Penning Photography Daily

As usual, I took my camera gear with me to our Thanksgiving family gathering today. I wasn’t thinking of a group portrait, but one of my nieces thought it would be nice to get done early, before some of the clan had to scatter to the other side of the their family.

The back deck looked like a good spot for a large group. By large (and I just counted) I mean 27 of us, not counting dogs.

I moved the deck furniture out of the way, and set up in a corner that was facing the sun, nicely diffused through the clouds. I put up my tripod, and my light stand with a white umbrella, lit by a single remote triggered flash. With the wind gusts threatening to tip over my umbrella, I weighted it down so it wouldn’t blow over (I needed it – several times it was knocked around, but stayed upright).

All was set up, and I peeked into the house, asking the nearest person, my niece Emily, to come out for a test shot. I took a few, and then Mary, my great-niece came out to get into the act. I couldn’t let a chance for a fun smile and hugs go by and I walked into the frame, and fired the shutter by remote.

Another bit of family fun, forever recorded by my camera.

I just don’t get tired of doing this. I hope I never do.