We went to have a new family portrait taken last night--since it's Christmas, and since we've never had a sitting of just our family since Cooper was born 2 years ago.
Paula found a new studio--Portrait Innovations--which had just opened a few miles down the road, and we tried them out because of a special they were having. Our appointment was at 5:20, and we hoped to make it to my in-laws' church by 6:30 for a Christmas concert. As it turned out, the studio was short staffed due to illness and it wasn't until 6:20 that we got started. Needless to say, I was in a bit of a funk by then because it was getting late and it's not easy 
to keep five little kids quiet for that long.
But the young photographer quickly changed our moods with his silliness
and complete lack of pretense or shame. He was refreshingly self-deprecating and quick, without the snootiness that some photographers wear. So in about six minutes he had overcome my 60 minutes of frustration (plus my begrudged presence).
It only took about 25 minutes to be photographed (in two rooms) before
we were able to view the 55 pictures that were taken. These were shown
in increments of three on a big screen, and the photographer made it
very easy for us to select our favorites. The whole package (including
six poses) was very inexpensive, and we have more prints than we know
what to do with--plus a CD of every photo. This is really
incredible--Paula and I
can remember as far back as 1999 (wink-wink)
when you're main choice for a middle-class family studio was Olan
Mills... then, you got not so great service, high-pressure sales, and
you walked out losing an arm and a leg and didn't retain any of your
photos, much less have them digitally to store on your iphoto account
whenever you want to see or print them.
I was sort of in a funk all day Sunday because of the costs of
Christmas, and our inability to just stop buying stuff already--plus I
had some work to do for the office and kept getting interrupted by the
little ones. Also, the new puppy peed on our bed--so it was quite a
feat for Portrait Innovations to knock me out of this. We capped the
night off at a local Chili's--where the food was good, the service
deplorable, and the kids crazy because of the hour. But I love my
family and will have a merry Christmas!
Actually, I'm looking forward to being off for--count them--eleven
days, going to Florida to see my folks, and both sisters plus their
kids. My two sisters and I have managed to replace ourselves and ensure
the future of America by providing 11 children to the world's
population. I'm sure I will have some stories about the celebrations
and activities--so stay tuned.
Your kids are beautiful...they must get that from your wife!
Posted by: Someone | December 18, 2006 at 03:00 PM
I'll second the beautiful kids comment; Mayge Dad helped a little in the good-looking gene distribution...
Have a great trip & Christmas celebration, V's!
Posted by: Glen B | December 23, 2006 at 08:43 PM