How to take Swoon-worthy Christmas Card photos for $0...

 I don't want to throw shade at my photog friends because I absolutely LOVE professional photographers and I recommend them at every turn.

If at all possible I will schedule our family photos in the few months before Christmas so we have a nice updated picture to ship out with our holiday cards.

Unfortunately that's not always possible, due to tight holiday purse strings etc. you may find yourself wanting an updated family photo but unable to afford it. 

AH-HA!
I have your solution!

The title says $0 because I used my iPhone and had my sister come over to be the photographer but you all know I spent on those matching pjs! lol

So that's a choice you have to make but honestly there are free ways to do the coordinated look!
Maybe the family wears all black?
Just a pop of red in a bandana?
Maybe your thing is matching slippers?
Santa hats?

You can search your house, think outside the box and pull stuff together in no time!
Maybe I've been doing this blog thing too long and I see everything as a prop, but really, I see EVERYTHING as a prop!
 

My first trick is work WITH the kids.
If your son is in a super silly mood and acting like a loon, go with it.
This is me smiling through my "ELLIOTT. SERIOUSLY. ONE NICE SMILE PLEASE. SANTA IS WATCHING."

Try getting one parent to look at the cam while the other talks to the kiddies, then switch, then both lovingly look at the kids, even though you're sweating and stressed. LOL

Bottom line, work with them and try different poses/looks.

Candid is always best! in my opinion.

 

GET OUTSIDE.

The lighting is best outside so if its a balmy start to winter get outside for photos ASAP.

You don't need fancy back drops!
This is my front step, yes I am crazy for Christmas décor.. but you can come use my step as your backdrop! Don't be afraid to ask a friend or neighbour.

If you can't find good décor, GREENERY.
Either your back yard or go to a park.

Bring some props, Large blankets, pillows, a few Christmas décor pieces to spread around the edges.
I always stand in my kitchen looking into the living room and scan for photo props, you probably have wayyyy more than you need.

If you can't get outside and you find the photos too dark from inside lighting don't be afraid to play around with brightness!

Grab an app like this ^ VSCO where you can adjust brightness, contrast and edit just enough until you look clear.
 

Search Pinterest for fun poses ^
 

I swear to you I edit almost none of my photos because I truly have no time but there are some cases that are straight up dire and that's when you call in the Retouch app. ^^

I don't like to promote these apps because these days people are removing everything from a dandruff flake, to entire back rounds out of photos and its crazy to me.. I just LOVE real photos, like the old fashioned kind that caught all the bits and pieces, as imperfect as they are.

but anywhoo, dire...
I'll tell you a secret I HAD to edit Nicks butt.
LOL

We ordered these Pyjamas from China and they're made really, really, small.
Like XXL was too tight on Nick and a 6T was too small for my skinny little sized 3-4 Elliott.

In all the photos of us from behind Nick had a 'Pj's too small' wedgie, so I used the retouch app and edited that out.

I think it turned out ok..
tell me you didn't notice??!
now you're all scrolling back to check out Nicks bum! LOLOL

Just keep smiling!
 

Grabbed that 'merry' off my fireplace!

And that's about it, obviously with littles don't dress them until the last minute..

And get all the poses you REALLY want out of the way first before the meltdowns set in.

Other than that, have fun and print at Walmart or the like for physical copies.
Maybe Vista print or similar for custom cards or even postcards?!?

so many ideas!
 

Throw back Thursday 2010 ^
 

Throw back Thursday 2011^ Holly Jolly
 

I want to know your photo tricks?!
Professional photos for Christmas cards?
Santa pics? (I normally send out their santa pics when in a rush)
I need some new pose ideas too!


I also heard Pat Pat is the way to go if you're looking for affordable matching outfits!