by Andrea Boley
(Tampa, FL)
Autumn has come already, and the thought of a family holiday photo has not even crossed your mind. You send a photo inside or as a part of your Christmas cards every year, yet you always procrastinate until the last possible minute.
Your brain goes into a frenzy trying to decide when and where to get everyone together for this memorable photo, the one that will be forever in your family’s history. You don’t even want to think about last year’s picture.
The family has been harassing you for that catastrophe all year long and cracking jokes on how you are going to probably outdo it this year.
But you have made a vow to yourself – you will no longer be the laughingstock of the family where holiday photos are concerned.
This year you are going to make sure all associations with your photo are entirely positive. But how do you go about such a thing?
First figure out if you are going to hire a photographer or do the pictures yourself. Photos done by a photographer can be pricey, but they are generally higher quality. Browse the work done by local photographers online and find a style that you like.
If you live near a college that offers photography classes, you can often times find a student that needs experience for little to no cost.
Ask around for recommendations from friends and family. And be sure to ask whichever photographer you choose if they have any deals or discounts. Some will offer a photo session if you agree for your photos to be showcased in their portfolio.
If you are doing the photo yourself, be sure to take some practice shots with your camera. Become familiar with the timer and flash settings so that you are not left completely perplexed and fumbling around the day of your photo shoot.
Once you’ve decided on a photographer, it is time to determine a location that helps to represent your family as a whole and the image you want to portray in your holiday photo. If your family loves books, take a picture outside your local library. History buffs? Look into museums and historical sites.
For a traditional holiday photo, consider standing in front of a Christmas tree. Your family’s favorite hang-out spot is another great option as far as something more unique.
Now that you have the major components decided upon, it’s time to figure out the minor specifications.
What kind of outfit would you like everyone to wear? Holiday photos are all too often a snooze-fest, with stone-faced families all dressed in clothes they would never normally wear. Find something original; don’t just do something because everyone else does the same thing. If you have a lighthearted family, consider a candid shot.
Classic holiday photos often include hats, mittens, scarves, and snow. Let your creativity run wild and see what you can come up with. Be sure to have a wide variety of poses during your photo shoot. Once the shoot is finished, go through each picture and find the one that suits your family best, one that truly represents you and the bond you share.
Once you have done all these things, you will have a holiday photo you will not be embarrassed to attach to your Christmas cards. And everyone will remember it, but for all the right reasons.
Andrea Boley is a writer and blogger with storkie.com. She has been writing articles and blogging for over 10 years and is always happy to share her passion for life and experiences through her work. Her educational backgrounds in psychology and journalism have given her a solid foundation from which to draw experience and expertise in an array of topics.