I hate to admit it, but it seems like my camera has been winning out in the hobby department. I'm sure my baking pans are all feeling super neglected! :(
I am attributing it to a time issue. It doesn't take long to whip out the camera and it pretty much works in conjunction with any other activity. But since I've been getting into it, I've also been reading up on photography tips and tricks. I specifically looked up ones for Christmas the other day and found several things I wanted to try out. Christmas is photogenic enough on it's own, but why not try to make it look even more exciting?
The "twinkle" lights was the first one I wanted to try. I've never thought about how the tree lights look when photographing them, but apparently if you want to give them a twinkle in the photo, you have to slow down that shutter speed. This blog I found actually had a few cute ideas - I found it via Pinterest. Oh Pinterest, you are simultaneously so helpful and such a time waster...!
The silhouette photo in front of the tree. I really wanted to get both kiddos, but figured I would settle for one to practice with. It was incredibly difficult to get Thomas to sit there. If he sees me pulling out the camera, most of the time he wants to be on the other side "helping" me. So I think the idea is cool, but not sure I quite nailed it.
This one actually just popped into my head when I was taking other photos. I love shiny ornaments! And fun ornaments! I just love Christmas trees in general.
And the best photo ever - ha! I was reading up on how to orient your kiddo to get the best photo next to the Christmas tree. While their tips on how to make sure their face was nicely lit were spot on, they were seriously lacking in the "My kid is crying and I need a smile" tip department...
And the truth behind the silhouette photo! The only way I could get him to sit there was to let him take the photo with the remote. Which was probably a bad idea - now when I pull the camera out he goes running to the cabinet with the remote. Luckily I have a dead remote that I can fool him with for a few more days. But I think this technically means these photos are under his copyright - it's all about who presses the shutter, not who owns the camera or sets up the shot. (Look up the monkey selfie copyright debate if you are curious).
I tried to get this photo without his hands in front of his face, but he just refused to believe that he didn't need his arms pointed at the camera for it to work. He was pretty intent on getting the photos taken (as you can see!).
My mom stepped in at some point to rescue me so I could continue playing and Thomas could still take photos. I think he felt super special - he doesn't quite have the skill to make mine take photos via the shutter button, so he's not really gotten the hang of it. We did gift him one of our old cameras this year that I initially set up for him, but the battery had died and I couldn't find the cable anywhere. Mom volunteered both her camera and guidance.
Look how excited he was to be using the tripod and taking photos all by himself! I think mom ended up with about 100 photos of the same ornament. I'm more than just a little bit proud of his interest in photography and that the ornament he was so excited about was a cupcake. :)