Twinkle lights add a burst of color

There are a number of ways you can take a plain boring posed picture to really make it special. A quick trip to the craft store or even just digging around in the old Christmas decorations is simple, easy and cheap.

Backdrops: Dig around in your old linens or take a trip to the local thrift shop to find sheets or large table clothes for your backdrops. You want a fairly large thick piece, such as a queen size sheet to cover a good area of the wall and some of the floor. Placing the children 3 feet from the back of the wall and using a lower aperture setting will blur any pilling or wrinkles the fabric may have. Quilters batten found at a local fabric or craft store that is at least 4 feet wide (for 2 children) can be used as a soft snow covered effect.
A large piece of velvet is also a good option but a bit pricier. Many online stores such as eBay do sell colorful or solid muslin (cloth) or salvage paper backdrops if you are looking for a more professional look. Find some glittery stars and tape them to your sheet or paper for an extra touch. You may even hang some garland or twinkle lights!
Using a big piece of Plexiglas on the floor will give a nice subtle reflection as well as keep your backdrops clean from any mess if you are using foods in your photos.

Stockings make a great prop!

Props: Most people have all the props they need right at home and don’t even know it! Dig through your Christmas supplies! Twinkle lights, garland, non breakable decorations. Pre-wrap a couple of boxes with a few of your child’s toys in them. Let them open them to see what’s inside while you capture the moment! Your child will light up at the though of a special treat inside even if it’s something they already own. Stuff a stocking with old socks and a few candy canes or small wrapped boxes peeking out the top. Snug your newborn inside a large stocking or pre-wrapped open box.

Candid: The Christmas season is full of activities for kids. Get your camera ready and let the kids decorate Christmas Cookies, writing letters to Santa or making ornaments for the tree. Bring some decorations outdoors and let the kids decorate a tree or shrub in your yard. If you have snow there is always snow angels, building a snowman, snuggled together on a sleigh or even a playful snowball fight are great opportunities. Even if you live in a warmer climate, Nature is all around you. Bring some holiday cheer to your environment. Let your child’s imagination guide you.

A little background color really add an extra touch!

Remember it may take 20 snapshots to get the perfect one. Keep exploring different ideas and props. Your photo will look great on the Christmas card to family and friends and they will love seeing your kids in action.

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