Christmas season is here and every year I look forward to creating our family a Christmas card. This year we decided to take on the challenge of doing it ourselves and I have a few suggestions, (spoiler alert: hire a photographer!). I also share our Christmas cards from the past decade!
WELL RESTED: Try to plan the picture at a time when your family is at their best. Early morning when everyone has had a great night sleep or if you have an afternoon shoot and your kids are of napping age give them a late nap so they are fresh and well rested. Possibly the same for your spouse 😉
WARDROBE: I recommend starting with the Mom’s outfit first. If you are reading this you probably are the Mom 😉 and you are probably the one who cares the most about the look of these photos, that’s great! Choose your dress or outfit and then plan the rest of the family around it. Usually Dad gets styled last for many reasons; he usually cares the least and men in general have less options. Men basically have to choose pants and top vs pants or dress or skirt or romper that women have to choose from. I sometimes like my girls to wear dresses but add a jacket, vest, or leggings to one to make it a bit different. This year I wanted Anya to have the fanciest dress and we were kinda like her back up dancers! The twins really don’t care and I wanted to wear something more subtle this year. I also like doing a mix of prints and solids, some items are more casual and some more formal. I find that having a mix brings a more modern, chic look to the photos. Pro tip: if your children have many opinions about their clothing give them options but not free rein over their outfits. They can choose their own outfits 99% of the time but if you have a specific look you want for these photos giving them a few options will maintain the look you want.
WELL FED: Feed your kids right before you leave the house. I like to give mine a snack right before getting them dressed so they were full and happy! Some ideas for easy, filling snacks could be peanut butter and apples, cheese and crackers, cottage cheese and fruit. Avoid processed sugar before so they don’t get overly excited or crash part way thru. Save those treats for after!
PROPS/ACCESSORIES: Bring along props or activities. I like to bring special things the kids don’t always get to use (like glitter, especially if it is an outdoor shoot) and try to catch some of that excitement. It can be as simple as bubbles an old doll. Books are another great idea. There’s a picture of the kids many years ago, the book made the shot!
EXPECTATIONS: Don’t expect perfection. The cutest pictures happen when you follow your child’s lead and enjoy the process. They will be more playful, cooperative and everyone will have a better time. If you have a photographer be sure to communicate with them if you have a specific aesthetic or poses, they will also have their go-tos and being flexible will be key.
START: Take pictures immediately. If you are taking the pictures yourself try to set your camera up before you get there or have it as prepped as possible. With small attention spans and impatience (kids and husbands!) it’s important to start snapping pictures right away.
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris and I take a lot of our own photos but because Christmas is so special to me and a perfect time to snag a family photo, especially documenting how much the kids have grown 🙂 To me it is a well worth investment. These are moments frozen in time and something you (and your kids) will fondly look back on. May I recommend
She has photographed our family Christmas card for years and has always done an incredible job! She is also a mom of three and totally “gets it.” She has made my dream photo poses come true and can get the real laughs and smiles out of our kiddos! I will tag her below in the photos she took.
No matter how prepared I am I never really know what we will get. Taking these pictures was far more stressful than having a photographer take them (something I will keep in mind next year) but this is us and that makes me love them so much more and I know we will cherish them forever!
A •D E C A D E• of Christmas Card Photos
If you want to use the photo it would also be good to check with the artist beforehand in case it is subject to copyright. Best wishes. Aaren Reggis Sela
If you want to use the photo it would also be good to check with the artist beforehand in case it is subject to copyright. Best wishes. Aaren Reggis Sela
Thanks so much!!!
If you want to use the photo it would also be good to check with the artist beforehand in case it is subject to copyright. Best wishes. Aaren Reggis Sela
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