Well, Peepa set up the backdrop and studio lights and wanted to take some practice shots - just casual poses before the girls got in their Christmas finery for the final shoot.
That morning I had gotten out some wonderful hats that a friend had given me (she knew that little girls like to dress up, so I had hats and gloves ready). The girls started posing as Peepa practiced with the lighting. I got out my camera also and snapped away. It is so difficult to get everyone looking good in the same snapshot! Fortunately, or unfortunately, my camera was set on video instead of single shots so my first attempt was a low light video. When I discovered my mistake I took a few more shots and that was that.
Afterward I downloaded my pictures and discovered that the first frame of the video was wonderful - except for the low light. Over the years I have often looked at the picture and fondly recalled the day.
So, this fall I decided I would tackle a painting - the painting - Girls in Hats. I have been working on it for the past month. My goal was to have it done by the time Jody and the gang arrived this year for Thanksgiving. I rediscovered the video and was able to make a composite of several pictures, capturing each child in light and with their own unique expression. Quite a challenge...
They arrived on Wednesday last week and I presented the painting to them. Before they went home we visited a local framer and picked out a mat and frame - it is their Christmas present. I can hardly wait to see it all complete. Now their dilemma is where will they hang it!
