Monday, November 27, 2017

{ DIY Christmas Photos in 6 Simple Steps.. }

Welcome back everyone!!! I hope your Thanksgiving was a blast & you enjoyed your family etc.. Today I'm sharing something that is near & dear to my heart for more than one reason to be honest. Sooo I mention this 10 million times every Christmas & I'm sure you guys can tell, but I'm Christmas crazy & that means having our pictures taken around this time for our annual Christmas card that goes out soon. So, we used to use my professional camera, we've had them taken & we've done them ourselves & to be honest it's sooo much more fun being able to do your own for so many reasons & it doesn't have to be difficult!! Before I get a flood of e-mails saying things like " Well you're a blogger of course it's easy" or " You use Photoshop " or " You use an expensive camera" etc.. I will share a little secret with you guys..I use NONE OF THOSE for our photos!! I've become so simple these days & the more rustic & authentic the better, because who wants to look so staged it's creepy..Ya, not us either! Today I'm sharing some simple ways to take photos for this upcoming season!!!


1. PICK YOUR LOCATION

This is the biggest part of how you want your photos/card to look like are dependent on your location! I always go with a neutral, but festive background like a tree farm lot, park or just any solid background for an even easier pick. Crop out any not so "pretty" things that may end up on the sides..This can be done right on your phone..which leads me to my next tip below!!



2. USE YOUR PHONE /SELFIE STICK

Okay before you laugh at the selfie stick thing which is kind of funny, but seriously you guys it works wonders, they're super cheap & if you're alone or can't get someone to snap a few or you don't have a camera timer/ tripod use this tip!! It may not be the best, but it's practical & helpful. You can always use the above what I mentioned as well too which are obviously better!



Side Note: After you take a few photos you like you can edit them right on your phone with tons of free apps before transferring your photos to a @vistaprint card!

3. PICK YOUR THEME/ OUTFITS

This is another one of those things that can make a non-professional photoshoot more professional looking by simply coordinating your outfits per the occasion. I would stick to sold colors & just add accents etc..The bolder the better!!



4. BRING A PROP

This isn't a MUST ,but bringing a small prop to add something to the photos is always fun!! You could do a wreath, festive blanket, scarf, mistletoe etc..



5. EDIT

After you take your photos & pick which ones you want, then go on on your phone/ free app & crop, darken the contrast, add warmth etc..Most phones even do face brightening, retouching, blurred background effects etc..Super easy & they make the photos more eye appealing & crisp!



6. ORDER THEM

This is my most favorite step!!! We've been using Vistaprint for almost 6 years now & they NEVER disappoint!! They're super fun, affordable & FAST!! They also have awesome customer service & plenty of holiday options for all your Christmas card needs! I think last time I looked they had over 150 to choose from & they're always offering discount codes!!



VISTAPRINT 

I hope you guys like these kind of posts!! Not everyone has the time or funds to hire a photographer, so hopefully these can help you in some way this holiday season. I'll be back shortly to my regular decor posts..& I'm super excited about showing you guys our little suburban cottage decked out for Christmas!! 

Happy Tuesday!! 

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says it, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 
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Paige.Rose