After Christmas Glow

My house is eerily quiet as our last visiting family member just walked out the door.  We had a grand total of eleven people in our home for the Christmas holidays.  Family came from four different states to be with us <3  No matter how hard I try to make the Christmas holidays stress free and laid back, it never happens.  I had all these grand ideas and ambitions but wasn't able to do any of them....  However, even without all the glitter and glam, we had a fantastic time full of yummy food and happy hearts.

Christmas Cookies Basking in the Lights of the Tree

ISO 1600 ~ 117mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/50 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Decorating the Cookies

ISO 1600 ~ 105mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/25 sec

© Corrie M Avila

I must have been a good girl because Santa brought me a record player, so now I have something to play all the vinyl that I have been collecting from thrift and vintage stores over the past few months.  Nothing can replace the pure sound of a 1970's record playing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."  I find myself reflecting on the things that are important in my life and making sure I let go of the unimportant and unnecessary stresses...

Vinyl Records (the best!)

Instagram

© Corrie M Avila

Most of what I was not able to accomplish was photographically related.  Even though Christmas is over, I am leaving my tree, the lights, and the decorations up so I can capture our holiday season with my camera.  Now that all is quiet, it is the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect with my camera.

 Ornament

Instagram

© Corrie M Avila

How do you deal with managing all that goes into the holidays, while still trying to accomplish photographic goals?  I had dreams of photographing the kids all snuggled in their pajamas in front of the tree Christmas Eve and then family photos all relaxed in front of the fireplace.  But instead I ended up with blurs, crooked shots, and half faces... Something I have discovered is that I usually have to make a decision.  I ask myself, "Which is more important for the moment?"  Is it being a part of the moment or capturing the perfect shot?  As I have said before, my family always comes first, hence the nice action montage I now have stored safely on my hard drive.

M super excited Christmas Morning

ISO 400 ~ 28mm ~ f/4.0 ~ 1/60 sec

© Corrie M Avila

G equally excited

ISO 400 ~ 28mm ~ f/4.0 ~ 1/60 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Enjoy the after Christmas glow and remember the blurry, unfocused, and candid shots are just as important as the perfect ones.  Enjoy your holidays, your family (whether near or far), and cherish your blessings.

Angel Ornament

Instagram

© Corrie M Avila

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season and the Merriest Christmas

Corrie <3