Thursday, December 18, 2008

School Pictures

In kindergarten I had been absent from school for several days due to illness. On the day of my return I had school pictures. My mom had not been made aware that pictures were to be taken so no special care was made with my appearance. And after having been home for several days I imagine she was just glad to have me out of the house.

Original portrait
When they called our class it was during play time (yes in those days they let the kids play in kindergarten. See how old I am.) So I went with the class and had my picture taken. Only when the pictures came back did we see that the cheap chain necklace that I had on during playing house was still on. My hair was sticking out all over the place and my collar was not straight.

This experience had a massive effect on my attitude about the images I captured for the little children I would photograph. I didn't want anyone else to have a photo like the one I had as a memory of kindergarten.

When David had his picture taken in October I did not go to oversee it. I know he has a great smile and don't want to be a hovering mom. Later I wished I had. The photographer didn't order the package I paid for. She also didn't take a very good picture of David. She had him lean forward so his shoulders were all hunched over. His eyes were also not as open as they should be. I had the pictures retaken because of the problems and this time I took him to school and oversaw the process.

The retake
Even though this photographer had the student before him lean forward I told David to sit up straight. The smile was great and the eyes were more natural. David fussed about sitting up straight because it didn't feel good. He actually has good posture and this has not been a problem before. We have finally received the retakes and when I showed David both pictures side by side he said "boy my shoulders sure look bad" to the first picture.

I am glad that the company now sells CDs of the images with a release, which I purchased, so that I can legally show you the images.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim,

Wow, What a difference in the two pictures!! My preschool kids have a GREAT PHOTOGRAPER!! She must be alot like you!! She makes sure the kids hair is "just right" and that their coller is not sticking up. She takes her time with each child and gives GREAT pictures!! I LOVE picture day!! The school that my own children go to has a HORRIBLE photograper. They have all the schools in our district and just RUSH to get as many pictures done as quickly as possible!! I too, have requested re-takes. Unfortunately, sometimes the retakes aren't much better!! Oh. well!!
What exciting things have you got planned for David during Christmas break? How did he do with the latch rug project??
I'm sure that you have spent some time with Abigail's baby!! How is she adjusting to motherhood?? (Sometimes, it can be difficult when you first leave the hospital and are on your own.) I've added her to my prayer list and pray things are going well for them!!
Just wanted to pop in and say "hi" again and wish you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Take care!
Blessings,
Janet

Kim said...

Janet,
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. We have been very busy and I'm sorry it took so long to respond.
David is going very slowly on his latch rug, but as we enter the cold weather I'm sure he will have plenty of chances to complete it.
We have spent some time with Joe and Abigail and even got a chance to take dinner to them. But, David had a virus for a few days so I have kept him clear away from the baby. They also have both families here so we don't want to intrude on the time they can spend with thier loved ones.