Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Easier Last Year

Last year it was a whole lot easier to get ready for the Christmas card family photo. Anne and Jed had gotten married, and we had a shot of the five of us in wedding attire. This year? Not so! For one reason, we just aren't together as a group as often to lend to more photo opps. We can be three or four together, but not often five. Another reason? Too many years of history trying to capture the "perfect" group shot...everybody wants to run when we say, "Time for the Christmas card picture!!!" To prove it, John dashes out to the nearest tree.
Do you think the inspiration of swinging from a tree is a good one? And that Wes and I could keep up? NO!!
Do you use a picture of the three "kids" only? And, of course, John being "John"?
Do you use a picture where the participants are randomly attired with no pre-planning as to color harmony...sort of a "Come as you are" theme that represents real life? And one where John is perched to look taller than Jed? And my hair is bad? And Anne is squinting?
Do you go with a special effect of sepia? Do you go with casual and light-hearted?
So, when is it time to rethink the whole Christmas picture thing? Is it once the kids graduate from high school, once they get married? Or do the "empty nesters" just go back to sending their two profiles with an an exotic locale background they have recently visited? Or, do they wait for the Grandchildren (who will, no doubt, be highly photogenic!!) to come and begin the family photo sessions again as that group grows? Hmm...I can see this issue is not going to be easily resolved! Any advice?

13 comments:

Melissa said...

While I sometimes complain that it looks cluttered, I love having photos of my loved ones covering my refrigerator door. If sending a photo is a family tradition it would be so sad to stop now! The one thing I really appreciate in receiving Christmas cards with photos is when the photo isn't the actual card, but is simply tucked into the envelope - that way I can frame it or display it without having the "Season's Greetings" message displayed year-round! And while I like the more 'formal' shot you took on the lawn, I love the fun one in front of Wilson Hall. I tend to enjoy lively, candid pictures in general. If you ever find yourselves needing a photographer, don't hesitate to call! :)

simplicity said...

I love the sepia one the best or I think a picture of you and Wes on vacation is good.

Next year you'll have to do a picture from John's graduation!

Sarah said...

What if you hae a photo shoot of individuals, pick the best shot of each person, turn it to sepia, and put each person's face in their own box like the Brady Bunch? You could even be looking/pointing at each other. John needs a wife though to make it even! Do you have a pet or a favorite household item that could be in a picture? The Christmas tree perehaps.

Lindahl News 2 said...

Good ideas so far...keep 'em coming!

Melissa: I liked the idea of no greeting printed on the card.

Samara: I'm partial to the sepia, too. It softens things somehow if the wearers aren't coordinated!

Sarah: that could be YOU on the Brady Bunch picture. Are you sure about your decision?

Lindahl News 2 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ingrid said...

I'm a fan of the picture of the three kids or the last picture of all of you. They show how much fun the Lindahl's are!

Katherine Nicole Therese said...

I personally like the last picture of all of you! What about making that one sepia toned?

Jed and Anne said...

What one did you decide upon? I am tempted to turn some of those pictures into actual ones to display in our apartment...I think that I like the layout of the sepia one, but i think that I like it best in color.

Kristin said...

Okay, the last one is so your family. Anne and Wes are the picture perfect family, smiling, looking cute, and probably muttering under their breath for you guys to behave, but at the probably enjoying the shenanigans that you and John bring to the table. This photo shows character and something that friends can enjoy when they open up your cards. Fun, fun, fun!

Lindahl News 2 said...

Kristin!!! Way FUN to hear from you!!! Please let me know your email address (or blog address - I couldn't get you when I clicked on your name)...would love to get updated with you and ours.

You sure did catch the family dynamics right on with your comments about the last picture.

Katherine Nicole Therese said...

check out my blog for some oldie but goodie pictures :)

Linnea said...

Hmm, time to go high-tech, Deb. How about, email the family the link, and they can pick and print up their own favorites? I suppose you should still send one to Grandma, though.

Kristin said...

Hi Deb, I added my blog address, so you should get it now when you click on my name! It is so fun to read about you all!