Over the past few years one of our favorite gifts we’ve given our family are custom calendars with pictures of the boys on each month. Grandparents love it. They love it so much apparently Brandi’s parents fight over the calendar. I overheard her dad tell her mom on Christmas he didn’t want her to take this calendar to work.
With that in mind I thought it would be fun to go out the next day and shoot some pictures at their place so we could make him his own “Wilson Boys” calendar. They live out in the country on about 50 acres so there were lots of fun places to take pictures. Here are a few of my favorite pics I’m going to include in his custom calendar.
I’m absolutely loving the Nikon D60 Brandi and I gave each other for Christmas. I’m thinking of taking some photography classes this year. I would really like to learn how to take better photos.
Any new skills or hobbies you’re wanting to develop in 2009?
Wow..great looking photos you have there!
Have a Blessed 2009!
love the picture of the boys running and the dog close behind! so precious! i also love that Jett got his Eli Manning Jersey!
Have a Happy New Year 2009!
@Iris, he won’t take that thing off. He loves it!
Was there supposed to be something in the big open space that I am just not seeing? Regardless, great pictures!
Pete, there are lots of people who blog about photography and give amazing tips and free tutorials. Once you get familiar with the new camera, you might be able to pick up quite a few tips and techniques that way. One of the best tips I’ve ever read is “don’t be afraid to lie down on the ground to get the best shot,” which is particularly true if you are photographing children or pets. Looks a little weird when you do it, but you get great photos that way! Good luck learning to use your new toy.
I did some photo gifts this year as well. Photography, especially outdoors, is therapeutic for me. If something turns out well, it’s a bonus!
A couple of things I’d really like to do in 2009 are work on my writing skills (trying to put together a book proposal). I also want to learn to knit. I have no idea why. I’ve heard it’s a stress buster and I see all these really cute things people make. We’ll see.
Beautiful Pics!
We ALWAYS make calendars for the Grandparents, too. Also, I know you guys have a MAC – I also make the TINY LITTLE books (the smallest size) with 20 pics of the family over the year – PERFECT for the grandparents wallets to carry around. I buy 20 of them and give them out to all the extended Aunts and Uncles. They’re always a BIG hit!
That way you could give each of them a tiny book to carry, and maybe they wouldn’t fight over the calendar
Pete – visit these – great tips by self-taught photographers. http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/
http://www.thisisreverb.com/
I just wish I could purchase the Nikon D90. Maybe next year.
So cute, Pastor Pete! Looks like it’s gonna be a great calendar this year.
Broke my arm last summer soooo this summer hoping at 53 to learn to ride a motorcycle……i think…..
Hey! Great job on the photos, Pete! You guys picked out a great camera. Anytime you want shooting or photoshop/editing tips, shoot me an email! Also, if you guys ever want family portraits, I’d love to shoot them for you- it’ll cost ya a casserole though- I’m sure someone in your family makes a stellar casserole.
Oh, great idea on the calendar. My sister-in-law does them also, and this year she made me one and it really meant a lot to me.
The new hobby I want to be good at- my best friend’s Dad owns a construction company in albuquerque. He taught her to build and she and I are going to get together and try to build a shelf (for me) and barstools (for me). So I want to get good at building this year. I also want to start trying to build these distressed looking barnwood frames.
oops. the shelf is for her, not me. i sounded all gimme gimme gimme!
I’m not sure you need a photography class Pete, these pictures are awesome. Of course you have some pretty cute subjects to work with so that may have something to to with it.
I am so sorry to hear about Tucker. I remember when you all got him. He ruined one of my favorite sweaters one time. He was a good dog, and I am sure you all miss him. Jonathan & I lost River, the dog we got when we first married, this year too. I cried for days. Glad to see you all had a Merry Christmas.
@Becky, I would like to learn to ride a motorcycle as well one day.
From a photographer’s opinion, I think you’re doing a great job already! And you got a great new camera-I’ve always used Nikon.
Your boys will treasure all those pictures, so keep up the good work, and archive well!
I would like to learn about Wine this year. Not that I drink much of it but the process and such is really cool to me.
The whole winery, vineyard thing etc. comes across as an art in my opinion.
great photos.
I’d like to get a video camera and create some short video clips and post them on my websites and youtube. (although you’re a tough act to follow!!)
awesome photos Pete. Know that there are people in CO praying for you and your boys.
Photos are priceless!
I want to learn more about running a nonprofit organization. I have worked for them; perhaps I’ll START one…mmmm. Most of all, I want to learn to listen to God more and get in tune with his preferred future for me.
I must say, Pete, I don’t think you need to take any photography lessons. You seem pretty darn good at it already.
your photos are awesome. you have a great eye
we do calendars for the grandparents every christmas too. HUGE hit!
I’m loving these photos… you already are doing some fun compositions and saving some great memories! I just got a new Rebel xsi for Christmas and I have been scouring sites for photo tips as well… if I find some good ones I’ll let you know. For my own curiosity and learning, are you leaving the camera on a certain setting all the time or messing around with aperture and stuff? Either way, you’re getting some great shots!
@gitz, yes. I’m messing around with all the settings. My favorite to shoot on so far is the aperture setting. I’m doing ok on outside pictures but still struggle inside.
@Vick, that is a wonderful thing to aspire to.
Those pictures looks pretty great already!
I have a pretty nice camera, but definitely need a little work using it — so that’s one thing I’d like to work on!
I am jealous of your camera. Photography is something I would like to learn more about this coming year. I would also love to get a new camera.
I’m loving my new Rebel as well! You’re going to have to let me know if you find a photography class…I would love to take one too!
I want to learn to write/blog better. I like the pictures.
I’m thinking those pictures are perfect! And yea on the camera, good choice! I’d love to take a photography class too but right now I’m considering taking an online class in photoshop…I got the easy version for Christmas (Elements 7) but holy cow it’s not that easy!
Awesome pics of the boys! I love getting personalized gifts with pictures of my neices and nephews!
Great pics! Have enjoyed your thoughts this past year! Looking forward to the new year.
Am working on website design and development, photography, programming, blogging services and whatever “floats my boat”. Also am thinking about becoming a Baptist monk, but first have to check Wakopedia for what that means.
Happy new year from Texas!
archie
hey pete. let me know ifyou want to meet up one day and i can give you a few tips and a lil class with your new camera.
happy new year
mandy
these are awesome pics!! The best part is seeing personality and sparkles of fun written through every one!
I love these pictures. I really think you may have uncovered a hidden talent there Pete. I told my husband the same thing about wanting to take some photography classes this year. Especially since he’s getting me a super nice photographer’s camera this month. Now I’m wondering how long it’s gonna take me to learn to us it.
Your pictures are great-you have a great eye! I have a canon rebel xti but honestly don’t use it as much as I should! I’m going to learn to play the piano this year!
Great Pictures! Grandpa will be stoked when he gets his own “Special Edition” calendar.