Tips for taking the perfect holiday card photo

Getting that perfect photo for your holiday cards is always a challenge, especially if you have kids. More often than not, someone isn't looking at the camera, eyes are closed or there are no smiles. Here are a few tips to use this year that will make it easier to get the picture you want:

Pick the outfits
You definitely don't have to do matching outfits for the family photo card. However, it is a good idea to choose colors and styles that complement each other. For example, a little girl could be wearing a bright red dress while the mother sports a black and white ensemble and a matching red necklace. They don't match, but the red accessory makes the picture appear coordinated, and it brings the whole scene together.

Use props
Props are a wonderful way to add a little fun to your photo shoot. You don't need a ton of them, but a simple garland can go a long way. For example, you can use this prop to wrap someone up for a fun picture, or simply hold onto one end and let the rest wind onto the floor to add that extra holiday pop to the image.

Get creative with your prop use this year and try incorporating different items. Other things you might want to use include present boxes, letter or word blocks and string lights.

Choose the right backdrop
While it's important for you family's outfits to be coordinated, it's equally essential that you pay attention to the background of your photo. You don't want to take your family portrait on a couch or in front of a bland wall. Find an area that's picturesque to enhance the overall look of your photo. For example, pictures taken outside provide natural light and offer plenty of options. You might just know the perfect place to complement the colors you're wearing and increase the holiday cheer.

Completely white backdrops are also an option if the colors you chose for each outfit are bright and would contrast well with the plain background. If you go with this option, the props mentioned earlier can help spruce up the photo and make it more exciting.

Take a ton of pictures
Be prepared to spend a solid hour taking photos. Ultimately, you only need one good picture, but you'll be more likely to get it if you have a lot to choose from. In addition, you don't want to only spend 10 minutes taking pictures in the same position with the same expressions. This will become tedious and boring so the smiles won't be as sincere. Instead, have a few different pose and action photo ideas ready. This way, you have a lot of different pictures to choose from later.

Find a matching card
After you've taken the picture, it's time to choose a card to put it on. You have a ton of options when it comes to picking out the border for your holiday photo cards. Make sure whatever you choose goes well with the finished picture. You wouldn't want the colors in the photo to clash with the tones on the stationery.

Have fun
The most important thing to remember when taking your holiday photos is to have fun! If you and your family are enjoying yourselves, the pictures will look much more sincere. To help keep everyone in a good mood, make sure you eat before taking the pictures so no one complains about being hungry. In addition, bring along music or props that make your family smile. Finally, be goofy in some of the pictures – tickle each other or make funny faces. If you do this, you'll have a good time, and you're sure to have a bunch of beautiful photos.