As the holidays are approaching, are you trying to figure out ways to take the perfect family holiday photos? Many families send greeting cards adorned with warm wishes, heartfelt gratitude, and beautiful photos to their loved ones during the holiday season.
If you plan to send out your own holiday greetings, make these cards special by preparing your photos well in advance of the holiday rush. To take the perfect family holiday photos for your greeting cards, choose the best location as your backdrop and follow these professional photography tips.
Coordinate Your Outfits
If you want to make a cohesive, memorable greeting card, coordinate your family’s clothing by choosing a complementary color scheme. Pick two or three colors and have everyone wear different combinations that best fit their personal style. This way, you’ll have a card with a general theme and color scheme—all you need to do is add in text and handwritten messages.
Find the Right Location
While you can take these photos at home, a local park or a festive downtown area can serve as the perfect background for your holiday photos. However, if you want something more whimsical or recognizable, consider booking a family vacation to popular destinations like Disney World to take great family photos. Whether you choose something simple or grand, the right location can elevate your photos and make them truly memorable.
Use Natural Light
The best time to take the perfect holiday photos is during the “golden hour”— shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. During these moments, the light is softer, warmer, and more diffused, which is perfect if you’re capturing these photos outside. To frame your shot and get sharper results, use a tripod and your camera’s self-timer function.
Capture Candid Moments
While posed photos are great, candid shots often capture the most genuine smiles and interactions. Let the kids play, encourage laughter, and snap pictures of these authentic moments.
Also, when photographing children, ask the photographer to crouch down to their eye level. Being at their level helps you see the world from their eyes, making the photos feel more personal and inviting.
Take Lots of Photos
Don’t be afraid to take more photos than you think you need! With digital cameras, you have the freedom to capture numerous shots, so take advantage of this opportunity and build your family photo album. This increases the chances of getting that one perfect picture where everyone looks great.
Once you have your perfect pictures, head down to your post office and send out your letters! Many families create their holiday cards and send them out in late November or early December to ensure they arrive in time. Whether it’s a photo of everyone in matching sweaters or a candid moment from a recent trip, your family will receive your greeting card with plenty of time to appreciate it.
