This time of year, we always get everyone together for a full family portrait. We go to a park or just pile up some leaves and get a few shots of the four of us, the six of us, the two of them. This year, with a carpet of yellow in the backyard, there was only one option.

First, the Girl and I went out for some test shots while the Boy took his nap. The light was just right, but Nana and Papa weren’t due for another two hours, so I went in and arranged an earlier arrival.

In fact, though, the light had been absolutely sublime in the morning.

But who wants to head out at eight in the morning in sub-freezing weather for portraits?

But light is light: unless you’re shooting in the middle of the day without any shade, a little creativity can produce good results no matter the angle of the light.

Besides, there are always props and post-processing. On second thought, perhaps the clothes are a bit off. Oh well.

It’s the idea that counts in art, isn’t it?