The Dos and Don'ts of the Perfect Holiday Photo

It's almost that time of year again!  Time to think about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, caroling, Santa coming to town and of course, the annual (and sometimes dreaded) Christmas card photo.

Taking the perfect family photo for your holiday card can be a daunting task, but we have gathered some of our favorite Christmas photography dos and don'ts to help guide you along the way.

 

Do: Find a Festive Backdrop

Holiday decorations not only make your home beautiful at Christmas time, they also make excellent photo backdrops. Take advantage of the holiday decor around you (Christmas lights, holiday wreaths, Christmas trees) and use them as backdrops for your holiday photo.

 

 

Don't: End Up as a Joke

Don't force things!  The last thing you want to do is take a photo that is stiff, fake and embarrassing.  You want your family to remember the fun that they had during the holidays, not how much they resented being forced to pose for the camera.  And you definitely don't want to end up in an awkward family photos collection!

 

 

Do: Establish Christmas Photo Traditions

A fun way to look back and see how much your family has grown and changed is by taking a photo each year in the same pose or location.  You can also create an annual tradition of taking the photo with everyone wearing santa hats or matching Christmas sweaters. You'll love seeing how the kids have grown each year when you look back through those photos.

 

 

Don't: Sweat the Small Stuff

Remember that the important thing is sharing holiday greetings with your family and friends, not worrying if you got the lighting is right, or captured everyone's "good side."  As long as your photo is showing the joy and meaning of the season, your perfect holiday photo mission will be a complete success!

 

 

Do: Capture Connections

With family coming together for the holidays, our thoughts turn towards enjoying time with our loved ones and celebrating the connections we have with each other.  What better time could there be to grab your camera and set out capturing special moments between loved ones?  You can even encourage family members to take selfies to commemorate the fun and festive time!  A fun side note on this card... this is actually Mr. & Mrs. Invite Lady (James & Shaina) enjoying dinner out while on a weekend away this fall! 

  

 

Don't:  Forget to Enjoy Yourself

While getting an awesome photo for your Christmas card is definitely important, you don't want to forget about the reason that you're taking the photo in the first place - the joy of the season and spending time with your family.  So put down that camera and grab a place by the fire to share a wondrous holiday with your loved ones!

 

 

Do: Seek Out Candid Expressions of Joy

There’s nothing quite like experiencing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child. Capture the wonder of the holidays by getting down on your child’s level as he or she gazes at the tree and other decorations. Photograph his or her expression and also focus the camera on whatever they are looking at to truly capture the magic of Christmas in a unique way.  Heck, even let them open a small present early and truly capture the wonderment and joy!  

 

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