No brownies or cookies for you guys today. We’re ‘doin something a little different on this lovely Tuesday. (ugh, are Tuesdays ever lovely?
So a few months ago, my mom asked me if as soon as it got warm and green outside, if I would be willing to take photos of all the kids (aka: my younger siblings)
I’ll admit I was little apprehensive, since I’m not used to taking portraits. Hand me a cookie and ask my to take a photo and I’m totally fine, but people? Guys, people move and they talk. Kind of a different situation ya know?
Still, I’m always up for a challenge, so last week I gathered up all the kids, made them put on white shirts and jean shorts (except for my VERY picky 15-year old brother, Michael who flat-out REFUSED to wear jean shorts) and walked them all over to our fairly-large neighborhood park.
Please note that these are only 5 of my 8 brothers and sisters. My 3 older siblings are no longer living at home.
First up is Miss Rachel. The caboose of the Hatter pack. You probably recognize her from many of my recipe posts. Rachel has a ginormous sweet-tooth and is always hanging out around my photoshoots, sneaking cookies when she thinks I’m not looking. 😉
Don’t you just wanna SQUEEZE those chubby ‘lil cheeks??
Rach was being a HUGE butt about posing because she wanted to go over to the park. So I was only able to get 3 good poses from her before she lost it. Aren’t 3-year olds fun?
Isaiah comes next. He’s just about to turn 8 and trust me: He is just as mischievous as he looks. You don’t wanna know all the mischief that boy gets himself into.
Please ignore his squinty eyes. The sun was shining right in his face, and no matter how much I begged him, he would not open his eyes.
Abigail comes next. I had a little more success taking photos of her since she’s 10 and SLIGHTLY more mature than the two younger. Only slightly, though.
She was kind of confused though, when I told her to look off into space and not look at the camera. 🙂
Don’t you just love her luscious brown eyes??
‘Movin on to Ruth. (Ruthie for long)
Ruthie’s 12 and has mind all her own, so naturally she wanted to pick out all her poses herself. I let her do her ‘thang and snapped photos like nobody’s business.
Who’s next…Let’s see. It must be my rebel brother, Michael. Yeah, this guy annoys the heck outta me 90% of the time, but I guess he’s cool in an annoying-younger-brother kind of way.
He sure thinks he’s cool. Check out that smirk. Ha-ha. 😉
FYI. — Having a 15-year old younger brother who pumps iron and has muscles can be hazardous to your health. Brothers tend to throw their weight around…..
Now, I’m going to give you an exclusive look at the girl behind the camera. I handed my camera to Michael, warned him that if he dropped it, nobody would ever find his remains (yeah, I’m a sweet big sister) and I did some posing.
For some reason, this picture makes me look like I’m in love with the tree. Oh, geez.
A lot of you know that I’m a dancer, so split jumps just come naturally to me. No big deal.
Alright, it did take ONLY about 5 tries to get this picture right.—I ain’t perfect. 😉 I wanted to leap through a field of flowers, but all there was was grass. Lame.
I was actually surprised at how fun it was to take people-portraits. It was different for sure, but fun. I think they could have turned out a little better, but my family loved them, so that’s all that matters.
In fact, I’m already scheduled to do a photoshoot this Friday for my brother Daniel, his wife Jessica, and their 3 little girls. Wish me luck because my 3 nieces are crazy-wild.
So there you have it! Hatter family photoshoot of Spring 2014. No autographs please. 😉
New recipe tomorrow. And it’s epic.
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I had so much fun looking at these Sarah! You did a great job! Taking pictures of people is WAY different food. But it’s fun to switch it up and stretch your photo taking skills. What a fun family you have. LOVE that first picture of you!
Sarah says
I know that you’re basically a pro when it comes to taking portraits, Natalie so that means a lot coming from you! Thank you so much! 🙂
olivia says
I love your awesome pictures, Sarah. And yes, I do wanna SQUEEZE Rachel’s chubby cheeks!! You have a lovely and beautiful family 😉
Sarah says
Thank you, Olivia! 🙂
Isadora @ she likes food says
I have one sister and I can’t imagine what it must be like to have so many siblings! Your photos came out great and your family is adorable! Maybe you have found a new profession 🙂
Sarah says
Thank you, Isadora! My family is urging me that I should consider going into portrait photography full-time, and I’m eager to get some more practicing in! 😉
Jennifer S. says
Gorgeous pictures, Sarah. You are a beautiful family. The real challenge would be to get them all together – everyone looking at the same place and smiling at the same time. Ask me how I know. 🙂 Can’t blame Rachel for wanting to play because that’s the way my three-year-old would be. She did great and gave you some beautiful smiles.
Sarah says
Thank you so much, Jennifer! It was a challenge to get all the kids to cooperate, but the results were well-worth it. 🙂
Barbara says
Sarah, I have enjoyed learning so much about you. I really love this photo shoot piece you’ve written about! It reminds me so much of my kids – I have five! I am planning a photo shoot when my daughter is home from college next month.. only we’ll have two young grandchildren in the mix this time! Love that you started so young and have such a passion for cooking. I love to cook, especially when trying new things and you inspire me greatly! Thanks so much and best wishes in all your endeavors!
Sarah says
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment, Barbara! It’s such an honor to hear that I’ve inspired you. 🙂 Good luck with your own family photos!
Kathy Mader says
Big families look like so much fun. All of you are so adorable. I’m signing up for your blog, discovered you by a comment you had made on another blog…I feel lucky today!
Sarah says
Thank you so much for the sweet words, Kathy! I’m thrilled to hear that you’re a new follower of my blog!
Senior Housing MN says
You have a lovely and beautiful family ! lovely lovely!