6 Tips for Christmas Photos

Below are 6 tips for taking Christmas Photos.  Where did the custom of sending Christmas cards start? Research shows it started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He was a civil servant (Government worker) who was very interested in the new ‘Public Post Office’ and wondered how it could be used more by ordinary people.  I couldn’t find information on when photographs started to appear on Christmas cards but I recall them back in the 80’s.  Boy was that a horrible time for hair and clothes!

Being a photographer, they are my favorite kind of card, however the reason I love them is I can stay connected to friends and family and watch their children grow and change.   In this very electronic age, I feel that Christmas Photo Cards are more important than ever.

1. Take your photographs for you Christmas cards between July and September.  The holidays are a busy time for photographers and doing it early ensures you have enough time to get edited images back, order the cards, receive the cards, address the envelopes, and mail.
2. The best photographs are the ones that show your family doing something they love from playing at the beach to playing football at the park, or miniature golfing.  It’s more fun than a posed photograph and shows your friends and family what you enjoy.
3. You don’t have to wear red and green but if you do, you want to coordinate, not be “matchy matchy”.   Coordinate the look so it’s cohesive.  You can choose a pattern shirt for your husband and you and your children can each wear a different color from that pattern.
4. Mail your cards as early as possible, but not more than a week before Thanksgiving. You want your cards to arrive early in December. You took lovely photographs for this Christmas card so let your friends and family enjoy them for a while.
5. Skip the labels and take the time to personally address the outside of the envelopes. This shows a personal touch and that you care.
6. Include your return address on all cards. They will know immediately who sent it without opening the envelope and have your most current address.   .