Friday, September 28, 2007

5 for 5

I'm stealing Jenny C. idea of a Friday post so here is my 5 for 5.

1. I have been trying to take a little time with Lulu each day. She is freaking out a bit and her need for attention has gotten progressively worse this week. We had a bit of a melt down on Thursday, which involved both of us in tears as we drove to school, but luckily the week ended on a high note and went to playgroup this morning. I forgot my camera, but Lulu had a great time playing with the other kids- blowing bubbles, playing "duck, duck, goose" and running very fast. Two of the little boys were chasing her and she would stop and look over her shoulder to make sure they could catch up with her and start running.. just as they got within reach.



2. I'm still nesting. I have been trying to organize my house this past week. We actually pulled out my Christmas Spode and Wedgewood and put them in the nifty little china containers I found at the Container Store. We have made 2 trips to the Container Store, 2 to IKEA, 15 to Target and numerous garbage dumps later I think I've gotten it under control.

Lulu fell in love with all the bubble wrap from the previous packaging and decided to jump on it.

3. I have no ability to take pictures. My cute husband bought me a Rebel XT camera for my Mother's Day/Birthday/New baby is coming and mama is going to have a meltdown joint occasions. I love it and cannot believe how fast it is compared to my old trusty point and shoot.

The problem: I thought that if I got a new fancy camera my photo taking abilities would suddenly become unbelievable and I would be able to take photos like some kind of crazy amazing photographer (please see my sidebar for examples of crazy amazing photographers). Unfortunately I was mistaken. I've read the manual and understand the basics for HOW it works, but I think maybe my problem is.. I need some pointers.

I tried a little photo shoot with the new baby, but it just wasn't happening. Partly because he was fussy and unhappy, but also because I just wasn't sure about all the lighting and whatnot. The picture above is me trying to get a picture of his feet.

So- does anyone have any pointers for taking photos of new babies? Do I just need to be patient or do you have a way to get those darling photos of little feet- like he needs to be asleep? I realize I'm asking for a gigantic thing and in all honesty you either have it or you don't when it comes to pictures, but I'm hoping maybe a couple of pointers would help me along the way and maybe I'm better (although no professional) than I'm giving myself credit for.



4. Teddy is dreamy and we love him. He loves his little bouncer and is getting ridiculously BIG. I swear he eats all the time. I have completely forgotten this stage of infancy.



5. I got my Halloween decorations out and I had forgotten all the adorable Lori C. Mitchell figurines I got last year. I'm really happy I splurged, because when my mom tried to order a couple this past week, they were all sold out. I especially love my little witches and the ridiculously cute bat. I'm so sad I'm missing the Witches Festival this year. I almost bought a ticket for the weekend, but realized that realistically I just couldn't do it with a new baby.

6 comments:

Jill said...

Hooray you're posting! I can't believe you're running all over town with 2 kids now, impressive! Does this mean you're feeling pretty good? How are the hormones going? You cried with Lulu too eh? I hope you're feeling good.

The thing with your camera is to just practice, practice, practice and with baby photo shoots don't have any expectations because babies never cooperate! Just take tons of him and then see what you end up with. Usually among the blurry shots there are some perfect moments you couldn't have planned. Good luck and keep posting them!

michelle said...

It's good to hear from you. It sure sounds like you are doing a lot -- I hope that means you're doing much much better.

When I had Lucas, Max's need for attention peaked at around 3-4 weeks, then he went back to school and started soccer, and things evened out a lot. Hopefully your one-on-one time with Lulu and a little more time passing will make things a lot easier!

Baby photos: it definitely can be easier when they are sleeping! Other than that, put him on a bed or a blanket in front of a window so you can get some nice side-lighting -- it's always flattering and makes for good contrast as well. If you have a macro mode, try that and get in really close for those cute little baby "parts". It would also be great to have someone else take pictures of you and the baby together. (Jill did that for me when Eva was a baby and I'll be eternally grateful, even though I hate pictures of myself.) Other than that, just take tons and some of them will be great!

JG said...

I miss you Lars! Teddy is beautiful. So is Lulu. Jake and I went to Gardiner's Village today and all of the witches are up. They are selling fabulous hats and I have to admit, I got a bit teary that we are missing the tradition this year. However, I agree with you and think that it is good that you are staying home and recouping. I like your photos especially the one of Teddy's foot. I will have Jake call you with some great books you can read on photography.

skbkmjfamily said...

Lara, I can't wait to come and see the house, the kids and be with you guys.

I am by no means a photographer, but practice is key. The biggest lesson I have learned is all about the lighting, and looking at your pictures I could see that you probably used your flash. Open your windows, put teddy so he is facing the window as close as you can (indirect sunlight) than turn off that flash.

I too wish we were doing witches, but hey I get to come to dallas.

Bond Girl 007 said...

oh baby looks sooo cute and alert.

Amy said...

Teddy is such a doll! He's absolutely beautiful.

I have no advice to offer for better pictures. I can never seem to get shots that I love. Be grateful that you have a digital SLR, though. Otherwise it would be nearly impossible to get good shots. Shutter speed (and by that I mean lack of digital lag) and lighting are key.

If Lulu is anything like Kaitlin she's going to be an attention hog indefinitely. Kaitlin still wants us to do everything to her that we do to Alex. She can't bear to be left out. I've realized that it gets easier but doesn't lessen. It just changes. Daddy/daughter dates. They're a good thing.