Picture Perfect!

Looking for a photo for your holiday cards this year? Here's some tips for taking a great family photo.

Kids Move (don't we all know that!)

Kids like to move so take lots of shots. Give yourself plenty of time and just keep clicking!

Talk to Kids While Taking Pictures

Talking to kids is the best way to get them to look natural for the camera. It’s also the best way to get them to look at the camera. Ask questions, engage and be silly.

Zoom in Close

Step in or zoom in close. Focus on what is important and exclude the rest. Close up face shots are ideal, but don’t get hung up on having all the kids looking at the camera.

Capture the relationship

Kids love to be with other. Take photos that show them playing and talking together.

Having kids interacting naturally and sharing a moment can make a much more powerful picture even if they are not looking right at the camera.

Use Natural Lighting With Kids

In the morning when the sun comes up and at dusk when the sun is about to set are great times to get the best lighting. I once had my girls up at 6:00 am for a family shot! They still tease me about it but the picture turned out amazing!

Shoot at eye level
Try shooting at the same level as your children. Try kneeling down or sitting on the ground and snapping some photos from the child's perspective.

Watch for distracting backgrounds

Photoshop or picnik.com is great for editing pictures, but it’s even better if you don't need to use them at all. Look at the background, let the man walking to dog pass by before taking your photo.

Kids are always on the go and you never know what they will do next. The best tip is to let them be themselves. Not that you have the perfect family photo, why not show them off with a unique and warm holiday card? I hand selected over 70 adorable holiday cards at www.inkandpaige.com. Your photo will thank you!

I had my girls photo taken by Jeannie at Avalon Art Photo at the Jersey shore this summer and got an adorable shot so my holiday photo is all set (see my holiday card above - can also be used as an ornament - how cute is that!) Down by the Jersey Shore this summer - check out Jeannie's studio - Avalon Art (www.avalonartphoto.com). Her family shots are always personal and gorgeous.