Christmas Card Photo Attempt (and fail)

[Adina P]

As soon as the kids woke up from their afternoon nap I got a bee in my bonnet to take our Christmas Card photo NOW.  Dressed them in a hurry.  Tried to set up the area, then Blake pooped an "I don't wanna take my photo now" poop.  Natalie was also not in the spirit so for the second time in her life I bribed her with candy (1st time was so she would complete her job as flower girl in my brother's wedding over Turkey day weekend).  She was a GEM once the bribe was in place.  Changed Blake's diaper and soiled outfit, did a practice run.  Went back in, plopped Blake on the couch, leashed Boca, picked up Blake and wrangled Boca out the door.  Put Blake in his Bumbo chair, wrangled the dogs into position, gave them the stay command. Corrected Boca.  Re-placed her.  Only to realize my photo spot was HORRIBLE but it was too late so I had to at least give them practice by taking some 'fun' pics with a but bad background:

And then since we were out there...

[Adina P]

I did some editing--see them in my photos: http://www.doodlekisses.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenNa...

[F, Calla & Luca]

Adina, given the subject's level of cooperation you did a great job. Clearly Boca and Natalie vie for model of the year. Rosco should be fired unless he works up some enthusiasm : ) For future reference, if you have subjects at different distances it helps to have a greater depth of field which you can do by using a smaller aperture, i.e. higher f stop.There's an explanation here under effect on image.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I took your pictures and played with them and they are very workable for a card. You can crop and play with them all but I keep going back to the first one on here and I think it is truly a keeper.  Natalie's startled look is priceless like she is guilty of something (to do with  Blake)  and it is just precious.

[Diane Margetts]

They are all cute! You just need some magic to make the best in each photo appear in the same photo!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

These are just precious.  I love the ones with Blake and the doggies!  And Natalie with her foot on dog.  You have such a beautiful family, with and without fur.