Quick tips for taking pictures for your Holiday cards

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You many think it’s early to take photos for the holidays, but these months do fly by.  Plus, you’ll need time to select the right picture, order cards and address them you’ll be much happier if you’re not doing this at the last minute.

1)  Relax.  When it comes to taking portraits of your children (pets, too!) for the holidays make it as relaxed as possible.  Take them outside even if they are dressed up and let them get comfortable in the surroundings.  Late in the day is best, around 4 pm or so as the sun is best then – still bright but nice and warm. And you, too, behind the camera…relax.

2)  Side light.  Face your child toward the sun, now move her 90 degrees either way.  Use the sun to highlight the side of your child’s face and body.  You want illumination, but not a blast of light hitting her directly in the face.

3)  Take TONS.  Take as many photos as possible and then some.  You’ll get a few in there that are good and many that are not.  If you’re using digital, then shoot away!  If you’re using film, then get a 36 roll and shoot away.  Ask your child to NOT look at you, then to look at you.  Then ask that they play with something then NOT play with something.  Give them lots to do and change it up often – kids change their expression so quickly so be ready to snap when they change activities.  The more you have, the more you can choose from.

4)  Get on your knees.  If you and the camera can look your child in the eye, then you’re on their level.  You’ll want to do this so the image doesn’t look like you’re looking down on your child.  You can even get below them and tilt the camera up – make them look like stars!

5)  Manage the background.  The best portraits have the simplest backgrounds.  If you have to, move things out of the way or move yourself around so there is little in the back to distract from your beaming child.

Good luck and happy shooting!  And remember, if you feel like this is all too much, there are always photographers and studios willing and able to help you out.

Here’s my daughter in her birthday hat – I haven’t followed my own advice and taken holiday portraits yet…that’s for this weekend if we can carve out the time (like there is any to spare!).  But, I did take this pic for her birthday card so I thought it *sorta* fits the bill.