The holidays are just around the corner! You may have decorated your Christmas tree and shops are already overflowing with all things Santa-themed, but have you begun considering Christmas card photos? We’ve compiled a quick list of things to keep in mind for photos you’re sure to love plus some helpful tips from some of our favorite local photographers.
Take a deep breath and relax: “So many photos are basic, stiff and sad. It’s important to have a good time. Photo sessions can be a little overwhelming, but trust your photographer. Be open to incorporating play, real laughs, tickles... The more laid back you are, the more authentic your photos will be.” - Elaina Janes, Elaina Janes Photography
SCHEDULING
Turnaround time on edited images for photographers is often 4-8 weeks. October is the number one month for weddings right now in the United States, so in addition to editing Christmas photos, many photographers will be deep in the throes of wedding season. Be sure to schedule your photo session well in advance. Here is what a typical timline looks like: Schedule Photos — 2 Weeks Prep — Photo Session — Wait 4 Weeks — Recieve Edited Gallery — Order Christmas Cards — Wait 2 Weeks — Receive Cards — Spend 1 Week Addressing Cards to Mail + Mailing. While sometimes things move at a faster pace, it is best to plan holiday photos two months before you expect to mail your cards.
Schedule your photo session around the light: “The look and feel of your photos will be determined not only by the style of your chosen photographer, but also by the light. Schedule your holiday photo session either at sunrise or one to one and a half hours before sunset to ensure dreamy skin tones and flattering light.” - Morgan Worley, Morgan Worley Photography
WHAT TO WEAR
Color coordination can be overdone. When planning outfits for your Christmas photos avoid matchy-matchy red and green. We suggest choosing neutrals such as cream, denim, black and grey plus a pop of color and then mixing solids, textures and patterns from your selected palette. When choosing a pop of color you can be bold—you don’t have to factor in red or green. Once all of the outfits are selected, hang them or lay them out together to be sure everything goes together before the day of your shoot.
What to wear in family photos for your Christmas cards: "So many photos are basic, stiff and sad. It’s important to have a good time. Photo sessions can be a little overwhelming, but trust your photographer. Be open to incorporating play, real laughs, tickles... The more laid back you are, the more authentic your photos will be." - Marnie Clagett, Clagett Photography
CHRISTMAS MINI SESSIONS
Regardless of your budget, be on the look out for Christmas mini sessions. These quick, often styled photo sessions are announced throughout the season leading up to Christmas and typically take place at neat locations (think your local Christmas tree farm!). Couples and families are organized into back-to-back time slots on a set day. Photographers have different ways of offering minis, but usually prices are discounted, you have 20-30 minutes of time in front of the camera and receive a set number of images perfect for your holiday cards. This is an easy and budget-friendly way to plan Christmas photos. Men typically prefer minis to full sessions because of the shortened time frame. If you haven’t seen an announcement, check with your favorite photographer to see if he or she may be offering mini sessions this season.
Staying in Touch
Follow us on your favorite social sites: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Are you taking Christmas photos? We would love to see and share. Tag us on Instagram at @ElizabethtownLifestyle or use the hashtag #elizabethtownlifestyle— Don’t forget the photo credit!
Have a fabulous weekend!
