Christmas Tree Hunting (Part II).

And here's the rest...

 

Still pouting.

 

Another pouter (Brooke).

A happy one (Tater).

Josh's brother (Jamey).

A little humorous 'framing' for my photography students. 

 

Hot cocoa.

 

Hanging out.

 

Falling over while hanging out.  (Courtney tipped over first and then Roshelle fell over while trying to save Courtney Lee from falling over.)

Conversation.  (Not sure what they're talking about but I love the serious faces.)

Keeping (our buns) warm by the fire.

Quad riding.

Quad-sledding.

Hanging out some more.

And a few snowball fights.

Coley looks like he's plotting a snowball revenge.

And then Josh and I went hunting for the best Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the woods.  (The kids were more interested in sledding and snowball fights and keeping warm by the fire so they stayed back at camp with everyone else.)

The snow was so deep that every time I took a step, I fell up to my knees in snow.  So I decided to walk behind Josh Downs using his footsteps as my pathway.  (Much easier.)

 

Not easy enough though (which is why I was taking a break).

And I don't normally take a lot of landscape shots but since I was too tired to move, I figured I might as well take a few pictures of my surroundings.

 

That's Josh in the background taking a break too.

And that's where we found our tree.

He never makes me help carry the tree...add it to the reasons I love him. 

I shot just about everything with a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8.  If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, I highly recommend the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 (the only lens I owned for about 3 1/2 years).  The only shots I didn't take with that lens were the sledding shots I posted yesterday.  I took those while laying on the tailgate of the (moving) truck with a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8.  If you're looking for a cheaper version of that lens, Tamron makes one of those too (although it's still pretty spendy).

And I'm not currently using any purchased actions on my photos.  (Haven't for a few months now.)  I'm using an action that I made myself based on some suggestions from another photographer.

Don't get me wrong...I love actions and I'm sure I'll continue using them in the future.  I just keeping coming back to what I really love though which is more classic, minimally-edited looking stuff.

Comments

[Dina]

Just love the pictures, Karen! I was going to ask if you used actions on the pix from yesterday. Now, I have my answer. Happy holidays!

[Alis in Wnderlnd]

Any chance you'll sell the action you created? These are gorgeous. Of course, so is your family and what fun this must have been!

[Erica Hettwer]

I like the minimally edited look as well. I just wish my minimally edited was as nice looking as your minimally edited. Heh!

How are Coley and Josh surviving the Beavs Civil War loss? That darn game practically gave me an ulcer! :(

[Jennifer S]

Your photos are beautiful right out of the camera! I agree with you on the minimal editing. I try to do that too. Looks like its quite an adventure going after your tree every year! We assemble ours. Its older than I am.

[Susy]

Can I come and hang out with your family, pleeeese :-)

[Jennifer M.]

I'm with you on the minimal edits. I like pure photographs...they look so much more real to me.

[Jaimie]

I like the minimal edits too. It shows what a good photographer you really are. These are stunning photos and it looks like a really fun tradition.

[Shari Barnes]

I am the same way. I will go through spurts where I enjoy playing with actions, but most of the time I prefer just good classic images SOOC with very little adjustment. These images of yours are AWESOME! So jealous that you got to spend some time in snow!!!

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It is a great thrill and joy of snowfall and playing with snow.The kids are more excited and really enjoy snow.The winter has dual blessings Christmas and snow.

[kribss]

i'm so jealous of how your family gets together and just have FUN! my family is SO boring!! *said with love*

[Jennifer Crosby]

Beautiful pictures- you are so inspiring!
How about sharing your own actions- free of course! :) I have a problem with overly edited photos- they look so fake!
Anywho! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Ashley]

Where was Ross in all of this? He missed out on the fun! Is he "too cool" now that he's a big, bad senior?

[rachel marquette]

karen! i love your blog, your stories, narratives, and your pictures! i am asking santa for a nikon (my canon rebel is nearing it's end) i LOVE that you don't over process your pictures. sure actions are cool - but at the end of the day - i love real life pics that caputure life as is. thanks for keeping it real!

[Diane]

Love these too...and thanks for the great and inspiring example of a "framed" subject, LOL! : >

[nicole prather]

Hi karen....i read your blog everyday !!! just had a wierd question??? where did your husband get his green hat he is wearing ..or what is it called..i have looking for one of those for my husband !!!

[Tammee D]

Once again, I want to join your family. This is way funner than any of the stuff we do around the holidays!

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What's the chance we’ll get poured on or struck by lightning at the Paul McCartney concert tomorrow night at Fenway? Gates open 5, concert starts 6:30, seats on the field.
Thanks,

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