Holiday picture card pointers

Instead of sending the same, boxed holiday greeting to everyone on your mailing list, a more personal way to stay in touch is with a photo card. Not only does it spread holiday cheer, it shows out-of-town friends and relatives just how the family has grown during the past year.

Make your holiday greetings special by choosing a photo card.

But don't just point and shoot any which way. Follow these photography pointers and your card will be on everyone's mantel.

DO IT YOURSELF

The shot: The first thing you should do is match the card's mood to your photo. Some cards are simple with a seasonal color and an accent like snowflakes. Others are full of color and design. For more formal cards, a sit-down, posed family portrait will work. Set up the shot in a large, well-lit area. Pose people of different heights on chairs or stools to help. (Don't forget to leave a spot for you!) Avoid placing everyone against a wall or near mirrors and fireplace covers. These things will cause light to bounce back to the lens and create glare, red-eye and shadows. The background also shouldn't have objects that look like they are coming from people's heads, such as vertical lines, trees or wall edges.

Don't feel like you need to be stuck indoors. Head outside where you have scenic foliage or the winter's snow. Take advantage of the natural light.

Regardless of where you take the shot, a simple background that doesn't detract from your subjects works best.

For more informal cards, take a candid shot. It can be of the family on vacation, sitting in the yard, or just hanging out. Be sure to move in tight enough. A beach landscape may be picturesque, but you are taking a shot of your family, not the seaside.

Colors: In formal photos, your family will look much better if they coordinate with your card. If the card is blue, ask everyone to wear white tops and dark pants. Mom's jeans don't have to be the same shade as daughter Jane's, but the coordinating colors will create a unified portrait.

Informal shots are just that, informal. While the colors don't have to be complementary, they shouldn't clash, like polka dots with stripes.

Lighting: Flash is your friend. However, it should not be so overpowering that it causes shadows or brightens skin tones. Your camera's instruction manual will help you adjust the flash.

BY A PROFESSIONAL

Photographer: Call a photographer whose work you've admired from a wedding album or a newspaper or magazine advertisement. Word of mouth is a safe route to go.

The shot: Have the portrait taken wherever you'd like at home, in front of the Christmas tree or menorah, at a portrait studio or outdoors. The location depends on how formal or informal you want the shot.