Taking the “perfect” family photo for your Holiday card, can be super stressful! You have to find the perfect location, the perfect outfits, and you have to somehow get everyone to look at the camera at the same time smiling a perfect smile!
A few years ago, when it was just me, my husband, and 3 dogs; I gave up having the perfect family picture. Who wants a stiffly posed, forced smile, cookie-cutter, no personality picture anyway? ME? I still do. I still want that one perfect image, just to say we did it.
But, I’ve also fallen love in with the awkward, funny outtakes that are happening when the person behind the camera just keeps clicking in between the poses. Honestly, these are my favorite photos. These are the pictures that show just how goofy and loving our family really is. These photos show our personality and if you are getting our holiday card, then you already know just how silly we are! The photos I choose for our card give our family and friends and glimpse into how we’ve changed over the year, but also a look into our everyday life. These types of pictures bring our friends and family who don’t see us often into our little world.
Here are a few tips from my family to yours on how to love imperfect pictures:
1. Who cares if no one is looking directly at the camera! One of our best photos had no one looking at the camera. I think we all look happy, healthy, and wise (pondering the great mysteries of the universe, looking up to the sky, or you know the dogs smelled a squirrel). My dog, Trusty, never looks at the camera unless I’m behind it! In 99% of all our family pictures, her butt is facing the camera. It has definitely become a joke in our house! Bless her little well-trained, focused on me heart.
2. Embrace the chaos! Trying to wrangle dogs, pets, kids, and humans is hard. Sometimes life is chaotic, go with it! Try to cherish the quiet moments too if and when they come!
3. Don’t make trying to take the perfect holiday card picture into a stressful event! Easier said than done, right?!? The holidays are all about enjoying your family, slowing down, and connecting. Take a breath, take a sip or two of wine, go with the flow, and SAY CHEESE!
The take away is to enjoy this time of year and your family. If you need any help with taking the perfect or imperfect holiday family photo, I’m always here to help! From my family to yours, Happy Holidays and have a Happy, Healthy New Year!
