Family "Fun" Formals...

Every time we head to the beach we do Family formals.

Beach light is probably the biggest challenge for Photographers.

(Beach light and Snow light are the hardest light to Photograph in)

There is a golden hour where the light is perfect.

That is why most photographers will schedule a beach shoot either 30 mins before sunrise or 30 mins to an hour before sunset.

During this time the lighting is perfect.

Not during this time the sun is harsh.

Unless you have an assistant who can hold a reflector or a shaded area (like under a peir) you will get shadows, sun glare, sun spots and bright full on sun blow out.

Most photo shoots are done in a well lighted shady area if you go to a park.

It is rare for a photographer to shoot in full on sun.

We headed out to try and get a big Family picture and due to the babies bed time, it just didn't work out.

We're going to try again in Oct/Nov at a local park where I can control the light better and schedule better around the babies bed and nap time.

We were able to get a few great shots during that golden hr of us.

Of course even with great light my own family is a challenge.

It was still fun.

Before they headed back to put Eli down we got a great Family pic of Emily and Matt.

Getting set up...

Getting set up...

Threats and Bribes...

Money Shots...

 New Pose

Getting set up

Take one, Take two...

Take Three.... we can not be on our knees in the sand any more

(big babies)

New Pose

I didn't realize there was a gap in the middle.

But "it is what it is" and I like it.

Now to get some candid and posed of the kids.

Fun stuff.

Jaxson is a "funny guy".

Flying like air planes... 

Hold hands and walk...

or run, yeah that's cute too...

One more try for a Family pic.

I see so many things that I should have done differently but it's not bad.

So I totally should have had Jaxson in the middle with Bella and Kylie on either side.

Then Jimmy and I on one side and Des with Steven on the other.

But It's really hard to see that when you are in a hurry and not behind the camera.

Big Jim did a great job taking Pictures.

He is a great sport and listens to all my instructions.

I think he did an awesome job!

 She needed a little motivational speech to keep going.

It's tough work having Mommy wanting to capture these special moments.

I am pretty sure the bribe was Ice Cream.

Whatever works.

A little lower with your dress Marilyn...

This is our Miss Monroe pose

 .... and behind me is Daddy, Destine, and Steven giving them instructions.

Bella Look at the water.

Bella look down.

All with motives of hurry up with this photo shoot.

It's our "funny" guy's turn.

Yup. Daddy didn't know he was making faces.

No more faces

(insert bribery and threats)

What kinda face... like this...

Now the peanut Gallery behind me is telling him what to do...

Mussel poses as instructed from behind me.

I wish I had a second shooter getting the crew behind me.

and I'm done...

Kylie's turn for silly poses.

Graammy helped her out a little

Our turn...

Off to take the engaged couple for a few save the date pictures.

Daddy had a great idea for a pose.

You'll have to wait for those finished until Destine' releases them.

As always, it was torture, fun, hysterical and awesome memories.

We laugh so hard when ever we try to get these pictures.

It is almost as much fun looking at them later as it is while we are taking them.