Today, I am so excited to have my good friend and photographer, Glory Thompson of Glory Roze Photography sharing the best tips and tricks on how to pose for family pictures for the jolliest photos for your holiday cards this year and years to come! And if you’re looking for someone to take really great photos for you throughout phases of your life, Glory is our go-to! She takes amazing photos, works magic with Winston & Gizmo, and has such a beautiful eye for shots! Here are five tips on how to pose your family pictures for your holiday cards.
How to Pose for Family Pictures for your Holiday Cards
Hi I’m Glory Thompson of GloryRoze Photography. I’m a portrait photographer, and I shoot any and all things except for weddings. I’ve been in the photography business for 7 years and specialize in family portraits and influencer content. Today, I’m bringing you a few tips on how you can make the most out of your holiday photoshoots so that you can have the jolliest of holiday cards this year.
First: Do whatever it takes to get real smiles.
People’s expressions make a photo, so if you want that ideal holiday card, be certain that you can ensure that all kids and animals will be smiling and looking at the camera. For adults, have a drink, some caffeine, or a sweet before your shoot. Choose whatever works best for you to loosen up or hype up so that you are happy and ready to show a real smile for your pictures. If you have young children, bring a favorite toy or something that the photographer could hold or be ready to play a song so that your children will look their way and smile. If you have a pet in your photo, bring your pet’s favorite toy and a leash that is either inconspicuous or matches your clothing color scheme.
Second: Wear something festive.
Speaking of color schemes, wear something festive. Reds and greens are always a favorite for this time of year. Stay away from small plaid patterns, but large plaid is fine. You could do matching outfits, or you could pick a color scheme and share it with everyone who will be in the photo. When in doubt ask your photographer.
Third: Shoot somewhere festive.
Also, shoot somewhere festive. A lot of people in the Raleigh area tend to lean toward family photos in a park. Instead of following the norm, ask your photographer if they know of any locations with more holiday spirit such as a Christmas tree farm or at your home with your own holiday decor.
Fourth: Consider bringing holiday themed props.
However, there is nothing wrong with shooting at a park, and Raleigh has so many that can be utilized. But to really get that extra jolliness for your photos, bring props. Props can be so fun, plus you can take them in and out of photos so that you can use the photos year-round and put them up in your home without it looking like holiday décor but also get those happy holiday cards full of holiday spirit. Think of things that you already have or could pick up for cheap, such as hats, fake snow, or a string of lights.
Fifth: Be the best you!
Lastly, be the best you. The true meaning of holiday cards is to share holiday spirit and joy with your loved ones near and far. Don’t get caught up in the specifics or in doing what you think you should do just because it’s what everyone else does. My most common advice is to do what works best for you to have your most real smile. If that means shooting at your home or at your favorite coffee shop, that’s what you should do because that will output the best photos of real joy and true holiday spirit.
A photographer’s note: Always respond to your photographer after they deliver your photos. When you don’t respond they never know whether you liked the photos that they sent you or whether you even received them. And if you have any type of problem with the photos, they’ll never be able to help you if you don’t ask!
We have loved using Glory for taking our holiday photos. We’ve met at a Christmas tree farm, a local farm, and our home, and we’ve loved all of them equally! We always ask the sites if we can shoot there prior to showing up and would recommend that process. Another favorite place to shoot is in Raleigh is Historic Oakwood. The neighborhood is beautiful, festive, and has a ton of locations to pick from!
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Glory has done all our family photos… she is the best! I love how she captures the joy and love Of oUr famiLy ❤️ She Has such an engaging personality and makes it a fun exPerience.