Tips for Great Family Holiday Portraits
The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and creating lasting memories. One of the best ways to capture these moments is through family portraits. Whether you're planning a festive Christmas card or simply want to document your family's growth over the years, great family holiday photos can be cherished for generations. Here are some tips to ensure your Christmas holiday family photos turn out beautifully.
Choose the Right Background
The backdrop of your family portrait can significantly impact its overall feel. When selecting a set, look for things that resonate with your family's personality and traditions. Here are some ideas:
- Home Sweet Home Look: My home-away-from-home setups can be the perfect setting for cozy indoor shots. Choose from the fireplace set decorated with garland, holiday ornaments, lights, and a beautifully adorned tree to create a warm atmosphere. Or maybe you love Christmas jammies and want to snuggle on the Christmas bed set? If you're like me, you'll love the Christmas Kitchen, complete with gingerbread cookies!
- Outdoor Wonders: I've brought the outdoors in since it's usually wet and cold during a Seattle Christmas! Consider taking photos "outside" in a winter wonderland. I have two sets with that fresh snow feel that are perfect for your family or your little ones!
- Local Landmark: The Teddy & Co. Set is a favorite each year. Part of the season's joy is little kids thinking about what Santa will bring and planning what gifts they will share. This set is a fun throwback to a 1950s-style toy store front. It's warm and inviting; your kids will love it!
- Painted Pleasure: If you love a more fine art look, you can use the painted canvas background with it's deep red and gold background, perfect for a timeless photo!
Plan Your Outfits
What you wear plays a vital role in how your family photoshoot turns out. Choosing the right Christmas photoshoot clothes ideas can make your holiday family portraits truly shine:
Coordinate Colors: Opt for a color palette that complements each family member without being overly matchy-matchy. Classic holiday hues like red, green, gold, or silver are perfect, especially when balanced with neutrals such as white or gray.
Dress for the Set: Match your outfit choices to the photoshoot backdrop. For a cozy, homey look, consider festive PJs. If you’re drawn to the elegance of a painted canvas background, formal attire is an excellent choice. Plan your outfits ahead of time based on the sets you select to bring your Christmas photoshoot clothes ideas to life.
Accessorize Thoughtfully: Enhance your look with scarves, hats, or subtle jewelry. These accessories can add personality and flair without overpowering your overall Christmas photoshoot style.
Timing Is Everything
Getting your Christmas photos done early can help take an important item off your to-do holiday list. My Christmas Mini Sessions start the first Saturday in November! Here's what's included:
- A 30-minute session in the studio.
- An Online Gallery for easy ordering.
- 1-week turnaround.
- Choose your two favorites from our 7 holiday-themed sets!
Capture Genuine Moments
While posed portraits have their charm, candid shots often tell more authentic stories about family dynamics:
- Engage in Activities: Instead of just standing still for the camera, bake cookies or decorate the tree together. These moments will evoke genuine smiles and laughter. Don't worry—I will help you know what to do, and we'll capture both traditional portraits and more candid images during your session.
- Use Props Wisely: Incorporating props like holiday gifts or favorite toys can add fun elements while also encouraging interaction among family members.
Hire a Professional Photographer
While it can be tempting to DIY your photos, hiring a professional photographer can elevate the quality of your Christmas holiday family photos:
- Experience Matters: A professional knows how to work with lighting and angles effectively while capturing candid moments seamlessly.
- Consultation Beforehand: Discussing ideas with your photographer beforehand ensures they understand what you envision for your shoot—be it traditional poses or more creative concepts. I'll send you a questionnaire before your session so you can help me meet your goals.
Don’t Forget About Pets!
Family portraits wouldn’t be complete without including furry friends! Pets are part of the family, too; here’s how to incorporate them into your shoot:
- Practice Patience: Animals may not always cooperate as expected during photo sessions; patience is key! Bring along treats or toys they love to keep them engaged.
- Consider Their Comfort Level: If your dog is shy, not housebroken, or has any other challenges, it might be best to skip bringing them to a Christmas photo session.
- Most of all, please tell me beforehand that your fur baby will be joining in so I can make sure everyone has a great time.
Once you've captured those beautiful moments on camera, editing plays an important role in finalizing your Christmas holiday family photos:
- How long before I see my photos? Your photos will be ready in just one week to view and order!
- Select Your Favorites Wisely: After editing comes selection—choose images that truly represent each member's personality as well as those candid moments filled with joy! If you can't choose you can always get them all!
Conclusion
Creating great Christmas holiday family photos requires thoughtful planning but ultimately leads to cherished memories captured forever! From selecting locations and coordinating outfits to engaging in genuine activities together—these tips will help ensure that this year’s portrait session results in stunning images you'll treasure long after the holidays have passed.
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Please note that space is limited and book now!
