Tips For a Great Holiday Photo Card

It’s that time of year again when we all start thinking about ‘the holiday card.’   Before I had kids, I sent out the traditional folded card with a little holiday wish, signed Alyssa and Jeff.  After the kids the kids came along, I, like most proud moms, wanted to show them off so, I switched to the photo card.  Given the opportunity, we all like to brag about our kids so, sending out holiday wishes along with your favorite photo to all your family and friends is the perfect opportunity.  And admit it,  we all relish that message from one of your card recipients raving about the photo on your holiday card!

With that being said, there’s no need to stress about getting that perfect photo.  I’m not a photographer but, I would say the key is to just have fun with it and get creative.  Every year I learn a little more when it comes photo time.  Here are some tips that I have learned.

1.  First and foremost, there’s no need to go to a photographer for a professional sitting, it’s not a competition for the best photo (although some moms feel that it is).  Save yourself time and money and do it yourself.   As moms, we take a ton of photos already, we really are amateur photographers at heart. 

2.  Digital cameras are great, go ahead and put your shutter on the action setting and snap away.  Who cares if you take hundreds of pictures, the delete button is a wonderful thing.  Get creative with your camera, have fun with it and experiment.  Change the angle or shoot in black and white.  Posed shots are great but candids can be just as fun.  Use the highest resolution your camera will shoot in and be sure to turn off the date feature so it doesn’t print on your photo!

3.  Make sure you choose the right time to start snapping those shots, tired and cranky kids do not photograph well.  I have found that the kids are most cooperative right after a meal or a good snack.  Make sure they are well prepared for what they are in for.  My kids know that when it’s time for the holiday picture, their time is mine for at least an hour.  They will be changing outfits a few times, they will be within poking distance of each other so deal with it, they will move from inside to outside, they may have to jump in the car to change locations and they will be tired of smiling! 

4.  This one is extremely important…keep your cool.  This is supposed to be fun for both you and the kids.  The lighter the atmosphere, the better the picture you will get.   Whatever you do, do not force it, realize that if it’s not working out, it’s not the end of the world.  If the kids are being uncooperative or if mom starts coping a bit of an attitude, don’t stress out.  Put the camera down, walk away and do it another time.

5.  Backgrounds can help make a great picture so use them to your advantage but don’t make them the focus in your shot.  Use the mountains, the beach, the baseball field, a boat, a bridge, a pool, your backyard, a famous landmark from your last vacation.  The possibilities are endless. 

6. Here’s yor chance to be the head of the wardrobe department.  Pick out fun clothes that your kids are comfortable wearing.  That stiff holiday dress and shirt and tie are great but if the kids aren’t crazy about wearing them, the picture will reflect that.  Bundle them up to go out in the cold with crazy hats, shoot them in their bathing suits at the beach or in the pool.  If you’re kid is a baseball nut, put him in a baseball uniform.  The kids always look cute in holiday pj’s and it will make a great picture.  If you have multiple kids and want a more formal shot, be sure to keep the fabric  simple and solid in color. All the kids don’t need to wear the same exact color, pick a color and have them all wear a shade of it.  Be sure to stay away from white if you are shooting outside.

7. Just as a cool background can help tell a story, props can be fun additions to the photo and can also bring in a theme.  Again, the possibilities are endless.  A snowboard, boogie board, cowboy hat, a doll and more.  It’s always fun to come up with a message that compliments the photo and the props.  Don’t forget, family pets are always fun props and the kids love getting them involved.

8. Again, I’m not an expert but, make sure the lighting is right.  Natural light is the best.  If you are inside, set up near a window with a lot of light coming through.  When outside, the morning or late afternoon has the softest sunlight.  If you are outside, position the kids so that there are no shadows on them.

9.  Ok, so you ended up with some great shots and you can’t decide on one, take a few and make a collage with some of your favorites.  There isn’t a rule that you can only use one photo!

10.  I’ve found that one sided photo cards are less expensive than photo cards that are folded and open up.  Also, the one sided photo card is easier to display and sometimes your recipients keep them displayed after the holiday season has passed.

11. The last question is where should you get them printed?  This is an easy one to answer.  You’ll find, you can get them printed almost anywhere.  Go to your local drugstore, warehouse store, Walmart or others and you’ll find a machine where you can pop in your digital card and make your card.

or

Just go on-line and upload your picture to any of your local stores above or to a holiday greeting card site such as www.tinyprints.com, www.shutterfly.com, or www.zazzle.com.

So, there you have it, my tips to help you out.  Now, don’t wait until the last minute.  Lights, camera, action, go get those photos!