A Million Pictures

One of my crazies asked me if I was going to hang up a million pictures in the house.  My answer was that the ONLY reason I'd want a huge mansion is so that I could have more space to hang up pictures in it.  Admittedly, some of that is that I'm a photographer and I can't help myself...I have more pictures than I'll probably ever realistically need for any major purpose.  With that being said, I'm also just a picture lover.  I love having pictures hanging around my house that show all different aspects of my life.  Like everything else in my life, I have an opinion on it.....

1.  I love "posed" traditional photographs.  It doesn't have to be studio photography (in fact, I'm not a huge fan of the look of studio photography for big pictures in my life).  These are generally my 8X10s of the kids that get replaced close to their birthdays.  It's generally a full body shot that shows off how much they've grown, what kinds of clothes they like, etc.  It's become a bit of a tradition that they get a little more dressed up for the shots and they often end up with a more reserved (though still natural...because I'll WAIT all day for a natural smile) smile.

2.  I love candid shots.  Aside from the traditional posed shots, I always do a full shoot for the kids around their birthday that lets them get their personality out.  We change clothes into something less formal and just have fun.  I love the shots with tongues stuck out, pouty faces, or shots where I just said their name and they looked up and smiled without knowing I was taking a picture.

3.  I love action shots.  Currently, on my wall, I have shots of my kids shooting airsoft guns, jumping rocks while hiking, blowing bubbles, throwing a football, and playing in the hose.  I love shots of kids just being kids.  It produces the most natural smiles (or, in some cases, tongues stuck out in concentration) and shows them in their element.

4.  I love affection shots.  I have one particular shot of the crazies from several years ago where they all sat in front of each other and have a big hug.  They're smiling such natural, happy smiles and you can truly tell that they love each other.  This extends to all different combinations of family members or friends.  I love shots that truly show the affection that the people feel for each other.

5.  I like to have lots of shots of family and friends around.  I have an entire wall of nieces and nephews.  I replace the shots regularly but they're ALWAYS nieces and nephews.  I also have shots of grandparents, friends, and neighbors around.  I love shots of family and friends around the house to remind all of us how loved we truly are (and all of the people we  love, as well).

6.  I love shots from excursions we've had.  Whether it's hiking in the mountains, going to a ball game, or celebrating a special event, I love having pictures around to remember fun times.  Not only is it a great way to commemorate a special event, but it's also a reminder on those rough days exactly how much fun we have together.

7.  I love achievement shots.  I have shots of every single one of the kids getting awards at their school for honor roll, good behavior, and more.  I have shots of kindergarten graduation but also shots of my oldest daughter's Continuation.  I also have shots of major achievements for the adults in the house...my favorite for me, personally, is my shot of me with Vince Jackson after shooting his fundraiser a couple of months ago.

Regardless of what people's opinions are on hanging pictures, I love  having as many pictures as I can around the house.  I give photo gifts at nearly every holiday.  I love receiving photo gifts.  I think that pictures are an integral part of making a house a home.