Saturday, March 9, 2013

Photo Shoot Paranoia (updated with photos)

Guys, I'm in agony.  A couple months ago Paul saw a Groupon for a family photo shoot with a local photographer for a good deal and he bought it for us since we haven't had somebody take "real" photos in, well, pretty much since Clara was born.  Anyway, for some reason I have been sort of nervous about these photos for the last week or so (somehow it feels like there is a lot riding on these photos - which there is not, at least, not really - because we plan on hopefully putting one up on a wall and that sort of thing) and have been making constant mental notes to myself to do things like make sure my eyes were open (rather than squinty like I feel like I normally am in photos) and angle my shoulders just-so to make my waist look a little thinner and squeeze this area and tighten that area and don't smile like a fool but to try for a confident but casual smile, etc. to look my very best.  Ugh.  Why do I do things like this?  Please tell me I am not the only one.  And of course the day we have photos is the day that Clara shortens her nap by well over an hour so she was tired and totally not interested in having pictures taken by the time we started (and promptly fell asleep again as soon as we got home, which is why I have time to type this now). 

And I know that I totally forgot every single thing I wanted to remember and implement and before I knew it, photos were over and I'm fretting that I will not like any of the pictures and sort of dreading the results.  Like right after a law school exam when I realized I had missed 37 glaring torts that were so obvious and I was kicking myself over it.  (Granted, the stakes are much lower with a little photo shoot and true, I actually rocked my torts final, but really, it took me right back there and it was a weird feeling.)  At least I love how our clothes looked and Clara's hair looked so, so darling with a little navy blue and white polka dot headband in it. 

It didn't help that the photographer didn't talk or give direction or suggestions and hadn't really paid any attention to the explanation of the type of setting I wanted for the photo shoot when we arranged everything (I was hoping for a grassy field type setting with wildflowers or something).  I guess that is what we get for going with somebody random through a Groupon deal where he is super cheap and we get what we pay for, right? 

Please, oh please, just let there be one good shot of all three of us.

*UPDATED:  We got the unedited photos back tonight, so I did the editing myself and I feel like there are a couple that are okay but none that were what I was really hoping for.  Oh well.  It is so hard to convey artistic vision.  But they weren't as bad as I had feared, at least.  Anyway, here are the ones that made the cut.  There is really only one where all three of us were looking at the camera (the first one).  You can tell by the end that Clarabelle had just about had it.  In the first picture of the lot Clara is doing her favorite pose that cracks us up every time where she grabs us both around the neck and squeezes us in close to her while tilting her head against mine. 













In case anyone is wondering about our clothing (because that is one of the first things I always wonder about when I see other people's photo shoots), Clara's sweater and shirt were from the Janie & Jack outlet store, her pants are from Baby Gap, her shoes are from Crazy 8, and her headband is from the Gymboree outlet store; my pants are from Ann Taylor Loft, my shirt is from The Limited (although the exact same shirt was at the J. Crew outlet store but for $20 more - crazy, huh?!), and my necklace is from Francesca's Boutique; and Paul's shirt is from the J. Crew outlet store and his pants are from Banana Republic. 

12 comments:

  1. I was totally wondering where your outfits were from! :) you guys look great! I also get so stressed before family pictures!

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  2. I like that last one of you guys sitting in the grass. And the reason I have yet to pay for a photo shoot is exactly what you described. Because even when we do an informal (free) shoot, I obsess about it before hand and then while taking photos I can only focus on getting my boys to cooperate and behave and I totally forget to even think about myself or my pose or my smile and when it's all over I look dorky and the boys didn't look or smile anyway and then I am filled with regret over what could have been... And now I'm just rambling. For what it's worth, I think your photos turned out really cute. Especially the outfits and you must know me well because of course I was totally wondering where you bought it all :)

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  3. I LOVE ALL OF THEM!!!!!! That one of your husband lifting your little lady into the air is to die for : )

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  4. Lovely Family- perfect as ever. Ugh.

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  5. I love the first one, the ones where she is lifted in the air, and it's too bad Clarabelle isn't looking at the camera in the last one. I think the pictures of you guys are great, but it doesn't seem like the photographer was really into it! Your hair and outfit are fabulous as always. I keep hoping my little one ends up having hair like Clara :)

    Two weeks ago I ended up having to take headshots at work at an event. I didn't know ahead of time. Looking at headshots where I am 5 mo pregnant suck! I look exhausted, and that evil vein in my forehead is popping out in over half of them (I hate that thing!). I have no idea how I am going to take maternity pics. :)

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  6. You guys all look AMAZING! Love the pictures!

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  7. I love them, especially the one of you with just Clara.

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  8. I love the photos that aren't "posed" and are more free, I think you all look terrific. It's nice to see you coordinating, but not to matchy matchy. You are such an adorable family!

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  9. Amy
    you crack me up. I love hearing your thoughts on everything but really, these pictures are beautiful! And yes, the second I saw your outfit I wanted to know where you got it all! So darling! Clara's hair is way cute flipped out and the woods setting is so pretty. I'm so glad you put these up!

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  10. They are all great, but if you are looking for one for your adoption profile, I say the first one or the one of you guys walking in the woods and swinging Clara.

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  11. You guys look great. Not your wildflower and grassy requests but still a beautiful outdoor location.

    Groupon is a scary place when it comes to photography. You can't possibly give the amount of attention and individual care to a family when you sell a groupon. Especially if you are a small studio or a one man show the volume is just too high. Sorry it was a stressful experience. I am also shocked the photographer sent the images unedited to you? Was that how she/he sold the groupon?

    I hope next time you have a better experience.

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  12. I think they turned out so cute! Clara is just the most photogenic little girl. I love her smile in the first picture.

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