Christmas Eve Portraits 
(These photos are best viewed with the monitor set to 1,280x1024)*
In 1997 we began a tradition of taking a Christmas Eve portrait. Over the years we were careful to put everybody in the same spot. (Well, sort of. My lap can only take so much.)

1997
On this same day I purchased a Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens from a guy in a Denny's parking lot for about $50. It would be the first time I had ever purchased a lens or camera. It would soon get out of hand. I used a Nikon F3 that my father had given me a few years earlier.

1998

1999

2000

This photo was taken with my new Nikon F5. It was the top of the line camera available on the market. (Yes, it was a computer that you loaded film into.)  The camera came out in 1996 and was still the best camera available. I actually thought it would be the last camera I would ever buy. Camera technology would take off very soon. (As of December 2005 I have purchased a Nikon Coolpix, Nikon D100, Nikon D2h, and Nikon D70 since that time). I will no doubt buy the new D200 when they are readily available and will not doubt buy what ever camera eventually replaced the d2h.) 2024-01-07 update. Since this comment was added I have purchased 3 Nikon D3's, Nikon D300, 2 Nikon D4's, Nikon Z6, Nikon 810 and a Nikon D5. I also bought a Canon camera and lens. Yuk. I am sure I will buy a Z90 or its replacement one of these days.

2001
Time for Lesia to stand on her own.

2002
Charlie is now on his feet. I also think this shot was taken with my new Nikon D100 digital camera.

2003
This year's photo was full of sadness for a long time as we lost Beth's grandmother in a tragic car accident earlier in the year. Almost immediately upon hearing of her death we began discussing the loss it would mean to our family tradition. Posing for this photo will always cause us to remember Mae Kuebler.

(Is it just me, or are my kids causing my hair to turn gray?) This shot was taken with a Nikon D2h digital camera.

2004
Just before Christmas my Nikon D2h digital camera went on the blink. Since it would be in the repair shop over Christmas I was forced to buy a Nikon D70 for use on Christmas Eve.

2005
A little different from last year as I am now using three SB-800 flash units along with the Nikon D70. Yes, the D200 has been released but I have not been able to get my hands on one. If I could have gotten one it would have made a nice present for Beth.

2006
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Christmas Family photo. I used a new Nikon D200 this year again with three flash units.

2007
Same set-up as last year except that I made a mistake pointing the flashes. There is a strong shadow over Alex's face as the flash on the left side obviously fired much brighter than the one on the right side. My son Alex is also sporting a little bit of hair. (Dad always loved the buzz cut.)

2008
For 2008 we are joined by Alex's girlfriend Hayes. We also have the addition of my new child, a Nikon D3.

2009
So 2009 is the 13th year doing the Christmas Eve photo.

2010
So 2010 is the 14th year doing the Christmas Eve photo.

(Notice a red mark on my forehead? No, Beth did not take a swing at me, I walked in the raised tailgate of my car while unloading presents. I thought it might have been the big one.)

2011
So 2011 is the 15th year doing the Christmas Eve photo. Nikon D3, Nikon 24-70 AFS 2.8, Nikon SB-800 flash with a white plastic diffuser attached. Camera on a tripod with me pulling the trigger on the remote control.

2012
So 2012 is now the 16th year doing the Christmas Eve photo. My brother Paul's daughter Alyssa Fejer joined us this year. (A special treat.) I used the exact equipment as last year. (Yes, I went an entire year again with no new equipment.) Nikon D3, Nikon 24-70 AFS 2.8, Nikon SB-800 flash with a white plastic diffuser attached. Camera on a tripod with me pulling the trigger on the remote control.

2013
Year 17 of the annual Christmas Eve photo. This year it is two photos because Alex and Hayes could not join us. (Yes, working for a living gets in the way of having a good time.) So, the photo with them was taken on December 21. Joining us was Charlie's friend Megan. Yes, if you join us for Christmas Eve you are in the photo. Them's the rules.

2014

2015
Note that Doug is not wearing reading glasses thanks to cataract surgery. Still using a Nikon D3 since 2008. Eight years is quite a record. (Although I now have three of them.)

2016
2016 marks the 20th anniversary of our Christmas Eve Portrait. I guess I was not paying attention as I only got the first row in their proper seats. We're missing Alex and Hayes as they were both working.

2017
2017 is a little different as the photo is taken at my house. Also, we're missing Wink Kuebler who is recovering from a severe infection. Already looking forward to having her back for Christmas next year. Also different is my Nikon D810. This photo was taken with the built-in flash. Boy howdy it seems to work pretty well.

2018
2018 was celebrated at Rennie's house. Alex and Hayes were not able to attend to we got a photo with them the day befroe.

2019
2019 once again using my Nikon D810. I would have used my Z6 but I could not figure out how to use the timer. What's up with young men and beards?

2020
Covid limited us to a small gathering in Fort Worth. (December 21. Not Christmas Eve, but pretty close.)

2021
In 2021 we still have a limited group due to covid.

2022
We lost both of Beth's parents in 2022. Back to normal is a bit different.

2023
I think we may start a new tradition with a photo including our pets. I am still using my Nikon D810 for the photo. Pretty strange for me to be using such an old camera. LOL. The last time I used it was last year's photo.

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