With the holiday season upon us, many of us are thinking about our holiday family photos. To capture the perfect card-worthy shot, we really have two choices: take photos of our kids ourself, or hire a photographer! Either way, there are a few things that can be done to prepare and make the process of getting the perfect holiday photos go as smoothly as possible. Let’s get into it!
Capturing the Perfect Photo Yourself
With the popularity of photography and lifestyle blogging, many moms have their own DSLR cameras (one we love). If this is you, then you’re already off to a great start at getting professional looking photos for your holiday cards. However, even if you don’t have a fancy camera, with the amazing quality of iPhone cameras and all of the editing apps that are available these days, each and every one of us should be able to create beautiful photos of our families.
If you’re hoping to save some money and take holiday photos yourself, there are a few things that you can do to capture the perfect photo (or at least avoid a total disaster).
1. Use Natural Light
I cannot stress this enough: If you are going to take your own photos, work in natural light. If you’re inside, the best thing to do is set up your photos in an area that is well-lit by a window. If possible, your kids should be facing a window or the window should be lighting them from the side. Backlit pictures can be beautiful, but they are much harder to edit, so if you are a novice then you should avoid backlighting. Natural light, as opposed to using lamps or ceiling lights, will be softer and give you a more even tone and natural colors.
If your home is dark and you don’t have any spots with good natural light, then go outside! Just be sure to pay attention to the time of day and the location of the sun. The light is softest and easiest to work with early in the morning or in the evening, when the sun is low (about an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset). If your only option is to take photos mid-day, then work in open shade, and watch out for shadows and uneven lighting on your subjects.
2. Pay Attention to Your Backdrop
This may seem obvious, but whether you’re taking pictures inside or outside, it’s important to pay attention to your backdrop. Outside, this is easy. At this time of the year, there are beautiful options everywhere. Apple orchards, parks with fall foliage, fields, and tree farms all make a gorgeous setting for holiday photos. If you don’t want to go far from home, you can probably find a nice spot in your backyard, or have your kids sit on your front steps. Inside, you can set up a backdrop in front of a blank wall, or have your kids sit on your steps or cuddle on your couch. A personal favorite spot of mine is in front of our Christmas tree, because it adds the perfect amount of holiday flare. Regardless of the spot that you choose, make sure that there is nothing distracting in the background. If you’re outside, keep an eye out for things like signs or other people. Inside, make sure that there aren’t any toys, cords, etc. in your shot. If you’re familiar with Photoshop you can easily edit these things out, but if you aren’t, then you’re going to want to make sure to pay attention before and while taking your photos.
3. Use Bribery If Necessary
For some reason, it seems like a lot of kids (mine included) are much less cooperative for their parents then they are for others when getting their pictures taken. My oldest daughter will often stick her tongue out, roll her eyes, or give me the most ridiculous fake smile when I try to take her picture. Her attention span is also very short, and she quickly becomes impatient with me if I make her pose for too many photos.
To keep my kids focused long enough to get a good shot, I usually end up resorting to bribery. I tell my daughter that if she just sits still and does what I ask for a few minutes, she can have a piece of candy, watch a show, or do whatever else it is that she would rather be doing. Remember, you really only need one or two good photos, which should only take a few minutes if you are prepared and have a plan. Bribery almost always works to keep my kids in the zone for that short period of time, and it’s totally worth it to me to get a good photo.
Hiring a Photographer
If you don’t want to worry about taking your own photos, or if you want to be in the photos with your kids, then you should hire a photographer to take family holiday photos for you. Planning and preparing ahead of time is key to ensuring that your session goes smoothly.
1. Do Your Research to Find the Right Photographer for You
Photography is an oversaturated market right now, meaning that there are probably hundreds of photographers in your area for you to choose from. Before you start looking for a photographer, you should think about what style of photos you want. Generally, family photography can be broken down into two different styles: studio (or styled) photography and lifestyle photography. Studio or styled photography usually takes place either indoors in a studio or outdoors in some sort of styled set that may include props. Many photographers offer holiday mini sessions with this type of set-up. Lifestyle photography, on the other hand, takes place in your home or in a natural setting outside, without props or styling by the photographer. Lifestyle photography also tends to be less posed, although your photographer will likely give you some guidance and direction during the session.
Once you decide on the style of photography you want for your photos, then you should begin to look for a photographer who shoots in that style. Referrals from family, friends, or your local moms group can be a great place to start your search. When you have a few suggestions, visit each photographer’s website to view their work and learn more about them. Once you have found the best fit for you, inquire about pricing and find out exactly what you will get in exchange for your session fee. Photographers’ session options will likely range in time and number of photos. Additionally, some photographers will simply give you the rights to the digital photos from your session to print wherever you would like, while others may only allow you to order prints through them. These are all things that you should consider when selecting a photographer, and it is important to get this information ahead of time so that you know exactly what to expect.
2. Plan Ahead
Fall is usually the busiest time of the year for photographers, and most book sessions at least a month or two in advance. This is especially true if you need to schedule your session on a weekend because you or your spouse work during the week, or if your kids are in school. Ideally, you should contact your photographer at the end of summer or in early fall to schedule your session. That way, you should have plenty of time to choose your photos, print them, and send them out before the holidays.
3. Coordinate Your Outfits
When it comes to choosing outfits for family photos, everyone has their own preferences. However, there are a couple things that you should consider. First, it is generally better to coordinate, rather than match. I usually recommend choosing a scheme of 4 or 5 colors that work well together, and then have everyone wear some combination of those colors. It is usually easiest to start by choosing your own outfit (since us moms tend to be the pickiest about our clothes) or a daughter’s outfit first, and then do the other girls in the family, and then the boys and men last.
It’s also a good idea to mix tones and patterns. If you are going to wear a light color top, have your spouse wear a medium or dark color. Try to mix in a pattern or two to avoid having everyone in solids. Just make sure that the patterns aren’t overbearing or distracting.
4. Trust Your Photographer
On the day of your photo session, try not to stress about how it will go. As long as you’ve done your research, you should be able to go into your session care free and fully trusting your photographer. Try to have fun during your session. Let your photographer guide and direct you, and don’t worry if your family isn’t cooperating as well as you had hoped. Your photographer knows what he or she is doing and will make sure to get the right shots. You’ve hired them because you love their work, so leave it up to them to create something beautiful for you.
Embrace the Perfectly Imperfect
Regardless of whether you’re taking your own photos or working with a professional photographer, it is important to keep things in perspective. While most of us would love to have that one perfect photo of the entire family looking right at the camera and smiling, that’s not always realistic (especially if you have small children). Instead, try to capture photos that document your family as it really is – silly, chaotic, and full of love. My favorite photos of my clients are the ones where they are engaged with each other and the love that they share can be felt through the photos. Those are the pictures that accurately reflect your family, and they will make for the most beautiful memories.
Bri Covington is the photographer behind Belle & James. She’s a wife, mama to two sweet & spicy little ladies, a perfectionist when it comes to her work, but she lives her life with the mindset of a free spirit. Bri always aims to capture photographs that are honest and show you and your loved ones as you are.
