holiday photos

jenmbott

I would love to go and get professional holiday photos done but I have already spent way too much money on Christmas presents, and I still have a lot to buy.  Does anyone have any creative ideas for a quick photo shoot I can do on my own (I am well aware that the pics may not look nearly as good as if an actual photographer was taking them). Give me any details about props, lighting, scenery, etc.  If you have already gotten holiday photos done or want to AW last years pics please do!! Extra info: I have a Nikon DSLR camera and know how to shoot in manual, and if I wanted a pic of the three of us, I would have to use the self timer and tripod.  

Flamingemu

I did L's pics last year. I set up a background in the area of the house that gets the most natural light. 

I had christmas lights under a light blanket and dressed her in holiday gear. I have no idea how we will manage this year with a ridiculously mobile toddler, but we will try.

bonjourbelle05

I used google images to come up with some ideas....I think we're going with him popping out of a gift box this year, we tossed around tying a Christmas tree to his Little Tikes truck but decided that would be better next year!

hmp1

We did that a couple of years ago. It was a simple family photo in front of our tree and then a photo of James running around in the backyard. I wanted them to look like the home pictures they were. I also love the pics we did with James in front of the fireplace last year. I have posted them before (one is in the Christmas Craft post below).

We also go to a local resort every year to look at the holiday decor. Easy place to get cute pictures with tons of decorations.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

Holly_1007

tons of light. natural light is best but bring a couple extra lamps into whatever room you use. i have used my bed quite a few times because I have a high headboarId. string some lights across the headboard then put a white sheet over it. lay a festive blanket on the bed, put LO on it and then you can lay/ sit on the bed to get a good angle and be close enough in case LO tries to run away

tyrannasaurusjess

I'm hoping for snow in the next few days--- who doesn't love a little one bundled up in the snow??? It most likely won't happen, annnnd so I'll also be watching this thread for ideas

Hyaline

I know it's kinda cheesy and has been done to death, but I did a Christmas light shoot with DD last year: 

Obviously last year she wasn't, um, running around lol.  This year I found a red lace pettiromper and I plan to put her in that and let her go to town playing with some unbreakable ornaments and a pile of fake garland.

I set up in a spot in the house with a neutral but nice backdrop.  We have a fireplace with an ornate screen that I used last year, and draped the floor and around with an old pale beige sheet (I hid cushions for propping under the sheet--not a concern this year!).  I think a key to at-home, self-done photos is eliminating distraction and normal household stuff in the background--you don't want to see the corner of your couch or a pile of toys or whatever.  It's like you have to edit your scene before you start snapping pics.  And then be willing to edit them when you're done.

misspunky

We just go to Portrait Innovations.  If you pick out one or two poses, it's pretty cheap.  Check it out!  

hmp1

This is what I did for Valentine's Day last year. Set them in the corner of our dining room since it has white walls and hung a few things from the chair rail. 

INmommy871278

What @misspunky said, portrait innovations! Awesome price for the product!

jenmbott

@misspunky and @inmommy871278 How much did it cost at Portrait Innovations? What did the package include?

misspunky

Right now they're running a holiday special:

https://www.portraitinnovations.com/specials/175/Holiday-Special

I assume that only includes 1 or 2 different poses.  Still, it's a great deal!  They're always running some kind of special.

pharmer78

shiggybop said:

I love the pictures with babies in Christmas lights. I will attempt that this year. I also am thinking of wrapping a box and having him sit in it. We shall see how this all goes. I may end up doing Christmas cookies and let him go to town with a Santa hat on.

The posts of kids in boxes reminded me of my Christmas card fail from when my DD was 3mo old!

INmommy871278

misspunky said:

Right now they're running a holiday special:

https://www.portraitinnovations.com/specials/175/Holiday-Special

I assume that only includes 1 or 2 different poses.  Still, it's a great deal!  They're always running some kind of special.

That is one pose and ends on Sunday November 24th.  The package includes: 2-10x13, 2-8x7, 2-5x7, 4-3x5, 32-walletts, 10 holiday cards, and your choice of a mug or keychain. One additional sheet is $20, two additional sheets are $40, and three additional sheets are $30.

kayohh

Pinterest is really helpful for things like this. This year i plan on only doing a picture of DS and maybe next year ill be a little more on top of things to get a family photo done.

I always love the light pictures. with the baby surrounded my the strand of lights

xoexpat

Some good tips/ideas here: https://clickitupanotch.com/2013/11/capture-your-christmas-photography-series/