There’s something so magical about the holiday cards. It’s the connection that you feel from that simple piece of paper that comes all wrapped in love for you, highlighting and reflecting upon the year that has gone by. As much as fun that it sounds, scheduling and planning details of the holiday card photo can be quite a task! There’s so much to think about right from where to shoot the photo - indoors or outdoors to figuring out what to wear and what style to choose from.
Here are some of our suggestions on the best ways to showcase your family for the holidays!
PICK HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR YEAR:
One of the most loved tradition with the holiday cards is to pick highlights of your year! It’s basically selecting your favorite portraits over the course of the year — the first family weekend trip after Covid, a beautiful recipe success, showing off a new pet, a shot where the kids are climbing up the tree! Select a few photos that bring back those happy memories for you! To make it simple for you, take a look at your Instagram/fb posts, or check out the “For You” album on iPhone photos for an auto-curated highlight reel.
FIND what connects you:
Look for something in your style and / or wardrobe that connects you all. Your clothes don’t have to match but a fun creative theme that connects you all will work so well.
Think of a coordinated color palette by picking up a couple colors that you love, will work with everyone and with the location that you (or your photographer) have chosen. If you are confused then look outdoors for inspiration, capture the fall and winter looks or just ask your photographer. If you’re planning to take your photos at home, look at what colors contrast well against your wall and home decor.
WHAT’S YOUR VIBE:
Spend some time researching and speaking with your family and come up with a vibe for your family. Are you formal, casual? Do you want to go for a cocktail look or a bohemian look? Look up to Mr Pinterest for ideas and mark the photos that you love. Build your look based on that.
Most importantly, BE YOURSELF!
You want to be comfortable and you want to have fun! If you are feeling good, your photos will turn out nice. If your kids are not comfortable in their new fancy clothes, it will show in their poses and in the photos. Select clothes that are comfortable and easy breezy to move around in, and accentuate the look with the help of accessories like hats, scarves, earrings, statement necklace etc.
SPRINKLE SOME HUMOR, DRAMA AND FUN!:
This year has been a lot about finding hope and joy in uncertain times. Adding some humor in your holiday portraits will bring a smile each time your loved one sees it! You can use humor by doing funny faces with the family, catching some candid moments and currently trending the masked portraits! The photo doesn’t have to be posed and poised. It needs to be you. And even more so, the more candid it is, the better story it conveys!
CLICK SOME MORE:
There’s nothing more disappointing than going through all that planning and then a long photo session and realizing you blinked in the one photo that you really like! Be smart and take a few extra photos. Try different angles - close-ups and long shots, candid and formals, funny face and smiley ones. Make sure your kids are well fed, you are hydrated, check your hair and make up is on point between shots, and your pets are happy.
HIRING A PHOTOGRAPHER:
If you are looking to hire a professional to capture your family’s holiday card portrait then a lot of your work is suddenly off your plate. This is basically about getting your homework all taken care of for you.
Your photographer will know the best local locations to shoot at, what times of the day are best to capture the perfect moment, what to wear and what not to wear, advice on your style and guided fun posing that will relax your family.
THE MAIN THING:
The photo shoot is about your family and you, so take this time to have fun and truly connect! Enjoy the session, as it will truly be the highlight of the holidays!
We are now booking family portrait sessions with very limited availability in November and December. Click on the button below to reach out to us and book your session: