Christmas Photo Shoot

Every year I have these amazingly good intentions of taking cute pictures of my kids on Christmas Sunday. Every year we are rushing out the door and, if I am able to snap a few quick pictures, they're not great. So this year I got my act together and asked my sister in law, Kerstin, to come over and take a few pictures of my kids in their Christmas outfits. This was a genius idea for several reasons: 1. She's a MUCH better photographer than I am, ensuring that the pictures actually turn out good. 2. I won't have to worry about taking pictures of my kids on Christmas Sunday - pressure = gone. Nice! 3. Since we weren't rushing to snap some pictures on the way out the door we got to take some time, do some outside and inside, and get a little variety. (Plus, the more we take, the better the odds that we get a good one.)

Kerstin dropped the pictures off the next day and I am SO pleased. I know that Kerstin isn't a "professional" photographer, but seriously, her stuff is every bit as good as a lot of the "professionals" I see portfolios for online. I think she rocks. There were SO MANY good ones that I can't possibly choose a favorite. I don't know that I've ever had a problem quite like this before with family pictures. Usually there are a few good ones and one or two that really stand out. This time there are so many that stand out. I don't think there was a bad one in the bunch (although she may have just spared me and not included the bad ones in the CD she gave me).

If I was on top of things more I would have done this early enough to be our Christmas card. I didn't though so I'll just share them. There's a lot (like 30 something). So you don't have to look at them all, but I think you'll want to. I just can not narrow it down beyond that. Since I know that grandparents love pictures of these kiddos I'm not going to try. You're welcome!

So, without further ado:
Josie volunteered to pose while Kerstin set up the lighting. I actually think it's a really pretty shot of her.

 Sam also decided to pose while the lighting was set up. Love those baby blues!

 I was off to the side doing something and was clearly distracting half the offspring.

 Josie tried to "help" Sammie.

 LOVE!

This is one of my very favorite ones.

 I love this one because everyone is so sweet and happy and then BAM: POOTIE! Love it.

After a while in front of the tree we moved outside. The kids got to ham it up while Kerstin set up the lighting.

Josie was very serious about her choke hold.

These next two are more of my favorites (see? can't narrow it down)

 I think this one is my absolute favorite though.

Sammie Sue!

 I love this. Her smile with her squinty eyes and wrinkled nose.

She's such a happy girl (even though she's entering a stubborn/independent stage that's become slightly frustrating).

We asked Josie to pose herself and this is what we got. Her smile was actually a little more ackward/creepy, but I'm not posting any of those pictures.

 Love her smile!

Josie loves to make faces for the camera.

 This is her classic standby (see above)

 This is what happened when Kerstin asked her to make a "Josie face". Hmmm...

And now...on to all things handsome:

Bless his heart, he was trying so hard to be a good sport and do what he was supposed to. Love this smile!

Ha!





I love this face!

 "What do you want me to do?"

 





 So handsome!

For me, Clayton was sort of the star of this photo shoot. I can't get over how grown up or how incredibly handsome he is.



 Is your heart skipping a beat yet? Mine is.

::sigh::



 



 

Dashing!

So there you have our Christmas photo shoot 2012. I may consider doing this every year! I love these pictures and I love these kids. Thanks Kerstin, these are amazing!