So every year around this time I start think the Holidays are around the corner.  I start taking pictures in hopes that one might be perfect for theholiday card of the year.  The one that sent to all friends and family.

People might know that I love taking pictures, if you read my blog you will see that most of the photos are mine.

Tips for getting great Photos to use on your Holiday cards:

1. Clean lens of the camera with a proper lens cloth
2. Take the shots on your largest and highest resolution  it will give you a lot to work with later allowing you to crop and edit.
3. Make sure kids are well rested
4. Time of day to take Pictures are better taken not in high sun or bright sun, try late afternoon, or early morning, and overcast days.  This will help you avoid over exposure and white burn spots.
5. Get outside and take them natural light is best, and will avoid using the flash.. see #3
6. Location  choose a place where the kids are happy and not too distracted, walk in the woods, a deserted playground.
7. Avoid clutters background,  use nature as a back drop, but make sure there is not a garbage behind you.
8. Wear colors, but you don’t have to be matchy matchy.. one accent color on every one can tie a picture together.
9. Step close when taking a shot. (when you take a picture take 2 steps closer,  the shot will be better)  No one cares what shoes your family had on they want to see your smiling face,  unless you are just taking a just shoe shot to show how big your kids feet are.
10. Take a lot of photos a better chance of getting the shot or you can use multiple shots on your holiday cards.
11. Take from different angles,  your knees bend so get down on there level, or get on a chair
12. If you are worried about a dbl chin.. always take the picture with you looking up to the camera, from above)
13. Include yourself and spouse you are part of the picture
14. If you want a family shot .. no one around ,  it is ok to ask a stranger (if they have a big camera around there neck even better,  and ask them to step in for the shot  (tell them you want a close shot)
15. Also you can make all you photos look similar using an effect to join them all like this.. I used a cross process effect on picmonkey.  

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This post is sponsored by Shutterfly,  Disclosure I will receive product from Shutterfly in exchange for this post.