Rules, Rules, Rules

So, you get this great idea about the perfect holiday card and you try to shoot a great photo for this great card you are envisioning but you can't seem to get the children to cooperate and nothing you capture comes close to fitting that vision. Big problem. I've been there. And this is why I believe that although it helps to have a creative plan of attack, you shouldn't get too attached to it. It's just setting yourself up for certain heartache. Take it from me. No matter how much I think I know exactly what I want my card to end up like, once I take the photos, the vision changes and they are never what I had originally thought they'd be. It's not always a drastic change but it's enough to remind me to tell you that when you are including a photo in your card design, you must let the photo lead the design. And like what Kelly eluded to in her comment yesterday, it's a matter of which photo turns out these best that will decide on which way the card will go. Great idea by the way Kelly! Thanks for that.

Therefore, I give you Rule #1- Have a flexible vision. For example, last year I dressed my girls up in these fantastic retro coats that they got from a dear family friend.  We went to the beach one chilly afternoon and ran around and played and I chased them up and down the beach with my camera and it was awesome. Note-I did not tell them we were shooting holiday card photos (see next Rule #2)! I just shot what was fun that afternoon with no big agenda and I had no idea what would work for a card so I didn't sweat it. Once I got the images back (last year was pre-digital for me) and sifted through them I had a few favs. for sure. I asked my hubby to decide between my favorite three and the design just kind of naturally happened. I will be sharing these photos and cards with you all in the next week but for now, let's get to the next rule.

Rule #2. Don't tell the kids a thing. Like Melody mentioned in her comment, he boys run away when she says Christmas pictures. I don't blame them. My kids do too. So, why fight a loosing battle when you have the option of turning the whole thing around and making it a positive. Playtime ladies. Let the kids play and take photos of that. Unless you're doing some big formal thing (and I don't usually recommend trying that on your own) just let them get dirty (if that's the kind of kid you have) and enjoy it. If nothing else, you'll spend an hour together, being silly and having fun and that's never wasted time.

Rule #3. Identify your limits this year. So, you've decided to go with a photo. Great. Now, you need to figure out how much time it will take to get the photo, and how much longer it will take to do the cards and more than that, how much time you are willing and able to spend on the venture. If you've committed to give the photo thing a go, I'm right there with ya and I'll help you out in any way I can. Once you take and choose the perfect photo THEN it's time to decide how to proceed. We will touch on the many options there are once the photo work is done but that is putting the reindeer before the sleigh so before that happens we MUST get back to Rule #1- our flexible vision.

Tomorrow's post will include my list of cute and clever photo ideas to help you formulate your vision (if you don't have one already). And if you've got any to share, we would LOVE to hear about them.

Comments

[Alissa]

Just wanted to share...

I have 1 child that loves to have his picture made (5 years old), and one that hates it (3 years old). When I wanted photos for a Christmas card this year, I told them that Santa wouldn't know who they were unless I sent him a picture. And that unless they were smiling and happy he would think they hadn't been good.

Mean, I know. But it worked!

I did have to mail a picture to Santa--we included it with their letter to Santa. Small price to pay for big big smiles.

[Nancy]

This is great advice. Thank you! I just bought outfits for our holiday cards -- and I did casual, so I think that will fit well with the guidelines you shared above.

[Melody]

I'm sitting in lotus position and repeating your suggested mantra "This year, my holiday cards will not stress me out". And what a simple idea to not tell them we're shooting the Christmas card photo.

I'm getting out the Canon (which I still cannot operate except on full auto) and snapping away without even dressing them in "special" clothing.

Thanks. Can't wait to read your list of ideas.

[Michelle]

Great advice and I can't wait for some ideas and examples!

[Kelly Bera]

I totally agree with your idea of just having fun with your kids and taking shots of them relaxed. This is the pictures from last year's card. The kids were in there pjs and it took very little direction to get these pics. It was my son's first Christmas so the sentiment was that my daughter's favorite gift was that she now has a brother to play with.

http://static.flickr.com/101/298187955_a1466ddf6b_o.jpg

[anna]

I agree with all your advice, it has worked well for me! One of my most favourite pics of my boys is where they are filthy dirty, but have huge grins on their faces and were hugging each other while playing. I know that part of my successes is the fact that I now have a digital, and I am not afraid to shoot 100 or more pictures in a 15 minute time frame - something I never would have done with film!

[Karen]

THANKS for the advice, just what I need right now as I agreed to take some digital pics for a xmas card as a favor. I already told them I'd take the kids outside (hope the weather cooperates) and just get some snapshots. I'm anxiously awaiting your next post!

[Jessica New]

Another possible idea....
To make a collage of the best pictures of the year & make that your card! Or just choose the favorite family photo of the year....
Or go out in the next week or 2 & do a fun winter themed family activity (like ice-skating, etc.) & get a shot of that!
You're right TRACEY, when it comes to expectations in regards to photos & children.... the lower, the better!!

[Reiza-Mara]

You have fabulous points. These rules are so good, in fact, that they inspired a whole blog entry of mine about my insane attempt at family pictures. :-)

My brother has a 2-week-old baby. I'm sending him a link to this post so he has a better grasp on reality than I did when it comes to holiday card photos.