The holiday season is a time for family, and what better way to capture the joy and love of the season than with a Christmas family photo? They are a great way to capture the spirit of the season and to document the growth and changes in your family from year to year. They can also be a fun and festive way to share your holiday cheer with friends and loved ones.
Images by Lauren Alvarez
When it comes to taking Christmas family pictures, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it's important to choose a location that is both beautiful and meaningful to your family. This could be in front of your Christmas tree, at a local park or garden, or anywhere that provides a beautiful backdrop. If you live in a snowy area, a winter wonderland background can add a beautiful and festive touch to your photos.
Next, consider coordinating your outfits to add a touch of festive cheer to your pictures. This could mean wearing matching red and green sweaters, or choosing a color scheme that everyone can coordinate with. I like putting a couple family members in a print that encompasses as many colors of your chosen palette as possible and then everyone else in those solid colors.
Another important aspect of taking Christmas family pictures is to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy. If your little ones are feeling overwhelmed, it might be best to take a break and try again later. If you live in a warm climate like we do, plan your photos in the evening so it will be cooler and bring along a battery operated fan and/or blower to make a breeze and keep the bugs at bay. Make sure to bring water and mess free snacks and maybe a toy to keep them distracted.
Once you have the perfect location, outfits, and mood, it's time to start snapping some pictures! When it comes to posing for the photo, try to capture the personalities and relationships within your family. Candid, natural shots can often be the most heartfelt and meaningful.
You can also have fun with props, such as a mistletoe, a Christmas tree, or even presents. Use your camera or smartphone to capture a variety of poses, such as a classic family photo, individual shots of each family member, and candid moments of your family enjoying the season together. If you chose to hire a photographer, find one who your kids love, one who will be patient and make it an enjoyable time! It's also a great idea to bring along grandma or a fun aunt or family friend to offer a second pair of hands to help as needed and to entertain the kids. They can also make sure hair and outfits are straight!
Most importantly, take a deep breath and do your best to enjoy the experience. Looking back on beautiful pictures and remembering how stressful they were is no fun for anyone! Accepting that you did your best to prepare for a smooth shoot but also knowing what they say about best laid plans will hopefully allow you to enjoy the moment and not stress if your son refuses to smile, someone throws up or has diarrhea in their dress (yes all these things have happened to us!) Remember that your kids feed off your energy and your attitude sets the tone for the shoot, so do your best to relax and enjoy the chaos!
In conclusion, taking Christmas family pictures is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones.
By choosing the right location, coordinating your outfits, and doing your best to ensure everyone is happy, you can capture beautiful and timeless memories that you can cherish for years to come.
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