Sunday, December 14, 2008

A family portrait in video form...


Family Portrait of the James Grandchildren from Ellen James on Vimeo.

As I explained in my last post, I was inspired by Jared Foster and his cute family video. And, as I also explained, my family would NEVER go along with that idea. OK, to be fair, Rick & Andrew would not go along with the idea, the rest would ham it up. While looking at a few of Jared's videos, I saw a family portrait that he did. I loved it and realized that I could do that. Since my Christmas present to Rick's family didn't work out too well this year, I thought I would create a video for them instead. They had a terrific children's Christmas party yesterday (a fun tradition) and I captured all the grandkids on video. We had a Christmas celebration at their house tonight, since we will be gone for Christmas, and gave them the video.

Oh, and I know they look really somber at the beginning, that's what they are supposed to do... be expressionless. The kids took it to a next level, they look almost mad. They do get happier at the end (well, at least most of them do).

12 comments:

Moab Cozzens said...

Cute video! Some of those kids were breathing pretty hard. Did you threaten them?

Ellen James said...

That's funny you said that. No, no threats at all. I just told them to stare into the lens and not to smile until I told them. I did grab them right when they walked in the door, I think they had been running a lot, or something.

Carolyn said...

Very cute. At least I got to see my kids while we are gone.

Darrell said...

Superb! I knew Nathan would crack a smile quicker than anybody else!

Morkthefied said...

I think this video should be called: "I dare you not to smile." I couldn't help but smile too when all the kids started smiling. Especially precious was the one cousin who still refused to smile, or maybe his smile looks like a pout. Just awesome. I will, of course, be borrowing from that soon. And the song was made for that video. And lastly, I really like the vimeo or wimeo or whatever that tool is that you used.

Stacey said...

I think it is so fun! You did a great job Ellen, it is a present for all of us. Thanks!

Jennifer said...

Way cute Ellen! I loved the ending :D

Deon said...

How can you not look at that and grin from ear to ear? I found myself doing the smiling for each kid, trying to coax it out of them when it came to that part of the video. So darling and so clever, and what a nice keepsake for the cousins to have of one another. You are so talented!

JEN MARX said...

That was awesome! I showed Steve that last video and asked him if he would ever do something like that with me and he said not a chance! So don't expect any cute videos coming from my way! =)

kstamler said...

That's awesome Ellen! I am not sure that I could sit in front of the camera and be serious. The kids did great!

Katrina said...

How fun to be connected again! It doesn't seem that long ago since we got together - boy how time flies! Cute blog - I'll ask you later for some tips!!!

wild murdocks said...

That was quite a feat to get such cooperation! Great job! Any video with those cute kids would be a hit!