‘Tis the season for cute holiday decor and coordinating your family in flannel for a holiday photo card! Holiday cards are a fun way to remind the people you love that you’re thinking about them and to stay in touch with family that you don’t often get to see.
Holiday cards are fun and inspiring but can get expensive if you hire a photographer and go all out every year. So this year, don’t break the bank on your holiday photo card; instead, find ways to create your holiday photo card at home.
Skip the Photographer
If you want to save money on your holiday photo card, the most effective way to do this is by taking your own photo instead of hiring a photographer. Photographer prices can range from $390 to $550 per session. So, instead, find ways around it, and take your own family photo this year.
How To Take a Good Family Photo at Home
When taking a good family photo at home, some tips and tricks include proper lighting, utilizing a selfie stand, and dressing in colors that blend well with your background.
Proper Lighting
You can achieve a good photograph with proper lighting. You always want natural sunlight and the camera in front of the light source.
The best place with optimal light to take a photo is outside. In that case, you will want the person taking the picture standing with the sun at their back. This way, you get light in front of you and reduce the number of shadows in the photograph.
Utilize a Selfie Stand
We’ve all seen them–the selfie stand influencers all over Tik Tok use. Yes, they may be unsightly, but they serve a purpose.
Selfie stands make it easy for people to take family photos when they don’t have anyone around to take a picture for them. Selfie stands are relatively inexpensive and make it easier to take a picture without fumbling around trying to find a good place to sit your phone or camera.
Dress Accordingly
The cute flannel shirts serve a purpose when taking a good family photo for a holiday card at home. Dressing in colors that match the theme and dressing alike will make the picture look more cohesive and stand out as a holiday-themed picture. So, remind your grumpy teenage son he has to lose the bright green hoodie with all the holes!
Taking a Good Photo Indoors
If an outdoor family photo is just not in the cards, there are ways to take a good photo indoors. One of the most important things to consider when taking a good picture inside is ensuring you have as much natural light as possible. Take the photo in the room with the most sun and keep all curtains open except the one closest to where you stand.
Use a Holiday-Themed Back Drop
Another tip for creating your own holiday photo card at home is to use a fun, holiday-themed backdrop. You can purchase one or simply create your own using your decorations and other holiday-themed props.
Chances are you already have your home decorated for the season, so why not utilize that for the photo card? It’s an easy way to save money on a professionally staged photo, and it works just as well.
Save Money and Create Your Own Holiday Photo Card at Home
Holiday cards don’t need to be another expensive factor in your holiday budget. You can save some money this season taking your holiday photo at home following these simple tips. Walgreens, Snapfish, CVS, Shutterfly, TinyPrints, Minted, and many other photo services offer specials this time of year so you can save on getting your cards printed as well!
‘Tis the season to be savvy!