" on Alia and Larren!)

Here's a few of the "still" pics. Nothing fancy. Nothing breathtaking. But I enjoyed taking them... so I'll count them as a thumbs up.




















But... I MISSED THE BOAT on the family pics. Missed the boat and was still stuck in traffic... in a different state. I'm not kidding... they're that bad.

As you know I typically don't edit my pics... but the SOOTC shots were just begging to be helped - even if just a LITTLE bit!



Isn't this family just so beautiful!?! The pictures could have, and should have, been wonderful... but goodness, what was I THINKING on some of them?!?! I should have used my tripod, I should have used fill flash, I should have.... you get the idea!





Thankfully I was just taking the pics for the experience and will not be quiting my day job any time soon! I am SO SUPER thankful that my photography skills are not being relied upon to put bread on the table!

I'm, once again, realizing that being a good photographer means NOTHING about what camera is being shot with (though it does help!) and that it's more about recognizing light, making the colors pop to their maximum capacity, photo composition, people placement, and the ability to make the mood of the moment carry over into the photos for years to come.

I'm quite disappointed to leave a friend "in need"... but am very glad for the learning op... even though it's not the easiest one I've ever had!