Christmas/holiday portrait ideas??

[oliviasmomma]

Last year we sprung for pictures--it was DD's first Christmas and all. This year our budget is a bit tighter (and I have too many things on my wishlist for DD) so I'm thinking about taking my own pics. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm going to try to get some fall leaves pics, but I'm not sure if I'll use those. It is so brown, muddy and depressing in MI until it snows, so I'm planning on inside pics--maybe with strands of lights--but that is as creative as I've gotten so far!

[punkrockmama]

It's fun to do a homemade photo shoot. :)

I'd hang a white sheet up behind your daughter and let it lay out on the floor. That's a good, clean, background to start with.

I've heard people say that you shouldn't let kids play with the strands of lights at all because of the lead in them, but I think that as long as they're not putting them in their mouth or playing with them too long it's just fine. I think the pics with the strands of oversized (not super big but bigger than what's normally on a tree) lights are really cute.

You could check out some photographer's websites for inspiration. You'll have to share the results. :) Have fun!

[kcimato]

I ordered photo cards from www.purplestork.com last year but they were expensive. They do however have a section on ohto tips that I found helpful.

[thomma]

We used kid sized Santa hats a few years ago and got some really cute pictures.

Kim
t&e 5/03

[overcome]

i don't know where you live but if there are evergreen trees in your area, you could use that as a background. Just get in close so all they see is your dd and the branches from the tree. You could even string lights in them.

We might put our wreath with lights on the door and take our pic in the next couple weeks. I think outside light is best.

Good luck!

[ribbit1019]

Katie took a super cute one of Toby last year. He was in PJ's playing with a strand of lights. Gorgeous pic, so much so that I still remember it from last year. :)

OOHH I found it!
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboar...5747&mode=full

It is about 3/4 of the way down. There are lots of card ideas in this thread too. HTH!

Christy
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[maestramommy]

Sometimes I think the "informal" shots are the best if you're going to be turning them into holiday greetings (not sure if that was your intention?). Last year we took pictures in our church garden with me in burgundy, dh in a dark green jacket, and Dora in a flowery sling. I think it turned out pretty well. Then we picked a border at Costco and ordered a whole bunch. This year we'll probably do the same thing (we've been doing this for about 3-4 years I think) as it's easy, relatively cheap, and one less thing I have to obsess over :-).

[oliviasmomma]

Thanks everyone, you led me to some great ideas. Now I just have to get organized enough to set them up--once I do, I'll share!

[Tondi G]

Just wanted to share this pic I took of my little guy last year when the lights just weren't working out for us!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y19...decpics080.jpg

this was our fall leaves picture

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y19...allpics025.jpg

~Tondi

[oliviasmomma]

Those are great--what a cutie, I love his smile!