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 six 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
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.
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 the weekends are usually the time slots that fill up first.
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. (Real talk: the holiday season is the same every year, so there’s zero chance of it sneaking up on you.) 😉
I have ordered my cards from Minted for the past few years and always love them. No tacky holiday designs, just well-designed templates.
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.
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.
Wear Seasonal Basics, Avoid Holiday Kitsch
Now unless you’re really committing to a theme, I personally would stick to 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 seasonal basics like these:
- Jeans
- Sweaters
- Henley t-shirts
- Flannel button up shirts
- Midi dress or skirt
- Boots or booties
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.
Have Fun
Finally, my last tip for great holiday photos is to have fun! As a blogger, I always take pictures in front of people. And I can say from experience, most people are very courteous and usually pass by with a smile. Don’t let the public make you nervous. 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
