One of our priorities at the Regency Ball last weekend was to take fabulous pictures of each other in our beautiful gowns. So Carrie and I scurried away after lunch, found a bench by a window, and got to work.
As you can see, Carrie was looking extremely ethereal.
The golden curls . . . the big blue eyes . . .
I’m thinking Emma. I’m thinking Marianne. I’m thinking Elizabeth Bennett.
Okay, and a little sass occasionally.
It’s why I love her.
Unfortunately, soon it was my turn. And then I remembered that I have no sense of what to do with myself when the camera is turned on me.
So . . . what do I do with my arms?
Seriously, what do I do with my arms?? Someone? Anyone?
All of a sudden they felt 5 feet long.
And does it help if I put on a goofy face and pretend that I love being the center of attention?
The next attempt: sure material for future blackmail by my own progeny. Trying to look like a poster child for ‘Sense and Sensibility’ simply made me look terrified and weird.
I am Jenna, the spaced-out alien doll.
Heavens help us. I don’t think I can ever show my face on my own blog again.
How about my regular smile?
Okay, not hideous–but I don’t think they smiled that forcefully back in the Regency days. They were more . . . demure. Elegant. If only I had remembered my lesson in fake-smiling from the summer!
THIS ISN’T WORKING!
*weeping and gnashing of teeth*
*massive breakdown in the corridor*
Well, thank you for engaging with me in this series of awkward pictures that made me feel like a gangly 13-year-old again, with about 10 times too many knees and elbows. I hope you realize that the mere fact that I’m sharing them is a sign of the trust between us. Of our strong relationship. I have confidence that you guys will never use this material against me. Um . . . right?
And since I’m a good and generous person and I can’t possibly leave you on that painful note, I’ll zoom back to the photogenic Carrie and her husband Eric–the camera loves her, folks.
Hello, elegant couple from the days of Mr. Knightley and Mr. Darcy.
Wait a minute–was this kind of behavior even allowed in the Regency era?
Methinks these affectionate youngsters are modern impostors! Historical innacuracy alert. BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.
Okay, well–they are rather adorable.
We’ll let it go this time.
Next week I’ll share pictures of the beautiful hall and the actual dancing–but only if you’re good! So be good.*
*Being good = sending me cookies and/or sending me $1,000,000 and/or sending me $10,000,000 and/or giving me back scritchlies if you’re my husband/mother/sisters.
Your dresses are so pretty. It’s like you got to be a princess for a night! 🙂
Those dresses!! The curls!! You guys look absolutely fabulous {even in the crazy hands pictures!!} How fun 🙂
The dresses are gorgeous, and so are both of you! In pondering your photographic plight, I thought that this link might be helpful: http://fashionindie.com/10-poses-to-get-you-into-vogue-part-1/
It actually reminded me of myself and your cousin Emily, who took attempting-to-be-vogue-models to disastrous and silly length as teenagers, but mayhap it will help you on your next shoot. I loved this post.
Kate, that article is really helpful! And funny. =) I’ll have to do a print out of those tips before I confront the camera next. And, you should do a tutorial on your blog, because I’ve seen your facebook albums and you are GREAT and stunning when you pose.
Trust me, I identify with every one of your weeping and gnashing of teeth awkward moments. It is a combination of practice and perhaps most importantly, working with a friend or photographer who can make you feel comfortable- something you are clearly gifted at yourself with others.
beautiful dresses!
I was waiting to see the dresses from your last post. I am sorry that I have not been commenting, but I lost my blog and I cannot get it back. Down on the dumps and trying to get past it. 14 months of work and all my followers.
The dresses are beautiful and I think that that was my favorite era..I have read all the books and seen all the movies.
Will let you know when I am back…meanwhile will continue to follow…
Norma
norma823@aol.com
Oh no!! What happened? Did someone hack into it or something? How discouraging for you . . . Can’t wait to hear the good news that you are back up and running with your blog, Norma!
Your sister did a fabulous job with the dresses, it looks like a great evening.
So so neat! I just love those dresses and you both absolutely look like you are ready for a little “Jane Eyre” moment. Can’t wait to read the next installment!
Oh, Jenna, you look so beautiful! And your sweet sister!!
How fun to go to such a ball. My friends and I have done English Country Dancing and hope to start a ball like this someday. :0) Very inspiring.
I know, my sister was so wonderful to sew the dresses for both Carrie and me. She did a great job!!
OMG! You look like you came straight out of an Austen novel. I’m not even kidding. You both look positively perfect!! And I think you need to immediately make plans to go to the Jane Austen festival in Bath, which is held every September.
There’s a Jane Austen festival in Bath?? Oh my. That sounds awesome.
Methinks you’re entirely too hard on yourself. You looked lovely! (Arm antics and all…) Posing for the camera is tough — I’d be inclined to giggle fits, too! But, I rather liked the alien Jenna photo (elegant arms and hands) — very demure. (“Cosmic composed?”) 🙂 Great commentary, as always!
Wow, Jenna, I didn’t know YOU were into Regency stuff (like me)! Oooh, I’m SO jealous of those lovely dresses! I think that empire waist style looks good on you; it’s hard to pull off.
All the best,
EMMA
Oh my, you both look adorable! Ethereal is definitely the right word to describe it. I feel like I’m back in the Victorian era or something! The dresses came out perfectly.
This is so cute! Both of you looked like you just step out of a Jane Austen story! I love your dress and blue satin band! I’d say Emma? 😉
You BOTH looked FANTASTIC!!! Your sister did an amazing job on those dresses!!!
You guys are cute, very Jane Austen!
‘Tis a truth universal that neither of you were in want of a beautiful dress or a handsome suitor 🙂 For you, I’m picking Fanny from Mansfield Park!
This post was beautiful, delightful, and hysterical!!! The last pic of you throwing a Jane Austen ere temper/fit, made my day! LOL. I must say you look quite whimsical (I love the simple white with a blue ribbon!), however much trouble you deem yourself to have taking pics, and Carrie is just so romantic looking!
WHAT?! How did I miss this? I remember another post on the ball, but not this one. ARG! You had me cracking up with your awkwardness in front of the camera. Seriously, you just have to practice in front of a mirror. I did that in my teens and now I have no problem being in front of a camera unless I have to hold my smile for more than 10 seconds. The picture of you as an alien doll (BWAH!) would be perfect if your moth was shut–that’s the only problem I can see. You need complete, relaxed serenity and a closed mouth. But you’re gorgeous in every pic even if you can’t figure out what to do! 🙂