Create Holiday Photo Cards Like A Pro

You know the story: You just get through Halloween and it’s time to start thinking about the holidays. If you’re really organized, your holiday card is already done and is ready to send out in the middle of November, to kick off the season. But if you’re like most of us, you haven’t even thought about your holiday card and realistically don’t know if you’ll even get to it this year. After all, we have social media now. So what’s the point? Right?

It’s true, not everyone sends a holiday card these days. They can be expensive, there is the concern about paper waste and other climate related issues, but you must admit, you still love getting them in the mail each year. There's always at least one photo card in the bunch that makes you stop and think, What a great card! Everyone looks so amazing! Why can't my cards ever look like this? With a little planning and creativity, your holiday photo card could be the one this year that makes everyone say, What a great card!

Here are eight easy tips to help you create a holiday photo card that will stand out from the rest:

Give yourself time

You don't want to be focusing on getting the perfect shot in the middle of shopping for gifts, hosting parties, and planning family gatherings. A forced or rushed photo won't send a message of love and good cheer-especially if kids are involved! Instead, start thinking about a photo for your holiday card a few months before the holidays. If your family is planning to attend an event or on go on a trip to a beautiful or unusual location, plan to grab a few shots that could be used for your holiday card. No trips planned? Set aside some time one weekend in November to get everyone together, for a simple shot at home. Organize a fun activity to go along with the shoot, such as a baking cookies or a special outing for an ice cream treat and you'll be more likely to get more willing participants and even some smiles!

Highlight your family’s personality

Is your oldest obsessed with dance 24/7? Why not let her wear her dance clothes or pointe shoes for the holiday photo? She'll be happier, you'll be happier, and your friends and family will love that her adorable personality is on display.

Include highlights from the year

Does your family have a special activity, tradition or are you passionate about something? Another idea is to highlight a special occasion from the past year with your photo: Did you move? Have a baby? Celebrate a special anniversary? Tell the story with a photo from your anniversary party, your new home, or your little one dressed to the nines in the spirit of the season.

Get creative

While the traditional family portrait is always in style, getting a little creative, can bring your holiday card up to the next level. Add a few lights or ornaments to a tree outside or wear matching pj’s and climb into bed. Don’t think you’re creative, do a quick search on Pinterest and the ideas will start flowing. Have more fun taking the photo, and send out a card your friends and family will enjoy. It may even inspire a new family holiday tradition!

Make it funny

Who says a holiday photo card has to be the same boring thing every year? If you want to lift some spirits during the holiday season, what better way than with a photo card that will make them laugh? A clever message can be enough with the right photo. Or do something silly like wrap yourselves up in some holiday lights, set up a Christmas scene on the beach, or do a shot with the whole family on their devices. It doesn’t take much to turn a boring photo into a funny one.

Experiment

We all want our holiday card to be remembered, and a simple way to achieve that is with a creative photo. Instead of a straightforward head shot of the kids, use a photo of them at the beach with their backs to the camera, or running in a field of grass and add an inspirational quote or a holiday message. A more lifestyle type image will make your family and friends stop and take a second look. Or try a black-and-white image if you always use color, adding a little bit of art to your holiday greeting.

Match the photo to the card design

It doesn’t matter whether you pick the photo or the card design first, just make sure that the photo and the design are a good fit. Do they compliment each other in terms of color, style, and feel? Play around with the different designs available. There is no shortage of great designs to choose from with so many online custom photo holiday card companies.

Hire a professional

If you have the budget, a professional photographer can help you create a memorable card that your family and friends will proudly display. Your photographer can collaborate with you on ideas, offer up different locations, and of course, shoot your photo, so you can ditch the tripod. Many offer custom holiday designed cards. Or you can purchase the digital files and design it yourself. Often going with a professional can save you on not only time, but bring down the stress level during the season, so you can concentrate on everything else. Most photographers have partnered with different online card companies and will share their discount with you.

Even though there’s really no pressure to send out a printed holiday card, if you enjoy receiving them, you might want to make a point of sending them yourself every year. After all, holiday cards are a tradition that’s been around for centuries. The format may have changed over the years, but the gesture is still the same and our modern age has given us the ability to create some pretty amazing cards. Don’t have much time to get it done? Grab a recent shot of the kids, throw some beautiful text and a message of holiday cheer and love, and your work is done. You’ve just created a holiday card that would blow the socks off your great grandmother, if she were still alive. And if the holidays take over and the holiday card is left for another day, remember, there’s always a New Year’s card!

About Gina

Gina Risso had been photographing Bay Area families for the past 16 years. She was voted Best Kids Photographer in Marin Magazine’s Best of County 2019. She lives with her husband, two kids and two cats in Sausalito.

Ready to schedule your holiday photo session? Gina Risso is one of the most sought after professional family photographers in the San Francisco Bay Area. With holidays fast approaching you’ll want to book soon to capture some amazing year-end portraits you’ll enjoy for years to come. Learn more about Gina at ginarisso.com, on Facebook and Instagram.