3 Year Pictures

We had our annual pictures taken today at Portrait Innovations. We've been going there since the girls were three years old, and I've been impressed every time. I end up spending a fortune, but I like that you get a CD of low-res pictures along with your order that you can use to email to friends, etc.

We've taken pictures there at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Two years was by far the worst picture-taking experience I've had. They were everywhere and not wanting to cooperate at all. The shoot took almost an hour, and I was totally exhausted at the end.

So this year, I was hoping for better. I made a 9am appointment on a weekday and took half a day off work. The place is a zoo on the weekends, and of course, appointments run late. This way we know we're on time and not waiting around.

This year I was comfortable in their eating and playing skills at home that I dressed them in their first "outfit" prior to leaving the house. I hadn't done that one before, and it worked out well.


Then I only brought two outfit changes with me. I think we'd done three in the past, and that was just too much. They're having pictures done at day care next week, so I can do an additional outfit then if I really think it's necessary.

The second outfit was really just a change of shirt. I kept the jeans/shoes the same.

Daddy came with us. That's always a big help. We were able to get the girls changed very quickly.

Because it was going so well, we actually had a family picture taken this time. Unfortunately, my hair looks like I've been in a tornado without a comb. It was equally bad in all pictures. I'd blown it out too, but I guess with all the morning activity, the friz factor went into overdrive.

We were done in about 20 minutes. I think it was a world-record. They took 74 pictures. Eric took the girls to day care while I stayed and reviewed the pictures and the packages with the photographer. That way the girls aren't waiting for me to make up my mind.




And then the best part is that the photos are done in 20 minutes. I went next door to Party City to pick up some birthday party supplies, and everything was waiting for me when I got back.

I had an extra hour to myself, which I used to go home, fold, and put away laundry.