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November 20, 2018
Ask Elizabeth, Christmas, Family, Winter

Tips for Taking Great Family Holiday Photos

Tips for Taking Great Family Holiday Photos

Ask Elizabeth: You always have beautiful photos for your Christmas cards! How do you do it?

Yes! Christmas Cards! What dreams are made of! I am a huge fan of making Christmas Cards every year and I even set out the old ones as part of our holiday display! Getting photos of the family taken is one of my favorite things so this question is perfect!

Tips for Taking Great Family Holiday Photos

Plan Ahead

If you want to make and get your Christmas cards out by December 1st, try getting photos end of October/ beginning of November so that you have time to order them and send them out. I know things may not yet feel festive but it is coming! The last several years we have actually used our anniversary photos in August so we didn’t need to rush to get photos to order. This year I really wanted the Christmas feel and got out in one of our first snows to get these pictures! If you are past my suggested dates – don’t freak out! Many photographers are still doing photos or you can set up a tripod real quick and gather the family.

Pick Your Outfits

There are so many ways you can go with this – outdoor casual, fancy holiday party, Christmas jamies, etc. Pick the style you want and make sure your whole family fits the theme. You will want everyone to match but not necessarily be in the same thing (unless it is matching jamies!) A lot of the time your outfits also match the location. So if you are outside in snow a more bundled look may be best verses being in your favorite coffee shop or a local hotel that does Christmas up. Since I wanted snow photos this year, our outfits match that weather but still look good together!

Have Fun/ Unpose

Your photographer will probably help you do this, but don’t just smile at the camera. Laugh, walk, talk and have fun. Let yourself loosen up and let your family be themselves. We tried so hard to get Hilde to smile for these photos but her 12 week old self was too busy wondering why we were out in the snow with a camera. But I didn’t worry about it! This is our family and our season of life! I still love these precious photos!

Go when there is Snow

I’m never able to get this one to work out for me but this year we lucked out! I texted my photographer Ashlee while it was snowing and told her we would love a family session in the snow if possible! We both jumped on the last minute train and got the photos! Here in Colorado the snow melts so fast so you really have to be on it!

Think Christmasy

Can you take photos in a Christmas Tree farm, in the snow, ice skating, drinking hot cocoa, or something festive you love to do? While vacation photos do work for Christmas cards, sometimes it feels more fitting to share a bundled up family photo and not swimsuits on the beach. If you are trying to get the photo before Christmas decor is up, think of other ways to make it feel like Christmas. Take photos near evergreens or bring a wreath (a fake one that you have in storage.) You can make a photo look like Christmas even if it is not!

Book your Fav Photographer

We love Ashlee and she takes all our family photos. I know her so well, I can just text to schedule our photos (and do the last minute thing. She rocks! All you Colorado locals need to check her out.) If you don’t ave a go-to photographer, you can find a local one you like by searching Instagram hashtags or asking your friends. Instagram Tip: Find someone who posts photos you like. This sounds like a no brainier but I know people who book photographers and want them to edit in a different style. Don’t be that person. Find a photographer that edits in the style you like. A lot of photographers also offer Christmas Specials where they stand in the snow and do snow sessions or hang out at a Christmas Tree farm and take photos for a lower rate so keep an eye out for that too!

PS: Bruce doesn’t love taking photos but he loves working with Ashlee because she puts everyone at ease and talks to us the whole time. Find someone that your family feels comfortable around and keep going back to them!

Work with What You Have

If you cannot book a photographer, set up a tripod and have some fun or ask a friend to come with you to take some photos. Any photo is better than no photo!

For tips on picking out your Christmas Cards, read this post on How to Choose your Christmas Cards.

Christmas Card Christmas Card Christmas Card Family Holiday Photos Family Holiday Photos Family Holiday Photos Family Holiday Photos Great Family Holiday Photos Great Family Holiday Photos Great Family Holiday Photos Tips for Taking Great Family Holiday PhotosTips for Taking Great Family Holiday Photos

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Hello + Welcome!

I’m Elizabeth, a Colorado photographer and blogger. I’m also a wife, mama, sister, daughter, and friend! Welcome to Oak + Oats! Here we look for the remarkable in the every day. We love photographing our daily moments, making memories, and sharing our favorite places here in this space.

Our happiest days are spent together – many of those with a camera in hand! My free time (ie: Nap Time) is spent behind my computer screen sharing our tips and stories with you! I’m glad you’re here!

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We put @photowall_sweden wallpaper up in our dinni We put @photowall_sweden wallpaper up in our dinning room and now everything looks like a still life painting. I don't hate it.
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This week has been a hard week and I just wanted t This week has been a hard week and I just wanted to remind you that no amount of instagram scrolling is going to soothe your heart. The headlines, inspirational quotes, and commentary only pales in comparison to Truth. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Go there. Read your Bible. Don't know where to start? Google a reading plan and open your Bible up. We need to be a people who hide the Word of the Lord in our hearts, who know Jesus Christ personally (who is the way, the Truth, and the life John 14: 6), and shine His light. The world needs hope, let's know it and let's share it! 

#faithfilledfridays with 
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Happy Epiphany! ⁠👑 ⁠ We're very new to the Happy Epiphany! ⁠👑
⁠
We're very new to the church calendar and the rhythms set up but I'm so thankful for them. Especially in this season of motherhood + C0vid when each day blends right into the next one. The readings, reminders, and patterns set up in the church calendar allow for reflection, education, and direction. It's always good to be encouraged to read scripture and fill our hearts with the Living Word. ⁠
⁠
Today is the first day in Epiphany which will go until February 16th when we enter the season of Lent. Today is also called Three Kings day and after a little research, we decided to celebrate by opening up a gift (these dresses!) and learning about the Magi who traveled from afar to meet Jesus to pay Him homage and honor Him as King & Lord. With a 2 -year-old and an almost 1-year-old, the comprehension isn't the most academic, but I wanted them (mostly Hilde) to recognize that she got a gift like the Wise Men brought gifts to Baby Jesus. And we can give gifts to Jesus too - like our praise! ⁠
⁠
Hilde wanted to wear crowns just like the three kings but we only have one crown so she picked these gold Minnie ears for Millie! Then we twirled while we danced and sang to worship songs together to give a gift back to Jesus. ⁠
⁠
As the girls grow, we will probably add in crafts and more activities, but it's also always okay to keep things simple. It is the heart that matters, not the presentation. ⁠
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"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land." - Psalm 95:1-5⁠
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Do you celebrate Epiphany? Or follow the church calendar? 👇🏼👇🏼

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