Taking pictures of a large family can be difficult and take a lot of time if you are not prepared.  I had a blast taking this fun family's pictures, The family ended up having a great time too!  When photographing a large family, it is best to do so earlier in the day, especially if there are young children involved.  Everyone is usually fresh and rested when conducting a session in the morning.  This client really wanted a large family picture so I made sure I took the group picture first, then I took this kids pictures, and then individual families next.  When photographing young children, I have been more successful when I don't force the child to pose, but get them in a more natural setting.  

Just about any outdoor location can make for a great setting for pictures.  This family picture was taken within walking distance from my parents house.  The natural backdrop of the woods with its tall trees, bushes and grassy areas are perfect for capturing those shots!  You want your surroundings to compliment your subjects not take away from it.  Go out there and take a look at what local areas where you live make a great spot for family pictures.  You might be surprised at what you find.

The Dallas Arboretum is one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions around.  It features 66-acres of spectacular display gardens that showcase incredible seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant
collections on White Rock Lake. Individual tickets can be purchased, or a yearly membership which will get you in through out the year.  There are numerous locations throughout the gardens that offer beautiful and unique settings for any type of pictures.  The Arboretum is a very popular place for bridal and senior portraits.  I just love to go and take pictures of the scenery.  I could spend hours there!

A fun and unique place for taking pictures is at The Harbor in Rockwall.  The Harbor is located on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, and offers shopping, fine dining, movie theater and specialty shops.  There is a beautiful water feature, lighthouse, unique walkways and bridges that make for a great backdrop for any photos.  I even found some rustic Texas doors that would make a great background.  I found the best time of day to take pictures at The Harbor is early morning before most of the shops and restaurants open.  That way you can get some good shots of your subject before there are lots of people around. 

I love the spring time, and one of my favorite places to take pictures is in a field of Texas bluebonnets.  The bluebonnets add such vibrant blue colors that really stand out in a picture.  The down side of pictures in the bluebonnets is they only last for about a month, and the vibrancy of the color depends on the amount of early spring rain we get.  So if you see a beautiful field of bluebonnets, don't delay in taking pictures.  The flowers may only be around for a short time.  Go ahead and get those pictures!

I am taking a short break from wedding information to share a picture I took recently of mine and my husband of 33 years wedding rings. I am entering this shot in the Rock the Shot flower photo challenge.  This angle and shot gives photographing the wedding rings a whole new prospective. 

Another creative way to easily display your photos is this cute hanging board with decorated clothespins.  I have to admit, I cannot take credit for making this.  My daughter made it for Christmas last year.  I love it!  All she did was paint a board, cut some vinyl letters out using the cricuit, added some rope for decor and hanging, and then glued on some cute decorated clothes pins to clip on the pictures.  I really love this because you can change out the pictures easily any time you want.  Too cute!!!

In previous blogs, I have discussed how you can create photo tiles, canvas your
own photos, and re-purpose your old picture frames.  Another way to display some of your favorite pictures, is to create photo blocks.  All you need is scraps of wood, paint, sponge brush, modge podge, ribbon, buttons, etc., and of course a picture.  I had my wonderful hubby cut some small pieces of wood.  (4 x 6 or 3 x 5) I painted the wood first, then put a light coat of modge podge on the front
side of the wood to put the picture on.  Make sure you use a picture that is not
glossy print.  I found glossy printed photos smear when using modge podge on
them.  After you place the picture on the lightly coated side of the wood with
modge podge, let it dry for about 15 minutes.  Put another 2 coats of modge
podge on the picture, including the sides of the wood, letting it dry about 15
minutes in between coats.  You can glue buttons, ribbons, etc. on the block, or
just leave it plain.  I love photo blocks because they can stand alone on a
shelf, or counter.  No hooks, or nails are involved. 

I discussed earlier in the week different ways to arrange photos on your walls.  Today we are going to look at some unique ways to display your photos you may not have thought of before.  This blogger used an old window to display her picture.  It turned out very cute!  This blogger, Hammers and High Heels, has some very creative uses for old ladders including hanging photos on one.  Makes me want to go out and buy some old ladders...  Who would have thought a curtain rod would be a great way to hang pictures on the wall.  Check out this idea on Country Girl Home's blog.  The fun thing when displaying your photos is to be creative.  Think outside the box, and look around for unique items you can use to display you photos.  I would love to hear how some of you have used your creativity to display your photos.  Comment below and let me know!

Need some ideas for displaying your photos on the wall?  Check out this site for lots of neat ideas!  From arranging pictures to ways to display your photos, this site has tons of ideas.  This site, Paislee Press, shows you how to take your pictures and mount them on squares to place in an arrangement on the wall.  She even provides a template for you to use to cut your squares.  The Bird's Papaya site shows you how to create a family wall display.  I love to incorporate words or phrases on the wall along with the photos.  This site is also another example of how to display your photos along with words on the wall.  Super cute!  The important thing when displaying your photos is to customize the look for yourself.  You will be looking at this wall all the time so create something you will be proud of that makes you happy!  Check out these sites, and have fun creating!!!