So with Halloween falling on a weekday most of us already celebrated last weekend. That's over, costumes are crusty, candy is discounted, so what's next...IN the age of instant gratification, we need to get focused on the next big day, sorry thanksgiving you do not have time in this equation. From today forward TV, social media even shopping displays; EVERYTHING is centered on one thing...Christmas. YEP. who needs thanksgiving, its almost enmeshed with Halloween, so keep those decorations and focus on the big event...Your family holiday card.
As a photographer (a depiction that makes me seem much more serious than I am) I'm boggled with millions of great photos leaving me on a quest to find the perfect one! After all, this photo will represent your families year in one snap!
Too many photos, too little time and way too much thought... Leaves many forgetting the essential one piece, we have a family to be proud enough to photograph and the ability to swap cards with loved ones! All that really matters is the thought behing actually sending a card. Most often its the only card ine recieves all year! If someone were to judge your life by a photo, then by all means think of removing that person from next years mass mailing.
Strait photos has compelled a list of essentials to convey the image "you" wish to convey to your audience. Are you a silly family or perhaps a "Santa's lap" experience must be included? Either way, your photo will be perfect if you genuinely love what you are doing. Similar to life, when we enjoy an activity, there is never enough "time;" however when we loath the moment we know a child will scream or a spouse will wrinkle an eyebrow the experience is lost and the picture simply becomes an old photo at best.
This year maybe try to show yourself and your family, in your element, doing the thing that best makes your family come alive.
Strait photos has compelled a list of the top 5 "must haves" in a holiday card.
5. Everyone looking at the camera. In the heat of the photoshoot one can appear overwhelming and sometimes quite difficult. For instance, if you have young children or teens, (two of the more "difficult" ages to capture) remember an inside joke, fart, make a reference to aunt Sally's excess halitosis! Be creative, silly, sing a favorite toddler tune and just maybe be less serious...
Genuine happiness often represents itself best in unposed and natural states. Afterall it's just a photo not your audition for America's next top model! Relax and just go with the flow. A good photographer will take the lead. So sit back and play the "cover glamorous" role in your photo!
4. Holiday flare - folks want to spice it up, decorate, pick a forest scene, get grandmas favorite Christmas vest. Reverse roles; (this is a sure shift in mood moment) if your a parent act like your stubborn string willed toddler! As a mother and therapist workibg with teens, I frequently encourage my youth to be the therapist, it cracks them up! Same with my daughter, when I pretend I am sleeping and snore, my daughter will belly laugh and "say mommy sleepy," "do again!" it could go in fir gours so set your limit. Switching roles gives all a perspective that inevitably builds a sense if unity and laughter.
3. Background setting, key factor! Folks appeal to a variety of elements. Some prefer the traditional "feel" while others like a "SoCal" beach vibe. Whatever your cultural and or religious beliefs, overall everyone appears to agree that a family "tradition" make for a "perfect" card, translating to a pleasant family experience. After all, if you send a card where family members or loved ones are geniuniely engaged, (recorruing word for strait photo friends) the photo in turn takes on that moment.
2. Smile, cheese. Happy day! Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, Yay Kwanzaa or one of the million other traditions observed; the main priniciple expressed is relaying consist happiness to those who comprise ones community. Embracing the moment, being presently aware of what brought you to purchase or conduct a "photo shoot."
1. Most importantly, to all that Strait Photos polled, is that sense of connectedness. That the photographer understanding the people inthe photo. Share a few tips about yourself, even if unsolicited by the photgrapher will assist in building uniqueness. Do not be afraid to speak up. Tell the photographer what you want. If assertiveness is not your strength, practice telling someone what you want. Start now, be kind and let the photgrapher know your vision, we all have one. Remind yourself, it's your time, your memory, own it!
On that note; I'd like to revisit Halloween, since it is tomorrow! This is my family's attempt at a Halloween card, and yes it happen! So just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."
Happy Halloween!
Strait photos
