How To Take Great Family Photos For Christmas
You can make your Christmas cards special this year by sending holiday cards with a photograph
. Even if your friends or family who are going to receive your Christmas photo cards are living halfway around the planet, you can make a special connection with them with these personalized holiday cards with a photo. There is no need to hire a photographer to come up with a memorable photo. All you need is a digital camera, some imagination, and an open mind to consider a few tips and suggestions to put a smile on their faces during this magical holiday season.
Preparation is Key to Taking a Great Picture for Christmas Photo Cards
If you are taking a picture for your holiday cards with a digital camera, you want to get to know your camera well so you're ready for that magical shot in a split second that will be perfect to send to friends and family. To take pictures that will make you proud to send out during this festive season, take some time to learn about your camera's features and the special effects it offers. A little research and preparation is essential so you can capture that special photo to send to your loved ones.
In your imagination, "see" the photo that you want to take before asking your kids and pets to hang out for the actual shoot. This forethought and preparation will make the photo shoot a lot easier and faster. If you make your family hang out while you figure out what you're doing or while you fumble through the camera's manual, then you may have some bored subjects in your photo. That antsy feeling will be reflected in the photo instead of the smiling, festive picture that you want to send out on holiday cards. You will be rewarded for your preparation when you are ready to snap that great photo for your holiday card.
Practice and Explore Options before Taking the Shot
If you are unfamiliar with your camera, then play around with it by taking random shots all around your neighborhood, both outside and inside. Many elements come into play when taking a photo, including the background, the flash, and lighting. Don't get locked into only taking an indoor Christmas photo card around your Christmas tree - even though you may eventually opt for that picture. Keep an open mind for the best pictures.
Sometimes, shots taken outdoors will make your Christmas photo cards really stand out. And if you go on vacation regardless of the time of year, take pictures of your family with the consideration that it might be a great photo-op to send out because the recipients get to see their loved ones out of their element.
More Suggestions to Take Special Photos for Holiday Cards
Here are a few more suggestions to take memorable family photos for your Christmas photo cards:
a. Focus your photo on your family so be sure to not make the background draw attention away from what you really want to send out.
b. If you are going to take your photo indoors, make sure you turn off the flash on the camera and use natural or artificial light. The camera flash can produce a red-eye effect and make skin tones look washed-out. If you are traveling outdoors for your special photo, make sure to use the flash on your camera. The flash will help minimizing shadows. Also remember, no matter where you take your photos; make sure the main source of light is behind the camera.
c. Consider adding props in your photo that reflect that holiday. For Christmas photo cards, you might add Santa hats, wreaths, ornaments, bows, reindeer antlers, candy canes, gift boxes with ribbons and bows, etc.
d. If you choose to have a posed picture, don't have everyone stand in a straight line. For example, if the photo is taken by a fireplace, have different subjects stand, sit, and lean on the mantel or a member of the family.
e. One or more of your kids may want to wear a t-shirt with writing or a logo. Just keep in mind that you want your kids to be the focus of the pictures for your Christmas photo cards, not their clothes.
f. Close-up shots of kids or pets may be another way to capture signature emotions during the holiday season.
The more photos you take the better your chances are to get that "perfect" shot. Also, have fun when taking photos for your holiday cards. This should be an enjoyable experience and not add stress to your holiday season.
by: Christy Bode
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