16Jan 08
Creativity is the Key!
posted by
Creativity is the name of the game when you live in a big family! Money can only go so far. But when you use a little creativity and resourcefulness, it is AMAZING what you can come up with.
We were in need of updating our family picture and individual shots. Going to the local photo studio was an option but they can be kind of expensive when it comes to doing eleven people!
So we decided to take on the building of our own studio! Dad had some great books on lighting which came in handy. The boys had the perfect construction lights to give the right lighting effect. And Daniel, Adam and Kenan were my right and left hands in setting up the back drops and changing the scenes.
We had a blast! The living room was transformed into a stunning set up for picture taking. Pictures were removed from the wall, and furniture relocated. Sheets were ironed and taped in place for the perfect backdrop. Folding tables were brought in and covered with coordinating sheets to make a stage for the younger ones to sit on. Props from blankets, child size rocking chairs, flowers from the back yard, to flags were found to add the final touch to the scenes! We now were ready to begin shooting!
Creativity is approaching a need or a task from a new perspective. That means there are many things that we can do that will cut the cost of living expenses if we would only take the time. We were greatly encouraged after this experience to look out for more opportunities and situations in which we could view from a new perspective.
May you be encouraged also to take the time and think outside of the box. Be creative! And may the Lord bless us with His wisdom in using the resources that He has given us to bless our families, those He has placed in our lives, and to further His Kingdom!
This is such a good idea for getting family portraits frugally! In my opinion, your pictures look as good as studio shots. Also, the routine trip to a studio would be much less fun than the family project you described. We ended up with a time shortage this year, so used an ironing board draped with a shower curtain for our family portrait. How did you get the perfect lighting, and get the cloth to stay in place?
The entire process was indeed first class – from start to finish. Jennifer initiated the idea and was quickly aided by an array of eager supporters. As Jennifer said, it saved us a lot of money and provided an excellent memory and learning opportunity.
Much patience was also freely given to the one or two sleepy folks that day who were having difficulties posing
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I appreciate you all!
Great pictures! Go Jenny! You are quite the photographer and must have had quite the team of helpers. Ever thought about making this a family business?
I especially like the one with Adam, Markie, and Kenan all together. Such great buddies! You can just feel the team spirit!
I have to agree with Ana Marie on how professionally they turned out. Great shots!
Was the picture we received in the mail also one of the home portraits? Very well done.
It has joined the few other pictures on the fridge.
I’ll have to agree with Robert, ‘why not make a family business of it’? Matthew took really great shots at Jeremiah’s high school graduation. Since it seems to run in the family….:-)
I agree with Robert & Crystal. Photography should definitely be a future business. Affordable family portraits with a professional edge
. And yes, the photo included with our newsletter was taken the same day.
With your great reviews, I’m sure we would offer you a very special rate for your photos
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Thank you for taking the time to take pictures of us.
Jennifer thankyou so much for putting all that time and effort in setting this up. It was worth the time!
This is really, really good! I was away from home when you posted this and when I ran across it the other day, I couldn’t help but comment on it.
First of all, this post has been a great encouragement to me to build a makeshift studio every-once-in-a-while. As clearly seen here, you can really get good pictures that way.
Secondly, I must comment on the professionalism of the set-ups. How you got eveyone’s heads all showing in the family portrait, I don’t know! It’s a hard thing to do, especially with so many people all the same height. Hannah, sitting contentedly on the ground gazing at her rose is an impressive image.
Lastly, the way the lights are set up creates a very natural effect and leaves no shadow to mar the professionalism of the photos.
Keep taking portraits! I don’t know about making a business out of it, but you can sure make it a ministry when the need arises.