our annual family photo shoot
December 15, 2006i’m still here 
we’ve got lots of photos of the kids, but until last year, we only had one family photo & it was one of those dreadful "cookie cutter" studio jobs that makes us cringe. so i decided to make capturing a family photo an annual tradition. i wanted to use the image on our christmas cards, but i also wanted it to reflect who we are & where we live. my 1st idea was of being outdoors with sheep in the background. so when we mustered a paddock one morning & michael was pushing the sheep up the lane that afternoon – it proved the perfect opportunity! with the kids dressed (& suitable clothes for DH) we met in the triangle. the hay bale was moved with the tojo because there were so many prickles (from the winter rain) & we were ready. we just had to set the camera up on the back of the tojo (no tripod!) & use the self timer – i really love how it turned out!
this year, i wanted to use our couch in front of a windmill (ever since i saw the couch idea on tara‘s blog, i’ve been dying to try it out!). fortunately, michael was a willing accomplice (bless him!) & we had the tractor at home to assist with the move. we also had the tripod this time & took plenty of shots for good measure – this is our favourite:
i made a behind the scenes layout (about the shoot) for the christmas portal at blue bazaar this week. be sure to check it out – its the DT’s last portal for 2006!
supplies: basic grey paper & lettering, l’il davis rubons, cosmo cricket chipboard, BBDT limited edition stamps (mine!), distress ink (fired brick & walnut stain). its a double 9" Layout – the 1st in my christmas album. photos printed with my trusty epson 1290 onto ilford fine art paper (main photo) & heavyweight matte paper (small photos)
Steph caskey devlin: Ohh Charleigh. STUNNING. Please Please come and take some photos for me. If you are ever in Adealide !!! I just ADORE that idea. WOW. Steph xo
Lorraine Bate: Oh Charleigh, I never post to blogs but that xmas photo on the lounge is just amazing.. i have the lounge now just need the paddock. I am so far inside suburbia I may never escape.. Well done that photo has now been placed on my ultimate pedestal. and I think it will not be knocked of for another in the near future, merry xmas from suburbia lorraine.
Suzannah: CHARLEIGH... you are back! Love the LO, but I have already told you that at BB.... I really was looking forward too seeing this new photo...it's sooo cute! Yay Michael he's such a trooper...mustering and moving lounges! Merry Christmas Charleigh
Kim Archer: Hey Charleigh!! LOVE your photos!! What a beautiful backdrop and a gorgeous family!! KIMxx
pip: Hey Charleigh, it is good to see that you have finally managed to find the time to update your blog. The Christmas card photo shoot is very groovy, I don't think that my husband would move our couch outside somewhere for a photo shoot. Were there conditions? Hope all is will with you and your family, I ofter peek at your blog so today I thought that I would send you a comment. Have a great Christmas. We are going to the Gold Coast for two weeks which will be lovely. Take care Charleigh. Cheers,Pip
mimi: Charleigh i love the photos they are just so good. take care and have a fantastic year in 2007. Love Mimi
Marianne Pollock: Hi Charleigh, We met at the ISC at the Gold Coast when you were a Nun & then at Kiwiscraps 2005.I now live in Newcastle and noticed you have signed up for the Heidi Swapp class " A year to remember". So I thought I would drop you a line. I noticed Pip left you a message before Christmas. Those photo's are great - I love the couch idea. I now have a blog if you want to check it out www.mariannepollock.typepad.com and Pip also has one it is www.pipprosser.typepad.com. A friend of ours has started a website kit business. It is www.sissey.com.au. Pip, Jodie Jackson & I are on the design team. It has been so much fun. Anyway hope you are well and had a great Christmas. Hope to see you soon. I am going to the Brisbane Papercrafts in March and meeting the Moree / Goondi girls - hope to see you too.
Suzannah: love the new banner charleigh... does that mean a new post is imminent??? LOL
charmaine: hi ive just surfed in and i adore the family photo with the sheep in the background...what an awesome shot! The others are gorgeous too....
Michelle Grant: Your photography is always outstanding Charleigh!!!!!! What a fabulous idea with the couch and a fabulous shot to go with it!!! Love it!! Cheers Michelle