Planning your family holiday cards

There are few things more festive than getting the kids together in coordinating outfits for the annual holiday card picture. If just the thought of trying to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time is getting you into a Grinch-y mood, we’ve got just the thing for you! We’ve gathered some tips from baby photography Alexandra Shafter from Tutus and Trousers to make sure your holiday shoot ends with the picture-perfect holiday card you’ve always envisioned.

Work backwards from the date you’d like your Holiday Cards to be received and create a timeline. Some photographers take longer to edit than others, so it’s best to ask your photographer of choice what their turnaround time is. This way you can allow enough time for the production of the cards and time to mail them out.

Whether you decide to DIY, or go with a professional photographer, choosing a general theme first helps.  Some people like more posed, catalogue-like photos while others might just want more natural lifestyle shots. Knowing what you want out of the session will help you decide on the right setting and if you enlist a pro to help you.

Choose your family’s outfits in advance and steer clear from anything too distracting. If you choose to wear prints, think about matching, at least your little ones. See our favorite examples of merry matching moments below!

Just like any outing with our little nuggets, being prepared can save us from some major meltdowns in the middle of our shoot. Make the day go smoothly by packing enough snacks to make sure no one gets hangry and goes off the rails.

Remember to bring the kids’ favourite toys—it’ll keep the older ones happy, and they can be used to get the younger one’s attention. You might also want to bring along a playlist of your children’s favourite songs. Anything to keep them in the mood to cooperate.
 

Sometimes asking kids to look at the camera or pose isn't the best way to get them to smile. Ask them to make each other laugh or look at each other. This will help them feel more comfortable and look more natural!