Even though holiday celebrations may look a lot different this year, the tradition of taking a holiday family photo continues and will likely take on even more importance.
Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography offers the following 7 tips for taking stunning holiday photos:
“Matchy-matchy” is a good thing. Coordinate outfits color-wise. For example, if one person is wearing red plaid, make sure other family members are also wearing red or a complimentary color. Avoid wearing metallic. Solid colors such as white, red, green, gold, and black are best. In groups of four, only one person should be wearing plaid or a pattern. And yes, coordinating pajamas work just fine. Don’t be afraid to incorporate textures by wearing a shearling jacket or polar fleece.
When it comes to lighting, avoid the sun and flames. If you’re outdoors, don’t shoot into the sun as it washes out the photo. Campfire shots are not recommended as it’s difficult to frame people around a fire, plus there’s a lot of smoke, and the glow effects lighting. If you’re indoors, use a flash to avoid a yellow tinge and shadows in your photo. Also, leave any lit candles or lamps out of your holiday shot.
Backdrop is key. Simplicity is key when it comes to the backdrop. Limit what’s behind you. Multicolored lights on a Christmas tree in the background works well as the lights will fade out. Another great backdrop example is the side of a barn at a Christmas tree farm. Or, just the trees in the background (check your viewfinder to ensure it doesn’t appear as if branches are coming out of the top of someone’s head). If you wanted to get more elaborate, consider the tree backdrop with everyone seated on the tailgate of a red pick-up truck.
Frame it just right. Mind the spacing between family members as they often stand or sit too far apart. Remember to leave enough space above people’s heads in the photo too. Otherwise, when the photo is framed, it cuts across the tops of heads. If you’re indoors, keep it simple and take a tight shot. No need to show the entire home in the photo. Again, be aware of any background items that make it appear too busy or as if the item is part of someone’s shoulder.
The pose. Try to avoid the stiff “superposed” portrait of yesteryear. If a large family is gathered, make sure that everyone is looking at the camera. Mind all hand, arm, and leg positioning. Raising an arm or waving is not only distracting, it may block another’s face in the photo. In a photo with five or fewer – hugging, holding hands, and engaging with one another appears natural.
Simple props. The family photo can be fun and celebrate the season with some very simple props. The easiest prop is clothing such as scarves, hats, and mittens. Other tasteful props include a nostalgic wooden sled, ice skates tied together and dangling over a shoulder, someone holding skis up, or ski poles (pointed down).
Costumes and mischief. A holiday photo really serves as a memory and marks a special moment. You may want to refrain from “cheesy” photos of pets adorned with holiday lights, or dad wearing a Grinch costume or play-fighting with those ski-pole props mentioned above.
“There’s quite a bit that goes into creating an amazing, yet natural holiday photo,” explained Debi Cramer, founder and principle photographer at Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography. Cramer should know, having spent many years photographing people, places, and things all over the world. With a background in fine arts, textile, and graphic design, Cramer shoots with a designer’s eye, which produces stunning images that are highly marketable. Her international travels, study abroad experience in Edinburgh, Scotland as well as living in Singapore span more than two decades.
Holiday Front Porch Photo
Prefer to leave the holiday photo to a pro? Cramer offers the option of a professional holiday “front porch” photo.
Cramer continued, “Front porch photos with decorative hints, using the gentle approach of clothing colors and textures, brings the holiday into the photo. For those who would like a professional photo for the holidays, Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography is offering an on-location option and capturing holiday front porch moments.”
To arrange for a front porch holiday photo with Cramer or to learn more about Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography, visit https://www.38thavenuephotography.com
About Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography
Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography’s new studio includes a client lounge for viewing photos as well as additional dedicated office space for photo editing and client meetings. Cramer also travels for onsite photo assignments. The agency’s primary focus is commercial photography, event, and corporate brand photography – from marketing materials, websites, and product pages to headshots.
Debi Cramer, founder and principle photographer at Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography, has spent many years photographing people, places and things all over the world. With a background in fine arts, textile, and graphic design, Cramer shoots with a designer’s eye, which produces stunning images that are highly marketable. Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography serves a diverse array of clients in wide variety of industries, including real estate, restaurant, floral, retail and others.
From commercial to fine art and portrait photography, Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography enables clients to bring beauty and peace into their home or office, as well as promote their business. Along with the new studio address, Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography has updated their website and offers site visitors the ability to view portfolio images online as well as purchase or license images. View the portfolio and gallery at www.38thavenuephotography.com.
