Keepin’ It Real. . .

I received a lot of compliments on the final picture posted in my last blog.  You know the one?  The image of my three kids looking sweet and beautiful, glowing in the sun while displaying their heartfelt, “We ♥ Dad” message?  (Many thanks for the compliments, by the way)  I think it was the kind words that compelled me to write this post.

A friend sent me the idea for the picture and I thought it would be a great Father’s Day surprise for Chad.  I believe the idea came from Pintrest. . . you know, the website where everything looks wonderful and lovely and flawless?

Flawless, however, is not how we roll.

It took me two days to get the (less than) perfect final shot. 

The first day I attempted this feat, I neglected to use my brain.  It was noon on a very hot day.  Meadow was hungry and ready for a nap and Charlie and Chanelle just wanted to go play with the neighbors.  There may or may not have been a raised voice or two and quite possibly a rock thrown in frustration.*  I won’t say exactly who did these things to protect myself, er, um, the culprit, but I do know that I the person felt really bad.  Unfortunately, (or fortunately) I did not save any of those images. 

Day Two. . . I had a plan.

As soon as all three kids were up and fed I planned to get them dressed and we would immediately head out the door to take the picture.

At 8:10 a.m. we were out the door while I chanted I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. 

So far, so good.

Well, that didn’t last long.  Meadow wanted nothing to do with this picture.  As soon as she was in her chair she wanted o-u-t!

Maybe some toys will help?

That worked for about half a second.  Okay Summer, I said to myself, try something else. . . think! think! think!  Ah ha!  Got it!

Here Chanelle, can you give Meadow my cell phone.

For a moment, a hush came over my crew and Adele played from my phone right before. . .

Meadow stuck the phone in her mouth. 

By this time I am sweating.  No, not perspiring. . . I’m all out sweating with big beads of sweat dripping down my forehead. 

Quickly, Charlie and Chanelle begin to lose interest and my barking begins. . .

Charlie, sit up. . .

Chanelle, leave Meadow alone. . .

I think this is the point when my pleading begins. . . you guys, I really want a nice picture for Daddy can you please pay attention?  The quicker you listen to my instructions the quicker you will get to do what you want to do.  Please, guys, we really want Daddy to know how much we love and appreciate him, don’t we?

I even bark at myself. . . Summer!  Watch what you’re doing.

Chanelle, straighten your foot, please!

Charlie, please sit up. . .

Oh and of course, this would be a perfect time for the neighbor to walk by. 

Deep breaths, Summer, I told myself, deep breaths. 

I think I can, I think I can.

CHARLIE!!!!  REALLY???!!!

GET YOUR FINGER OUT OF YOUR NOSE!!!!

Oh my.  You won’t find us on Pintrest.  That’s okay, though.  We are who we are and we do the best we can.  Truly, I was happy with the final result.  I think it represents our little family. . .

Not perfect. . . but sweet nonetheless.

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*IF a rock was thrown. . . it was thrown in the opposite direction of these three lovely children. 

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Sidenote:

Taking this picture has confirmed what I, deep down, already knew.  As I’ve spoken about so many times before, I have grown to absolutely love photography.  Over the past year and a half I have been so grateful to have found a passion for this thing that has opened my eyes to the reality of beauty around me.  Somehow, simply clicking the shutter button produces joy that is difficult to explain. 

What I have found, though, is that I would much rather capture a moment than create one.  The kids playing together, the interaction between two loved ones or even two strangers, the person unaware of my presence.  Put simple. . . I dig real life.  The above picture was fun for a time, but for the most part I think I’m going to stick to capturing moments rather than creating them.