5 Tips for Holiday Card Photos During COVID-19
Sticking close to home means no professional photoshoots - but it doesn't mean you can't send out personalized holiday photo cards this year. Whether you want to use candid shots you've snapped over the past few months or you want to set up a home photoshoot of your own to create the perfect holiday cards, we have you covered with amazing ideas your friends and family will love. This year has taught us to stop chasing the perfect photo and be grateful for the genuine moments we’ve had together.
DIY Photography Ideas for Holiday Family Photo Cards
Most smartphones are extremely capable of taking great photos - and with free editing apps, like Google's Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom, and Photoshop Express, you can get remarkably high-quality pictures of your family for the holidays. Use these five pointers to make sure you're getting the best shots:
- Use your phone's built-in grid lines to line up and balance each photo
- Focus on one subject and make sure the subject takes up about a third of the frame
- Don't be afraid of negative space (that's the area around and between subjects)
- Think about leading lines - any angle that points toward the subject, which draws the eye to the right part of the photo
- Don't zoom in; move the phone closer if you need to
- Use your device’s timer feature
- Candid photos are GREAT options
Take a few practice shots with your phone right now, and then take the following DIY photography ideas for a test drive. You can try them all and save the photos to create your own holiday photo book when you're done!
Holiday Photo Card Idea #1: Got Kids? Go for Cute Overhead Photos
Posing your little ones on a neutral background and taking overhead shots is a classic way to capture the cuteness. Consider dressing your children in holiday-themed outfits, having them lie on a plain white blanket, and standing over them to take pictures. You can use photo editing software to change the perspective if they come out a little crooked.
Pro Tip: You can use a festive, holiday-themed blanket if you put your kids in solid colors for contrast. The main idea is to ensure the kids stand out - the backdrop should complement the photo, not create visual overwhelm.
Get the look:
Full Photo Elegant Merry Christmas
Holiday Photo Card Idea #2: Capture Motion Shots
Set up a tripod and use your phone's timer function to catch a few action shots. You'll probably have to make a few trips between your family and your phone but think of all the fun you'll have. You can swing your kids by the arms, spin in circles, throw snowballs or even capture something special, like baking holiday cookies or decorating the house.
Pro Tip: Some cameras have voice commands built-in, so if your phone is voice-activated, check your user manual - you may just be able to ask Siri or your Google Assistant to snap the shot without interrupting the fun.
Get the Look
Home for the Holidays by Letters by Shells
Holiday Photo Card Idea #3: Set a Timer and Create Picture-Perfect Family Poses
Set your family up like you're a professional photographer and leave room for yourself. Use your phone's timer again, join the group, and say "Cheese!" You can take as many photos as necessary, and if you're using a phone-sized tripod, you can go back and forth several times to reset the next shot.
Pro Tip: Most camera phones have a "Settings" function that allows you to choose the length of the delay - and some even have voice commands. If your phone's voice commands are activated, try saying "Timer."
Get the Look:
Holiday Photo Card Idea #4: Capture Your Traditions
If you and your family have special traditions, from baking cookies to choosing a holiday tree, you can get some really great photos to share on your personalized holiday cards. Think about posing and catching candid shots of your tradition, such as sitting in the back of the truck with your freshly cut tree or caroling with the whole family. Add your pictures to a Christmas-themed DIY card, Hanukkah card, or Season's Greetings photo card to create something your friends and family will cherish.
Holiday Photo Card Idea #5: Use Props
Professional photographers use plenty of props in their photos, ranging from strands of lights and fuzzy stuffed animals to holiday gifts, trees, and snow, so have some fun with what you have on-hand. You can use kids' toys, ornaments, garlands, and other objects to create fun interactions that look great on film.
What Are Your Best Holiday Card Ideas?
Have you used your own photos on holiday cards in the past, or do you plan to this year? We'd love to see your ideas, so please share your creations with us on Instagram (tag us - we're @Mixbook). Your creative ideas can inspire others to spread holiday cheer!
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