The holidays are just around the corner, and with it comes the time when you’re preparing to send out holiday cards to friends and family. If you are planning to take your own photos here are a few tips.
Picture Perfect Timing
While the golden hour (around sunrise and sunset) is great, it can be hard to get cooperative kids at this time. Aim for the time when your children are the most cooperative, such as first thing in the morning or after nap time.
Make It Fun
Remember to laugh and giggle and make funny noises while you are taking photos. Encourage them to make silly faces … get them to laugh really loud, the photos just before or after the craziness are usually the keepers (or the crazy ones if you wish!).
Bribery (Yes I’m not above bribing kids!)
Kids tend to be less cooperative with parents than photographers, so if you have to break out a few bribes to get the photos you want, feel free. You can always incorporate your “bribe” into the photo – ice cream, a trip on a carousel, etc.
Family or Individual?
It can be a challenge to get siblings to pose together, especially small children. Find a place where they can sit for a few minutes, or find a path they can walk down together (and maybe hold hands). In worst-case scenarios, take individual photos and find a way to include them all in your holiday card.
Get Creative
Rather than create a standard holiday card, find an angle that presents something unique about your children. It could be a favorite location, something they like to wear, or simply that silly smile they always put on when they know you’re taking their photo.
Think outside the box, and make sure you are all having fun creating a memorable holiday card.
– Jane Goodrich is a Westchester-based based newborn and children’s photographer with an artful eye and a modern edge, Jane Goodrich’s talent lies in her ability to capture a moment in time – no matter how quickly it passes. She is also the author of several books, the latest to be released in May 2016 is New York is My Playground and is available on Amazon.com. goodrichfamilyphotography.com.
