Family Foto Shoot

Do any of your family ever get a hankering to have a family photo shoot?  To make memories and to make a permanent record of what your family is like at this moment in time?  Well, we do.  Michelle loves to take pictures and to create and record moments.  She loves Pinterest and gets many of her ideas there.  She worked very hard and selected outfits and props and did a gradual work up to try and get everybody on board.  First, she had to find a time when everybody was home and it was still daylight outside. Then she had to convince/bribe her siblings to get their cooperation. Finally all the stars came into alignment and the big moment arrived this afternoon.

Paul, went along with the dress code and had a pretty good attitude.  Michelle told him that a willingness to be photographed was on her list of qualifications for a husband.

The photo props were carried out and gotten ready.

Then we had to wait for our guest photographer to arrive.

Elizabeth waited in comfort.

The larger props, also known as chairs, came out on the ATV.

 Everybody had a coordinating outfit.

We were in danger of constant photo bombing from the dog and the chickens.

We did end up with some nice pictures.

Even the turkeys came along to photobomb us.  It was an animal conspiracy!

Michelle directed and instructed us on how to use our props and where to stand so as to make a visually attractive picture.

We tried the often attempted 'jumping' pictures, with humorous results.  We obviously have a leprachaun in our family.

It appears that Super Man might reside with us also.

There was much laughter and good natured rebellion as we went from one pose to the next.

We even tried the serious 'dust-bowl' era pose.  It was very difficult to maintain our serious expression as our photographer was laughing himself silly.

We tried lining up forwards...

...and looking backwards.

 Here is our nephew Daniel, who stopped by to visit.  He lives in North Dakota.  He was drafted to be our photographer and he did an excellent job.

Here are the girls.  The guys split the scene as soon as the group shots were done.

Here is our photo shoot director with her dog, Dallas.  Had to get his picture taken.  Of course he bathed in the pond, before posing.

These are the pouty twins. LOL.  The 'pot stirrers' who keep life interesting.

Michelle is encouraging her brothers to get growing!  She wants them to pass her up.  Thomas is getting very close.  By Christmas, I am sure he will have done it!

One last rest in the living room chair as it sits in the field.  Not sure how Michelle convinced the guys to haul it out there, but she did!

T-Bob and my DH figured out a comfortable way to get the leather chair back to the house.  Not a bad way to travel!

Mango Christmas Photo Shoot- Out Takes

 It was once again time to take the family Christmas photo.  Michelle had it all planned out and had selected everyones outfits and positioning.  All I had to do was snap the pictures and make sure we had at least one with everyone smiling and with their eyes open looking generally at the camera.  Here's what happened....

We first took a practice set up in the barn where it was dry and a little warmer.  It gave us something to do while we waited for T-Bob to come out of the house.  He somehow missed the fact that we were taking pictures now.

First, you do it against the red background,

Then the white.

Then you have to take a break to wave at the neighbors.  Don't want to be rude and ignore them.

Back to a different pose.  This time with everyone lined up in order by age.

Then someone has the brilliant idea of taking a picture with everyone posed to throw a snowball.  Bad idea!  Paul, 21 very soon, couldn't resist smashing his snowball on Michelle's head.

Michelle turns to wing it back from very close range,

but Paul deflects it.

Michelle runs to reload.

Ready, Aim, FIRE!

oooops, hit the wrong person.  Poor Thomas was just standing there innocently smiling when he is struck on the head with a snow ball.

The snowball explodes.

Thomas's smile fades and is replaced with shock.

Meanwhile, Michelle reloads and the rest start laughing.

Paul decides to sneak away.  Thomas heads over to seek revenge.

Watch out Michelle!!  You better go hide Paul!

Alas, Thomas seeks his revenge on Michelle.  Poor Michelle!  All because she does not have an accurate throwing arm.  And life at the Red Barn Farm goes on.  Merry Christmas!

PS. Michelle went through all the photos and announced that none were satisfactory and so the shoot must be repeated.  More gray hair for Mama!

Sisters!

I love it that my girls are working together.  Michelle was asked to write a blogpost for a friend's blog.  The blog is about fashion.

Michelle selected her outfit and accessories with care.  Then it was time for the photo shoot.  She asked Elizabeth to take her photos.  I love it that my eight year old was able to take these pictures.  Although, I have to admit that it was Michelle who chose the setting and the poses.  I love to see them working together!

If you would like to read Michelle's post you can Click Here to go see it.

Photo Shoot

The other day Michelle did a photo shoot with Elizabeth. Michelle is our resident photographer.

She has done most of her photo shoots with inanimate objects. I have been encouraging her to do more with people. Her biggest challenge is shyness. She isn't sure she is able to boss older people around. A little sister is no problem though, so she started there.

I really like this picture. These are the new pants that Grandma found for her. Michelle bought me a bouquet of flowers and then borrowed a few of them back.

Another of my faves. Elizabeth is such a happy, healthy, child. We all really enjoy her! Michelle is interested in doing something artistic as a job, and photography is one thing she enjoys and is good at. I told her that she needs to learn to shoot people well. Cause that's where the money is.

I am not sure what is up with all the angled photos, but Michelle really likes that slightly off center perspective.

Which is your favorite?

~Mom

Dallas and the Photo Shoot

Dallas was allowed in the house for a brief while to participate in the photo shoot. He behaved pretty well. Isn't this a charming group?

Dallas is Michelle's dog. Aren't they a cute team? She is doing a good job with his training.

Dallas got tired of all the photo business and was very happy just enjoying the 'warmth' of the house. I say 'warmth' because it really is relative. We are still waiting for a part for the basement wood stove and so we only have one space heater to warm the first floor. Most winter days it is in the fifties in the living room or dining room. You get used to it after awhile. We wear lots of sweaters and long johns. We will have plenty of wood this winter as we have only been able to burn the with the one stove so far. The upstairs bedrooms are warm, so if you come for an overnight visit, you won't suffer too badly.
~Mom