I don’t often goof up with scheduling but this was one of those major mind erase moments. Michelle (Mom) and I had been in touch over the last several weeks trying to coordinate a mutually convenient time to take her family’s portrait. We were going back and forth and then finally came up with a date. But the night before the shoot Michelle had to cancel because 2 out of the 4 family members were sick. So we re-scheduled for the following weekend. In my mind I was all set for the Sunday of the following weekend. Great. Nothing doing that day. Had all the time in the world to clean and set up the studio and photograph Michelle’s family. But, when the family unexpectedly showed up on Saturday I realized I committed a major faux pax. I was just about to jump into the shower and then drive my daughter to her ballet performance when I saw them approaching the front door. Michelle’s family had made a special trip to Denver, were all dressed to the nines, and Michelle had just gotten her hair done.  What to do, what to do. The shower would have to wait.  I was a  little embarrassed to say the least but they were so gracious and accommodating. Which was good because I felt frazzled enough as it was. They patiently waited as I set up the studio lights, metered the lighting and arranged the shooting area. I was able to get in about 15 minutes of shooting before I was interrupted by my daughter to take her to her performance. Luckily, they were rehearsing for an hour or so before the performance and then they had to change and do make-up. So I had about an hour and a half between the time I dropped my daughter off and the time the performance started (which I really did not want to miss). Never mind planning to photograph the rehearsal. That wasn’t going to happen at this point. My first commitment was to the family. I quickly dashed out and drove my daughter to Colorado Ballet while the family went to the local coffee shop to kill some time (and eat sugary cookies which really was not a good idea). We reconvened about 30 minutes later and, thanks to their enduring patience and good natured-ness, were able to get some really nice shots. Not everything goes smoothly in this business – in fact, rarely does! Taking things in stride, thinking on your feet, remaining calm and optimistic, and being flexible are all important to your success in this line of work (and in life, for that matter!)