Taking Holiday Pictures

One of the great joys of the holidays is receiving greeting cards with photos of your friends and extended family.  But taking your family photos is another story.  From selecting what to wear to getting children to cooperate, the process can be less than pleasant.  Whether you are taking the photo yourself or heading to a professional studio, here are 10 tips that might reduce stress and get a frame-worthy photo.

10 ways to a Picture Perfect Holiday Portrait

1. Coordinate the outfits, but DON'T match - When we were discussing my daughter's family Christmas portrait, we decided on something red on top with jeans on the bottom.  Then everybody was on their own...it's great to have different shades, textures and patterns.  Actually it gave everyone the excuse to buy something new to add to their wardrobe.  You have to remember that these are all adults, or almost adults.  With little ones, you might want to help them decide what to wear.
2. When coordinating outfits, avoid anything that will take attention away from the whole point of the photo.  In other words...don't wear your school football jersey or your favorite silly saying T-Shirt.  All colors are OK, just make sure you don't mix too many busy patterns. 
3. Don't wear too much make-up, not a good idea to look like a Hollywood celebrity in your family portrait.  Pick a daytime look with a bit more drama, wear eyeliner and a brighter lipcolor.  Make-up should enhance, not steal the show. 
4. If you have little ones, let them be part of the planning.  Let them pick out something to wear, helps in bringing out their personalities.  A fun-family event after the photo-session so everyone has something to look forward to is always a good idea.
5. Search around for the right photographer - in my case, the search was limited to me, me or me.  Ask friends or neighbors if they have a suggestion of a photographer if you want a professional.  Then don't hesitant to speak with the photographer about location and wardrobe options.
6. Pick your setting carefully.  If you are planning on snapping the photo, chose the setting carefully.  It doesn't matter how cute your child is, if there is a stack of dirty dishes in the background the shot is ruined.  Family portraits are great outdoors, especially in the fall and winter.  Simple but picturesque is a good rule of thumb.  We chose a horse farm that has an abundance of open space and a fence for a prop. 
7. Lighting, lighting, lighting!!  When taking the photo yourself the right lighting is the key.  Natural lighting is definitely the best, not direct sunlight, but shade or an overcast sky.  Stay away from dappled shade, it's not a pleasing look on faces.  And direct sun makes everyone squint. 
8. Now tell everyone to relax...people get over critical of themselves and their kids.  Have fun, a natural smile is the best.
9. Forget about saying cheese.  When prepping kids for a family photo, talk about it as something fun, not a job.  Natural emotions are the key.  Candid moments are the best to capture real personalities, keep shooting even when the kids have stopped saying cheese.
10. Take a lot of pictures.  If you are dealing with a problem picture-taker (ie: one that blinks alot) take lots of pictures.  Take at least 10 pictures of the same pose.  You are bound to get one good one and the rest can go in the recyling bin....oh the joys of digital. 

Even the out-takes are great....this brought the most laughs....

 And here is the final Christmas Card.....

And the most important advice is to have fun....