Photo Christmas Card

Portrait Photo Christmas Card

A popular way to do Christmas cards with photos is to have professional portraits taken of the entire family, the kids, or the baby. Local studios often have options for background settings, which include:

• Santa’s sleigh
• Christmas tree with presents
• Nativity scene
• Evening stars
• Red, green or white plain background
• Snowflakes
• Fireplace

To look your best for a family portrait, try to dress family members similarly (but not matchy). Have everyone wear different shades of red, green, or blue, which often show up nicely in photos. Or, stick to a color “family,” like jewel tones or earth tones, to provide yourselves with a cohesive look. If the background you choose is fairly busy, keep your clothing simple. Avoid words, phrases, and picture decorations. Some striping, buttons, or a sparkly sweater would be simple but festive.

Because the holidays are a great time to do portraits, many studios offer specials. Check your local photographers as well as the studios such as Sears, JCPenny, Wal-Mart, and other chains. These places can often do posed work at a fraction of the cost. Always ask to see a portfolio of the studio/photographer’s work, so you can be sure your styles will mesh.

Digital Photo Card

Of course, making your own photo Christmas card is becoming easier than ever. Have someone you trust snap a photo of you and your family on your porch, in front of a snowy tree, or in front of your Christmas tree or mantle. If your camera has a timer, this can be a do-it-yourself job. This way, background and clothing changes can be made. You can take as long a time and as many shots as you wish.

Use a program such as PhotoShop or Print Master to edit your photos and place festive borders around them. Or, if you are typing a letter, insert your photo at the top or bottom of the letter and print on holiday stationery.

Making your own photo cards can be time-consuming. Sometimes, using an online photo service can be worthwhile. Kodak, Snapfish, and Shutterfly all offer online services that can produce quality cards at a low cost. However, you do have to create an account with the company and upload your photos to the website.

Tips for Cards

If you use 35mm film, your developing service can make a photo Christmas card. Or, buy reprints of a pose you like and insert them into packaged cards, which can be purchased at stationery and discount stores.

Sometimes Kodak Picture Maker machines can be used for photos, but the cards can take a while to print and might be a more expensive option in the long run. Try doing multiple wallet-sized photos that are placed inside Christmas cards to get the most for your money.

Keep these tips in mind when doing your photo Christmas card:

• Choose the pose where everyone, not just yourself or the kids, look good.
• If you wear glasses, have the lenses taken out or pay to remove glass glare from the photo.
• For young children, schedule a portrait session during a time when they are active and awake. Lunch or naptime is usually not productive.
• Get your pet groomed if you want him/her to be in your photo.
• When using multiple photos or a collage, use very short captions so your family and friends know what is going on in the picture.

Getting a photo Christmas card is fun for everyone, especially those who are far away. The photos are usually placed on the refrigerator, in an album, or frame, for the season. If the photo is not seasonal, it might be hung for longer. Take your best shot, and make your family’s personality come through!