It's the holidays and that means family gatherings! And it is the perfect time to get some great family photos. No matter what kind of camera you have, you can create some great images if you family is willing. 

Usually when a family member asks for a "family photo" what they want is the whole family all looking at the camera and smiling. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this type of photo. I highly recommend that you get one of these! You will treasure it for years to come.

Sometimes getting the whole family together at one time is no easy task, so take advantage of every one being together and get that great picture(or call me to get one for you).

But don't stop at just one great pictures. There are some easy things you can do to add interest to your family holiday photos. You can everyone dress in matching pjs, or add in some props (most of which you probably have already around the house). A few ideas (and these work best with children) are:

lights/trees/ornaments

cookies/candy canes

books/toys

hats

presents

One of the best things you can do is to show interaction between family members (even if it is staged). Here are some ideas, but the list is endless. Think about things that your family loves and incorporate them in to your pictures.

baking cookies

decorating the tree

reading a story 

handing a present

toasting with a glass of wine

building a snowman

making snow angels

playing board games

If you want something really outside of the box you can try the "bad 1980s JC Pennys" portrait look or you can create something fun in photoshop with digital backgrounds and compositing. Don't have photoshop skills but have a great idea? Well, you can call me because that one of my favorite things to do. 

And then there is this.....

Have fun!

And enjoy your holidays!

Sharon