In December 2008, we decided to upgrade in the camera department. Like, major upgrade. I went from a Kodak Easy Share circa 2004 to a Nikon D90. Although the easy share was a great point and shoot, it was like upgrading from a a beat up Ford Escort to a luxury coupe. It is everything I wanted and more, but I was a little disappointed that the dealer of this fine camera does not warn you about the aftermath of buying a nice camera. Once you get one of these bad boys, everyone you know automatically thinks you are their personal professional photographer. Yep, it’s true. People will put down their own point and shoots and motion you over to take a garden variety pose of them and their fam. It’s almost like people think that with the purchase of a fine camera that you also receive a free download to the brain of  professional photographer knowledge and that you also don’t mind doing their camera bidding. If I was a better person, this wouldn’t bother me, but it does. I feel like my creativity is being stifled. I want to take my kind of pictures with my camera. I do. But I feel like a real Jerky Jerkison for feeling that way.

That said, I did happily offer my rookie services to my brother and his fiancee for their engagement photos because they don’t have lots of money hanging around planning a wedding and all. They are a fine pair and despite my snarky paragraph above, I really wanted to do this for them. Not only do I love them very much, I also thought it would be a fun way to get some experience taking pictures of people outside. Currently, most of my pics are close shots of food, so I need to branch out (understatement). I wanted to share some of the photos because they turned out pretty darn cute. And oh, this is something people are really getting a kick out of….my brother’s fiancee is actually my sister-in-law or Marc’s sister.

Common reactions:

1.) Is that incest? a.) Uh, nope, take a Biology class or two.

2.) Keeping it in the family, huh? a.) I suppose we are, thanks for the observation.

3.) Your kids are going to look like brothers and sisters! a.) Perhaps. I guess we’ll have to wait and find out on that one.

Snarky, snarky, snarky. Yeesh, I promise I’m in a good mood! Just call me Bad-attitude Belinda or, if you like, Debbie Downer. Hopefully you cannot help but smile at these pics, despite some of the words that accompany them. Enjoy taking a peek into our little session.

Next week’s post: Grilled Pita with Paneer (or Queso Blanco) Cheese Kabobs