Anatomy of a photo shoot

As I looked back at what I thought was a horrible attempt to take pictures of our children, I found myself highly entertained. And so in future years when Scarlet might ask why there are so few good pictures of her and her brother... Scarlet, this is for you.

*disclaimer - Jon really wanted to mess with all these photos in photoshop before I posted them but I wouldn't let him. He really wanted everyone to know that...

I have had Scarlet's 2008 Christmas dress in my posession since January. I was casually looking at kids clothes when I saw it and fell instantly in love with it. Not only did it have beautiful velvet and beading but it was a dark brown. I knew it would look so beautiful on my brown eyed girl! And, icing on the cake, it was cheap! So it has sat in the back of her closet for almost a year and I was so excited to pull it out.

Rhode also had a pretty adorable Christmas outfit and all I really wanted was a few nice snapshots of the two kids together then a chance to show them off at church.

We decided Rhode would start our show. Here is us setting up...

He wasn't so sure about the whole thing at first...

but he warmed up quickly like the good little guy that he is.

You would think I would learn from my mistakes but obviously not. I gave Scarlet the box of raisins right before I wanted her picture taken. Stupid mom.

So I attempted to hold the raisins for her just while we snapped a quick picture.

"I don't know what's going on dad..."

She didn't take too well to the raisin-less idea

"Just let me know when you need me to smile, I'll be here"

Raisins returned and tears ceased, we now had to get the two kids happy and together. Then came the brilliant idea... 'hey Scarlet, give baby brother a raisin!'

That idea earned us this photo. Too much light but two pretty happy kids!

Now to get a shot of the outfits. Scarlet was done participating (oh wait, when was she ever participating) so Jon snapped these as she wandered around the room.

While our backs were turned, Rhode decided to hit a more alluring pose on the pillows. So we turned our attentions to him!

Turns out, the best way to get Scarlet to want to get her picture taken is to ignore her.

"Look at me again!"

Some of my favorites of the day...

Scarlet must have really not been happy with me after the shoot because she decided to pay me back during church. Jon had to take her out of Sacrament because she was crying so hard about who knows what. She continued to cry until... she threw up. All over Jon, all over the dress. So they got to go home second hour for a costume change and Scarlet spent the rest of nursery Christmas dress-less. Aren't toddlers great?!