It’s Family Portrait Time!

I am one of those people who shudders at Christmas decoration displays and change stations as soon as I hear holiday music before Thanksgiving.

Just one holiday at a time, please! So I know it is counterintuitive that I am recommending that you take your holiday family portrait now. Yup, put it on your calendar or you’ll lose the window of opportunity to send out a great photo this year.

If your family is anything like mine, you’ve got kids living away from home with jam-packed schedules. I find it easiest to send a group email suggesting a few dates when everyone can gather for that — okay, I’ll admit it — dreaded photo shoot.  Try to pick a date and time that might coincide with another reason to gather — like a birthday party or shopping date.

Then, make sure your camera batteries are fully charged and you have a memory card with plenty of space.  Think about where you want this photo taken.  If it’s outdoors, consider the time of day to make sure shadows won’t ruin your pictures.  For indoor shots, set up your backdrop ahead of time.  Consider bringing out your holiday decorations just for the photoshoot.  And don’t forget your tripod, or ask a friend to shoot the photos for you.  Selfies won’t really cut it here.

Don’t have time to set up a photoshoot? Then get a professional photo taken at a local photography studio, and let them handle the backdrops and lighting. Make sure to discuss the cost of the shoot and the costs for the photos before you set up your dates.

After you select the photo, order your holiday cards before Thanksgiving so you can send your cards out before 2016. You can also send e-cards to family and friends who have email addresses. Either way, update your mailing and email lists now before the holidays to avoid 11th-hour crises – nobody needs to have a nervous breakdown during the holidays!