Either I'm going to have to start taking fewer photos, or I'm going to have to get better at widdling the 'keepers' down to a more manageable level, because I'm struggling to keep up with the sheer volume of photos I'm taking.
For example, I've got 110 images that I want to keep/edit from the first day of our 4th of July trip this year, and we didn't even leave the house until 11:00 a.m.
Ridiculous.
Part of the reason is that over the years, I've just learned how to miss fewer candid moments, but I think the other part of the equation is that I've really come to accept and even appreciate imperfection in my shots. In fact, one of my favorite photography-related quotes is this one:
"Usually I think if there is something imperfect in a photograph it makes the picture more real. Photographs that are slick, smooth, and imperfect seem less honest to me." - John Loengard
So with that, here's Part I of my imperfect images...
Our first stop on the way out of town was for Coconut Cream and Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino's from Starbucks.
And our second stop on the way out of town was at a local honey shop. (Cole and Courtney can eat endless amounts of honey sticks.)
And as soon as we got to Union Creek, I made sandwiches for everyone. (Nice job with that canned smile.)
And I made a cheese-plate too. (My new obsession.) Mint honey with blue cheese and crackers is my favorite.
Apparently my sandwich-making skills get a thumbs-up from Coley.
And a thumbs-in-your ear from Courtney Lee.
And then Coley tried to steal all of Annie's new obsession. (Blackberries.)
And then we went for a bike ride.
Yes, everyone in the house got new helmets because Shindand chewed up every helmet in the house.
As with most of our bike rides though, this one ended up with tears. (Annie this time.)
And then we goofed off back at the cabin for awhile.
But of course, the goofing off ended in tears as well. (Courtney Lee this time.)
And then we set up the Ladder-Ball.
And though Ladder-Ball didn't end in tears, it did end in pouting. (Coley this time.)
And then we hung out some more.
And got ready to go fishing.
More tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. And maybe the next day after that too.
And here's some shots from our past 4ths at Union Creek...2011, more from 2011, and even more from 2011, 2010, more from 2010, 2009, more from 2009, 2008, more from 2008.
I know this is gross, but maybe you'll think it's funny.. we call "ladder-ball" testicle toss where I'm from! Yikes! Great photos, as usual.
Posted by: Jaimie | July 11, 2012 at 08:42 AM
Do you sometimes feel like picking your favorite photo is kinda Sophie's Choice? I totally get that, and I am in no way a fantabulous photographer like you!
Posted by: Kirsten J | July 11, 2012 at 09:16 AM
Oh, don't whittle them down at all! we love it when you share!!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | July 11, 2012 at 09:20 AM
Love Annie" s handbag- she reminds me of my daughter at the same age. Now the handbags are designer needless to say! All the photos are a wonderful snapshot with your gorgeous man and even more gorgeous children. happy days.
Posted by: Catriona | July 11, 2012 at 09:21 AM
What a wonderful family trip! I love all the names for "ladder-ball"... we have a homemade set back at the family farm that we call "Poor Man's Golf". Our games end in pouting too - typically it is one of the uncles. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the rest of July!
Posted by: Christine | July 11, 2012 at 09:42 AM
I just got a chuckle from the photo running commentary...I could just imagine how the whole trip went...It really reminded me of some of the trips we made since it seems kids are the same all over! BTW, I don't think widdle is a word, did you perhaps mean "whittle" as in paring down or reducing? LOL You had me stumped for a minute!
Posted by: justasiam | July 11, 2012 at 10:16 AM
I enjoyed looking at these photos as well as the ones from past years. Do you realize you have called your game "ladderball", "bocci" and "boka"? LOL
Posted by: Robyn :) | July 11, 2012 at 11:46 AM
What a great day! What great photos! I love your perfect & imperfect images :)
Posted by: Aurora | July 11, 2012 at 02:00 PM
Oh...so wonderful....seeing your memories just makes me smile. Keep shooting, lots and lots, more and more...you can never have too many. Hard drive space is cheap....family memories are priceless!
Posted by: janel | July 11, 2012 at 02:51 PM
Especially love the picture of Annie blowing a kiss. Union Creek is awesome...we honeymooned there 28 years ago in my parents RV Ü
Posted by: Denise~Paper Ponderings | July 11, 2012 at 08:39 PM
I love the perfectly imperfect photo's. They always turn out to be my favorite.
It looks like you had a great 4th of July.
I have to ask... when you take your camera with you do you take several lenses and the body? What bag do you use? I just bought the 2 sue's by Kelly Moore. It's a crossover between purse and camera bag. I purchased it in the hopes that I would take my camera out with the kids more.
Posted by: Tess S | July 12, 2012 at 03:54 AM
The more photos the merrier....we will never tire of them. Looks like another fantastic family adventure. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane
Posted by: Kathy | July 12, 2012 at 04:43 AM
how fuN!
even your imperfect shots look PERFECT to me!
I like the imperfect ones the very best.....always!
they are def. more REAL!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | July 12, 2012 at 08:33 AM
I totally get the feeling to need to take less, or cull more. I just can't though, and I'm glad you can't either. :) Sometimes it is like looking at a flip book scrolling through your posts. LOL ... We can practically SEE the action!
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Posted by: portefeuille prada | July 16, 2012 at 02:42 AM
Not imperfect to me- They are so real and the lighting and composition is beautiful too. If only I could take pics as "imperfect" as yours :)
Posted by: Jacki | July 17, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Ooooh I love the boat shots...such great light! And my favorite is the one of Coley on the boat with his shades, and Courtney in the background. That one is special.
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