With the Christmas countdown officially started, now is the time when thoughts turn to the ever-important family Christmas Card and how to capture that perfect photo.
Family photos are a creative alternative to Christmas cards and an opportunity to share a wonderful family picture with loved ones, near and far. It’s the perfect time to capture the magic of childhood and family life, with a festive backdrop, of course – and with the right planning and setting it can be a lot of fun for everyone.
That said, setting up and taking a family portrait can be difficult, depending mainly on the ages of any children involved, so with some suggestions from photography expert Sadia Barlow Photography, here’s how capture the perfect, festive family portrait and make the photo session as easy and relaxed as possible.
Get An Early Night
The last thing you want is bleary, puffy eyes in your family photo. “Are you okay? You look so tired” is not the response you want when people receive your Christmas card.
Alongside dehydration and eating too much salty food, not getting enough sleep can cause facial puffiness, especially around the eyes so make sure you get a good rest.
Sadia says “make sure the whole family is well rested and have full tummies from breakfast or lunch. Hungry and tired children, and indeed adults, can be a recipe for playing up so a full stomach and rested mind is highly advisable”.
A good night’s sleep and a good feed will hopefully keep everyone in a holly, jolly mood.
Read: Is beauty sleep a real thing?
Choose Your Clothing Carefully
The best results come when everyone is co-ordinated, whether its soft pastel colours and gentle textures, or bright vivid block colours.
So how to you choose? Well, Sadia explains; “You know your family best, so decide on the colours which best suit your family and dress accordingly”.
If you’re not sure where to start, we consider getting your family to wear slightly different shades of the same colour. Try to avoid everyone doing too “matchy matchy,” as wearing matching outfits will draw the eye to your clothes instead of your lovely faces, that is unless you’ve decided to go for matching Christmas pyjamas.
Think About The Timing
Sadia highlights that “young children may have a nap incorporated into their daily routine”. So be sure to think about this when you take your photo. The last thing you want is a grumpy looking child, or an asleep one for that matter.
If the photo shoot is outdoors, then light will also impact on the timing. The best source of lighting is, of course, the sun. But make sure not to shoot under bright lighting – this may result in unwanted shadows on your family’s face.
If you’re shooting indoors and cannot use the natural light, consider purchasing an off-camera flash which essential when you don’t have enough natural light or sunlight doesn’t come from the right direction. It helps redistribute the light and will highlight your family’s best features.
Don’t Worry About Posing
If you’re getting your holiday phot sot professionally, Sadia tells us that “the best quality family shots come from organic interactions and movement. As professional photographers, we prompt the family to some extent but often, we get the best results when families are allowed to group together in a natural, more dynamic way, and leave us to choose the best moment to hit that shutter button”.
We couldn’t agree more.
Read: 5 IDEAL photography tips for improving your holiday photos
Grab Those Christmas Props
Finally, Sadia offers some wise words of encouragement;”For a more festive feel, add a Santa hat, some mistletoe, or wrap up some empty boxes in festive paper and have the children hold Christmas props. These can also be a great distraction for young children and sometimes generates the most relaxed, happy photos. Be creative, don’t over think it and just have fun!”
And with the perfect family portrait taken, it’s time to turn your attention to the all-important festive feast. Here, some of our favourite chefs share their top tips on how to pull off Christmas lunch like a pro. Do check it out, and we can’t wait to see your photos!