Easy Christmas Cards
I really got excited about photography when I had my children, but my favorite thing to do was send Christmas cards out to everyone.
You can really achieve a more professional look without too much trouble.
First thing, turn off your flash.
Flash can really ruin a photo when not used properly.
Professional photographers almost never use the flash that comes with the camera.
Now that you have it off, we can proceed.
Dress children in coordinating colors.
For Christmas, bright bold colors work best for children.
Prepare your bribe.
Yes, bribe children.
Seriously, not every child wants to take pictures, and it can sometimes be trying to take pictures of your own children.
You know your babies though.
If you want to hold out on bribes until absolutely needed, you get to do just that.
This is your photo shoot.
Now that they are dressed and aware of their reward, or it is ready for emergencies, let's pick out a spot for photos.
If you want photos inside, angle your children at a 45 degree angle to a window.
Turn off all lights.
Indoor lighting can wreck havoc on photo.
Only professional equipment or natural light should be used to light a subject.
Now snap away.
I am not a fan of too posed photographs, so let your children be themselves.
Sing funny songs.
My kids think singing the wrong words to a song is hilarious.
Make this a fun activity.
If you think tears are coming, stop and let them regroup.
You do not want to send out Christmas cards with red eyes and runny noses.
If you are shooting siblings, ask them to kiss ears or other specific parts on the side of their sister's or brother's head.
Simply saying kiss them means you more than likely will get a picture of the back of one child's head.
Now, if you want an outdoor photo, find shade.
You want to position the child without the sun shining on them.
Sounds strange, but sun can create dark shadows on their faces.
Place them in an area where they are not in the sun and the sun is not dappling on them.
Again, start snapping while singing your silly songs.
Act like a fool.
Your kids will love you for it.
Don't be afraid to check your pictures as you snap.
If your kids have dark spots where their eyes should be, move them or have them look in a different direction.
Next and the easy part is to go to an online photo shop like Shutterfly or Mpix.
Pick your card.
Change the picture to black and white or keep it as a color shot.
You can really achieve a more professional look without too much trouble.
First thing, turn off your flash.
Flash can really ruin a photo when not used properly.
Professional photographers almost never use the flash that comes with the camera.
Now that you have it off, we can proceed.
Dress children in coordinating colors.
For Christmas, bright bold colors work best for children.
Prepare your bribe.
Yes, bribe children.
Seriously, not every child wants to take pictures, and it can sometimes be trying to take pictures of your own children.
You know your babies though.
If you want to hold out on bribes until absolutely needed, you get to do just that.
This is your photo shoot.
Now that they are dressed and aware of their reward, or it is ready for emergencies, let's pick out a spot for photos.
If you want photos inside, angle your children at a 45 degree angle to a window.
Turn off all lights.
Indoor lighting can wreck havoc on photo.
Only professional equipment or natural light should be used to light a subject.
Now snap away.
I am not a fan of too posed photographs, so let your children be themselves.
Sing funny songs.
My kids think singing the wrong words to a song is hilarious.
Make this a fun activity.
If you think tears are coming, stop and let them regroup.
You do not want to send out Christmas cards with red eyes and runny noses.
If you are shooting siblings, ask them to kiss ears or other specific parts on the side of their sister's or brother's head.
Simply saying kiss them means you more than likely will get a picture of the back of one child's head.
Now, if you want an outdoor photo, find shade.
You want to position the child without the sun shining on them.
Sounds strange, but sun can create dark shadows on their faces.
Place them in an area where they are not in the sun and the sun is not dappling on them.
Again, start snapping while singing your silly songs.
Act like a fool.
Your kids will love you for it.
Don't be afraid to check your pictures as you snap.
If your kids have dark spots where their eyes should be, move them or have them look in a different direction.
Next and the easy part is to go to an online photo shop like Shutterfly or Mpix.
Pick your card.
Change the picture to black and white or keep it as a color shot.
