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The holiday season is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to capture beautiful family memories. Whether you’re planning to send out holiday cards, decorate your home with updated family portraits, or just want to document the joy of togetherness, here are five tips to make your DIY family photos this season shine:

1. Plan Coordinating Outfits, Not Matching Ones

Instead of everyone wearing the same outfit, aim for a cohesive color palette. Think jewel tones, earth tones, or classic holiday colors like deep reds, greens, and golds. If you have time to plan in advance, this approach ensures that everyone looks great together while allowing individual personalities to shine through.

Bonus tip: avoid distracting patterns or logos to keep the focus on your family. And don’t forget to also capture fun candids in holiday sweaters or pajamas for a more relaxed, festive vibe!

2. Use Natural Light

If you’re shooting indoors, try positioning your family near a large window during the day to take advantage of soft, natural light. Outdoors, aim for the “golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—for flattering, warm lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows and squinty eyes.

3. Choose a Simple Background

The simpler the background, the more your family will stand out. Indoors, a plain wall, decorated mantle, or Christmas tree can work beautifully. Outdoors, look for an uncluttered backdrop like a snow-covered field, a row of trees, or a cozy front porch. Keep it festive but not overwhelming.

4. Set Up Your Camera for Success

If you’re using a smartphone, take advantage of portrait mode for that professional blurred background effect (be sure to get some in non-portrait mode too). For those with a camera, use a tripod and a remote shutter or the self-timer feature to get everyone in the shot. Position the camera at eye level for the most flattering angle, and don’t be afraid to take multiple shots to ensure everyone’s smiling.

Pro tip: if you have an iPhone and an Apple Watch, you can use your watch as a remote trigger to capture the perfect moment!

Pro tip II: A tripod is also great for a cell phone! This is an affordable tripod I use regularly with my phone.

5. Keep It Fun and Candid

The best family photos capture genuine joy and connection. Don’t stress about perfect poses—sometimes the laughter between shots or the kids being silly are the moments you’ll cherish most. Play music, crack jokes, and let everyone’s personalities shine. The more relaxed everyone is, the better the photos will turn out.

Taking your own family photos can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s not for everyone. If coordinating outfits, wrangling kids, and figuring out lighting feels more stressful than joyful, don’t worry! At REL Portraits, we specialize in capturing the love and connection of families during the holidays and beyond. Let us take the stress out of the equation and create beautiful, timeless images you’ll treasure forever. Reach out today to book your session—we’d love to be part of your holiday traditions!

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