Between the dog barking, little ones fidgeting, and Grandpa closing his eyes, it can feel near impossible to snap the perfect family picture. But with the holidays bringing everyone together, it’s the perfect time to try and preserve those happy memories with flawless photos.

• Avoid matching outfits
  If you put everyone (including the family pet) in the exact same argyle sweater, the photo will look like just that—one big argyle sweater. Instead, opt for a specific color palette in basic colors; shades of blue, red, green, or ivory are nice for the holidays. Doing this can keep everyone in the photo looking cohesive, not over the top.

• Pay attention to lighting
  For the perfect glow, keep in mind the “golden hour,” which falls right before sunset and makes for incredibly well-lit images. Depending on the weather and how the sunlight comes through your windows, midday light can also work well for photos—just make sure family members are not facing the sun to avoid a picture with everyone squinting.



• Get kids involved
  There’s no question kids can be antsy, so any way to make the process more fun for them is crucial. Also, remember that you don’t necessarily need every person looking directly at the camera to get the perfect shot. Natural, candid photos can be the best kind! So instead of exhausting all your energy on keeping kids still, encourage them to relax and pose naturally—yes, even if that means sticking their tongues out. And if they want to hang on to favorite toys or comforting objects, let them.

• Arrangement is key
  Everyone has a photo in which some people in the shot can hardly be seen because of someone’s height or position. It’s important to keep photo subjects staggered throughout the image, with taller individuals toward the back. People of similar heights should also be separated to keep the photo from looking uninteresting.



• Use the background
  The background of your photo should be representative of the season and of your family. If there’s a special ornament or decoration that is unique to yours, make sure it’s highlighted—whether you have someone hold it or hang it in the background. If your dad is known for his funky hats, let him break one out for the photo. These are the memories you’ll want to look back on years after the photo was taken.

When you look back on the holidays, you’ll want to have plenty of family photos to pass around. These tips can help ensure you get a picture you’d be proud to put on a holiday card.

Holiday photos should be fun! Use these props to add a bit of excitement to your family portraits.