How To Take A DIY Holiday Photo With Your Family
The holiday season is just around the corner. You’re almost at the end of your cleaning checklist and have already decided on what you’re going to cook for the holidays. But are you prepared to take your family photo?Are you really feeling the holiday spirit? Are you looking around at all of your happy family members and thinking you should probably be capturing the moment? While there are plenty of candid opportunities during this time of year, it might be time to take a more intentional DIY holiday photo.
Taking a DIY holiday photo with your family sounds simple enough, but then why won’t most family photos turn out well? It’s because family photos aren’t as simple as just pointing and shooting. Here are a few tips that will help take the best DIY holiday photo with your family.
Tips To Take The Best DIY Holiday Photo This Year
Holiday photos are the perfect way to capture your favorite memories with friends and family. Whether you’re taking a photo of Santa Claus or an ornament on the Christmas tree, it’s easy to create beautiful holiday prints that will look great in your home all year round. Here are some tips for creating your own DIY holiday photo this year:
Matching Clothes
Although wearing matching clothes seems a bit weird, but not during the holidays. You should plan your and your family’s outfits in advance. The outfits don’t have to be exactly the same but should complement each other’s outfits.
Wearing metallic colors is a big NO! instead, you can go with solid colors such as red and white; it would be a nice combination for Christmas.
Some families choose themed outfits like “Santa’s Helpers” or holiday-themed sweaters. The right clothing choice can help you capture the personality of everyone in your family.
Suitable Lighting
If you’re getting your photo taken outdoors, make sure that the sun is not directly shining onto you, this washes out the image. Taking your picture around a campfire is also not a good idea. The smoke and light from the fire make it difficult to capture a family photo.
Instead, take your photo indoors. Use a flash to get rid of shadows and yellow tinges. Also, leave your lamps and candles out of your picture.
Backdrop Is Key
The backdrop you choose plays a vital role in your DIY holiday photo. The background should be simple and should match the festive occasion. For example, a Christmas tree decorated with Christmas lights would be a good backdrop.
Another excellent example for a backdrop could be a Christmas tree with the family sitting on the tailgate of a red truck.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Get their attention by using your pet’s favorite toy, treat, or sound. To help them sit still for the photo, use your cat or dog’s favorite toy, treat, or sound to attract their attention. Try not to give your cat or dog their favorite toy for a day or two before sitting for photographs to increase their enthusiasm.
Play for 5 minutes to warm up your dog before you start taking pictures. After calming down, an energetic dog will be happy and is more likely to flash a huge smile. They’ll also be more inclined to sit still for a few minutes after a game of fetch.
When you take photos of your pet, offer him treats to let him know he’s doing a fantastic job. Continue giving him goodies after a fantastic pose or smile, and celebrate his efforts when the session is completed. If you realize that many sweets are required, start with healthier ones (such as veggies that are safe for pets) and work towards the ones they really drool over.
Take A Test Photo
When you take the shot, make sure that everyone fits into the frame. Family members tend to sit apart; this ends up in a picture where the family members are only partly in the photo while the rest are cut out.
Sit close together for the picture, no need to show your entire background in the photo. Also, make sure that no unnecessary items are lying around. The test photo will help you gauge how the picture will turn out so that you can adjust as necessary.
Mind Your Pose
Many people tend to stiff up when the camera lens aims at them. Make sure to keep a natural pose. Hugging, holding hands, or having your arm around somebody’s shoulder are good postures.
Don’t raise or wave your arms around; this would distract others and might also cover someone else’s face in the photo.
Don’t Go Overboard On Props
With a bit of preparation, a family portrait can be both enjoyable and seasonal. Of course, the most straightforward prop is clothing, such as scarves, hats, and gloves.
Is your family really into winter sports? Use your equipment in the photo! But, again, if you already have holiday-themed outfits, you might not need props at all.
Get the Photo Framed
Your holiday photo with your family can serve as a happy reminder of the fun and memorable moments you had with them. In addition, getting the image printed on a canvas and putting it up on the wall serves as an excellent decorative piece to which you can have an emotional, sentimental attachment.
You could also get your family photo made into photo blocks that you could send to a family member who lives far away and couldn’t be with you during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to take a DIY holiday photo is a fun and valuable skill to have. Taking a family photo during the holidays is no less than a tradition for many families. Having this skill keeps the tradition alive and is an amazing way to capture your happy moments.
Now that you have the perfect photo, it’s time to get a custom gift. Canvas Factory is here for all of your holiday photo needs! We offer a range of products from framed prints and canvas art to wall decor and more, so there’s something for everyone on your list. Shop our selection today, or contact us with questions about how we can help make this season merry and bright.
