Whenever I get the chance to get my husband Matt in photos, I jump on it. While he makes an appearance every now and then for a brand campaign, one shoot he is always a part of is for our annual holiday cards. Today I’m sharing eight easy tips to get great holiday photos.
Call me a traditionalist, but in my opinion, you don’t need to go over-the-top for holiday cards. You just need to plan for them accordingly, dress well, and smile.
Shop Holiday Card Outfit Essentials for Her
Tips to Get Great Holiday Photos
Planning Your Holiday Cards
Plan Ahead
My second tip for holiday photos is to plan ahead. Come fall, kids are back in school, and we’re all back into our post-summer routines again. The holiday season creeps up fast, so be sure to plan your holiday photos ahead of time to avoid scrambling for photos.
Photographers get booked quickly, and weekends are usually the time slots that fill up first.
Don’t be afraid to ask your prospective photographers questions. If it’s not clearly listed, ask about the final number of photos you’ll get from your session, as well as turn around time for when you can expect to receive your final images.
It’s also helpful to book your holiday photos in advance so that you can order your cards in advance. You won’t have to deal with rush shipping or mailing amidst the last-minute holiday madness.
I have ordered my holiday cards from Minted the past several years and always love them. No tacky holiday designs, just well-designed templates.
Hire a Professional Photographer for Your Photos
If you have a photo that you absolutely love that you want to use for your holiday cards, then go for it. But chances are your iPhone photos may be too dark, too bright, or just pixelated and blurry. If you’re going to spend money on printing holiday cards, why wouldn’t you invest in hiring a professional photographer for them?
There are plenty of photographers in every city. I’ve found photographers with a quick Internet search of “{city name} photographers” and searching hashtags on Instagram. Looking for a photographer in Chicago, for example? Try searching #chicagophotographer in the app and see who pops up on your grid.
What to Wear
Complement in Colors, But Don’t Match
Trust me when I say that matchy-matchy family photos are a thing of the past. Instead, opt for complementary colors and patterns that work together. You want outfits to coordinate, but that’s doesn’t mean everyone in your family has to wear a black shirt and light wash jeans.
Shades of blue and navy are always classic, as is olive green with winter whites like ivory or beige.
If you’re looking for a something a little more unique, you can find a bunch of winter color combinations here.
Limit Prints
Mixing clothing prints in family holiday photos can be challenging. Unless you feel comfortable styling multiple prints, don’t.
However, one person wearing a print can add great visual interest to your photo. Find 1-2 colors in the print, and use those as your color palette.
Wear Seasonal Basics, Avoid Holiday Kitsch
Now unless you’re really committing to a theme, I personally would stick to seasonal basics and avoid kitschy holiday gear. This way, you can frame some of your photos and keep them out year-round, not just during the holiday season. This is probably the easiest of my holiday photos tips, because you probably already have the below in your closet.
Stick to classic seasonal basics like these:
- Jeans (without holes!)
- Sweaters
- Henley t-shirts
- Denim shirts
- Flannel button up shirts
- Midi dresses or skirts
- Boots or booties
I also recommend avoiding specific trends. If you’re looking to print and frame some of these images, they can quickly date the photos.
Location and Shoot Day Tips for Your Holiday Photos
Choose a Meaningful Location for Holiday Photos
Choosing the location for your holiday photos doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just choose somewhere meaningful to your family. That could be your home, your favorite vacation destination, or a simply local spot in your city that you love.
You don’t have to drive four hours for a Christmas tree farm if you don’t want to. If you pick a place that’s special to you, you’ll always love looking at your holiday photos.
Stand Closer Than You Think
Yep! You may find your photographer telling you to get closer many times. Trust your photographer! Many times, what doesn’t feel natural in real life, like standing really close together, looks perfect through the camera lens.
Have Fun
Finally, my last tip for great holiday photos is to have fun! As a blogger, I’m always taking pictures in front of people in public places.
Don’t let the public make you nervous. I can say from experience that most people are very courteous; will usually wait or walk around your photographer; and usually pass by with a smile. If you’re worried about people, ask your photographer for an early morning timeslot when there are likely to be less people around.
Laugh and interact with your family because often times the candid photos are the best ones!
Here are a few ideas to help you warm up to the camera :
- Try walking toward the camera to add movement
- Tell an inside joke only your family will laugh at
- Chase your family members
- Try dancing around to loosen up so you’re not so stiff
