Photo: Eli Russell Linnetz
This might be the first year you’ve decided to tackle the daunting task oforganizing a family holiday card— complete with a photo of your entire brood.
That’s right. You probably shouldn’t use the one fromThanksgivingwhere half of your son’s face is out of the shot and your husband can be seen trying to hide a drumstick behind his back. No, you’re going to do it right this year. But how?
To make it a little less scary, PEOPLE tappedPhotographer Centralpro Hari Simons to share five tips on planning your family holiday card.
1. Timing is everything.
You know your kids best, so plan for the photo shoot during a time of day when they’re least likely to be cranky, sleepy or hungry. Are they most cooperative in the morning or after lunch? Givingthem snacks on the way to the sessionis another way to make sure everyone is ready when you arrive.
2. Coordinate a theme.
Your photo may already be holiday-themed, but choose ahead of time what you’d like everyone to wear. Outfits don’t have to be identical, but a consistent color palette makes for an image that’s visually balanced.
Props can also be a key part of the theme. Maybe give everyone a silly hat or dress in cowboy boots. Having something they can play with will help keep your kids entertained — if only for a few minutes. But those few minutes can go alongway.
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3. Keep some incentives on hand.
4. Just relax.
If your kids are under the age of 4, they’re probably not going to pose for very long or follow every instruction. Make it fun for themand let them goof off a bit too. You’ll need to be comfortable going with the flow, but know that candid shots can often make for the most memorable images.
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5. Find the right photographer.
Whether it’s a friend who can volunteer their time for a quick snapshot or a professional photographer that you hire, find the right one for you and your family.
If you go with a friend or family member, your kids will already know them and will be comfortable with them right from the get-go. If you decide to hire a professional, their years of experience photographing (and corralling) kids will be invaluable. They’ll keep things moving and have plenty of tricks they’ve collected from past clients.
source: people.com
