I love photography. One of the portrait photographers I like to check in on often is Tara Whitney based out of Orange County. I've always imagined getting her to take our family's photos someday since our home base is Los Angeles which is not too far away from OC.
The last time I checked in on her blog, I saw this: 6 People 12 Times. Very cool idea. She took one family photo per month during 2010. So, of course, when I see a great idea that is simple enough to replicate, I jump on the bandwagon.
I almost forgot to do it in January despite numerous alerts on my computer's calendar. Even though January was over in Beijing, I figured I'm originally from the US, and I've been to Hawaii before, so if is still January in Hawaii, the photo counts, right?
Here's our January photo:
We simply sat on the couch and used the self-timer. The lighting in our living room isn't the greatest - it gives everyone racoon eyes. But I still love the photo. Everyone looks like themselves.
Here is our February photo:
I reserve the right to take another one in place of this photo. I love the location (we were at a temple fair in Beijing during all the New Years celebrations). I love what Braden is wearing (traditional New Years attire for young children). I just hate the lighting and that we are not in focus and that the person who took the photo for me zoomed out when I asked her not to. ARGH! I may be able to fix this one a little more in Photoshop or I may just decide to be happy with this one as is. Time will tell.
Let me know if you plan to take the ?(however many people in your family) x 12 challenge. I thought it would be fun to do a montly linky for this, but I'd only do it if there was some interest. Let me know what you think.
I think it will be great fun watching our whole family grow over the entire year. I think making a deliberate effort to take monthly photos together will be priceless, don't you?
I saw this idea sometime last year on Tara Whitney's blog and thought it was a great idea. There are only the two of us in our family, so I don't really make a conscious effort at it because typically we get one photo a month of us together. Congrats on getting these first two months photos. I like the natural look of the photos rather than a more posed perfect shot since it will be a more authentic reflection of your family's life this year.
Posted by: Melissa | February 09, 2011 at 09:54
I also saw this on Tara's blog. Awesome idea.
Posted by: Amber | February 10, 2011 at 06:54
ooh I like that idea, and have never heard it before so maybe I may borrow it as well. :)
Posted by: [email protected] | February 10, 2011 at 07:09
Ohh, I like that idea. I guess it's too late for us this year, but we could always start now I suppose.
Posted by: lesley | February 10, 2011 at 08:07
What a cool idea!
Posted by: Wendy | February 10, 2011 at 19:27
I like the idea although I tend to be very conscious of pictures of me. Let me know and I'll most probably join. :-)
Posted by: mjrodriguez | February 11, 2011 at 02:08
Don't know what happened to what I just said.....something going on with this comment space. LOL.
But seriously, I like the idea and it would be awesome.
Your family pics are great by the way.
Posted by: mjrodriguez | February 11, 2011 at 02:10
I would love to join in with this - some of our family who we don't get to see often have just been for a visit - so lots of group photos were taken to record the event. is it enough to leave a comment here or do I need to email you??
Posted by: jo | May 02, 2011 at 11:08
Hi Jo, Im so glad to have you join us. I will send you an email right now with all of the information. Thanks for your interest!
Posted by: Nihao, Cupcake! by Margie | May 02, 2011 at 18:19