Setting up the lights

I failed to mention in my earlier post about the pictures I took of Joshua while setting up my studio lights.

I wanted to be ready on New Year's Day in case Chad and Mallori brought Michael William over to the house, so I asked Joshua to come downstairs and pose for me. I wanted to make sure the lights and the camera were set up so we would not waste time if/when the baby showed up. I have had an idea for a while of taking pictures of Joshua's arm with the football every year and framing all four together so we could see the progression through high school. He has been working out so hard, hoping he puts on enough size to make the varsity team.

You can see here how excited he is about the idea....

After we had the lights where I wanted them, we took several shots and selected this one as the first in the series....

I can't wait to see how much he has grown next year! M

New Year's Day 2009

We celebrated the beginning of the new year in subdued fashion. Just some friends, grilled food, and of course, some cigars for the guys. Mike and Michele came over with their daughter Mallori, Chad, and their new grandson Michael William. M.W. was a week old at the time and pretty much slept through the entire visit. Brian showed up with some antelope steaks and some party saving lighter fluid for the grill (I was not as prepared as I should have been). Of course M.W. was the focus of the gathering.

Proud new parents.

While the coals were heating up, Chad and Mallori were kind enough to come downstairs to my studio for an impromptu photo session with the new baby. Even though it wasn't planned, and they had not dressed up for the occasion, we got some neat shots.

Good friends, good food, and an amazing new child... Good way to start off a new year in my book. Congratulations Chad & Mallori! Happy New Year Everyone! M