Why You Should Use A Family Portrait For Your Holiday Cards

Though you would love to be able to send everyone you know a Christmas present this year

, it's just not reasonble to think you can buy a gift for every family member, friend and co-worker. Holiday cards often mean just as much, if not more so, than buying a present. Choosing the right holiday card of having family portrait holiday cards specially made will mean a lot more to the recipients of your family portrait card than a gift.

There are various ways you can include family pics with your photo Christmas cards. You can find a professional photographer to take a family photo and then use your computer skills to create a family portrait holiday card. With a digital camera, a friend to serve as your photographer, and some creative planning, your holiday cards will have that extra special touch that a regular Christmas card simply does not have. Below are some ideas on how you can successfully incorporate family photos into your Christmas cards:

First, plan how you want to incorporate the photo of your family into your holiday greeting card. Will you enclose it with store-bought cards or will your family portrait actually be the cover of the card? On most family portrait Christmas cards, you will find the portrait placed horizontally on the cover of the Christmas card, but a vertical format is good if you prefer a side-fold Christmas card.

Even if your digital camera has a tri-pod and a timer, it's much easier to have a friend help you out by taking the picture. Your friend can tell you what he/she sees and offer some creative input to get the best shot possible. That's impossible to do when you're standing behind a tri-pod, setting a timer, and then running to take your place in the family portrait.

Also, choose a location with a nice backdrop such as a fireplace hearth or the wintry scene in your backyard. Remember to dress the kids in warm cloths if your going to be taking the photo outside.

Here's a helpful hint for you non-professional photographers: If you're outside, use your camera's flash because autumn air causes harsh shadows and the flash will help offset the harsh shadows created by the crisp fall air. If you can find a shady location on a cloudy day and use the camera's flash, your portrait will have a professional touch and your family will stand out from the background more.

Here's a tip to avoid the dreaded "red eye" in photos. Ask the subject of the photo to look over your shoulder or slightly to the side instead of directly into the camera. Also, by turning on all the lights in the room, you will reduce red eye by shrinking the pupils of the people in the photo.

However you choose to send greeting cards this holiday season, photo Christmas cards are a nice touch at Christmas time.

by: Evelyn Oakley

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