Tips on How to Make Your Christmas Photo Great

Nothing makes holiday photo cards unique, personal, and memorable like including a great photograph. It offers the perfect opportunity to let your personality shine.

 

While this is all tons of fun, taking a great photo for your holiday photo cards can be more difficult than you might first think. The hardest part is deciding what kind of picture you'd like to take. From formal posed portraits to candid and funny shots, here are a few ideas for taking great holiday pictures for your Christmas photo cards.

 

What Comes First, the Picture or the Card?

 

This question can lead to quite a debate between people who take their holiday photo cards seriously. Some people choose a card that suits a picture already taken while others like to choose their Christmas photo cards first and then take their picture so it matches the card.

 

Regardless of which works best for you, at least looking at the selection of holiday photo cards available will give you some ideas for the size of photograph you might want to take and some ideas for colors that might complement the look of several of your favorite cards. Some of our holiday cards are all about your photographs, such as our All About You Holiday Photo Card or Classy Collage Holiday Photo Card.  They offer the opportunity to include many images, so knowing your choices might help spark an idea for the perfect Christmas picture that wins best of the season.

 

Ideas for Standout Christmas Photo Cards

 

You’ve heard the saying, "The more, the merrier?" Well, it's definitely true when it comes to your holiday photo cards. Don't just put your kids in the picture this year. Jump in the picture yourself along with the dog and your pet hamster to make a merry picture even merrier. While everyone loves seeing pictures of cute kids, your card recipients will also appreciate seeing the whole family in the picture. (That means you, too, Mom and Dad.)

 

If you want to do something a little different, consider taking black and white pictures for your Christmas photo cards. Most digital cameras have a setting that will allow you to shoot in black and white or you can use software to change your digital photo to a grayscale image. Black and white photographs look best when very simple, such as a close up of a baby sleeping or work well when you love how the people in the photo look but the background colors are distracting.

 

While posed portrait shots are gorgeous, sometimes the best pictures are candid shots full of personality. Instead of stiff posed portraits of your children standing in front of the Christmas tree with perfect hair and not a wrinkled shirt in sight, consider taking snapshots of the family goofing around, giggling, acting silly, or doing things they enjoy.

 

Gift Boxes - Put some open big gift boxes under your tree and let your child, cat, husband, or whoever sit in the box and put their hands up just like they popped right out on Christmas morning. You can even set the scene by strewing wrapping paper and bows around or even place a bow on their head for a super cute photograph.

 

Include the Year - If you have at least four people in your shot, you have the perfect opportunity to include the year in your photograph. Simply buy large wooden numbers from your local craft store and paint them with a holiday theme or make your own creative numbers for the year of your photograph. Have the people in your photo hold the numbers up in a fun or unusual way and no one will ever have to think back to remember what year you took this Christmas photograph.

 

Trimming the Tree - This is an oldie, but a goodie that still makes for a great picture for Christmas photo cards. This can be Norman Rockwell type image where you set up something funny like Mom decorating the tree, Dad placing a star on top, and the kids sneaking a peek at their presents under their feet.

 

Antlers and Santa Hats - Overdone? Perhaps. But still as cute as ever for holiday photo cards, especially on kids and pets.

 

With many styles and colors of holiday photo cards available, we make it easy to try something different or stick with traditional pictures for your Christmas photo card this year. Start planning early and let your imagination go wild for the most special holiday cards of the season.

Pocket Photo Holiday Cards

Starting to stress out that you don't have your holiday photo picked out yet or aren't sure what you're even going to do? Would you LOVE to get your holiday cards ordered and addressed but think you can't do that without having your photo ready? You're not alone. I'm right with you.

Introducing our Pear Tree Greetings Pocket Holiday Card collection where you insert your own photo.

Not only are they beautiful and unique but they solve all of the above problems! You can order them and even address the envelopes without having to pick out your photo yet. Plus, if you have had your photo taken by a professional this allows you to order 4x6 prints directly from them and place in one of these beautiful pocket cards.

So, problem solved, stress reduced.

Here are a few of my favorite pocket designs for 2009.

Jump for Joy - Holiday Photo Card

Sweet Blossoms - Photo Holiday Card

Holly Haven - Holiday Photo Card

Go “Green” with Recycled Christmas Cards

With the Christmas season approaching quickly, the time for choosing holiday cards is here. Whether selecting cards to send to your family and friends or also to your customers and business colleagues, giving 'green' Christmas cards is an environm­ental choice that is more popular than ever. Today's green, or recycled, Christmas cards look a lot different than the recycled cards of the past, making them both an eco-friendly and beautiful choice for this holiday season.

 

Until recently, recycled paper looked…well, recycled. It usually resembled that brown craft paper sold in rolls at your local arts and crafts store. It had flecks of particles in it that gave it an unmistakably recycled look. However, today's recycled Christmas cards are much different from those of the past.

 

Today, recycled paper looks just as clean and bright as brand new paper made from virgin tree pulp. In fact, if it weren't for the recycled paper symbol that is printed on each of these cards, you would have a difficult time telling recycled paper from new paper.

 

When shopping for holiday cards made from recycled paper, you'll find that all our flat and folded cards are made from 100% recycled post-consumer fibers. We also have a selection of holiday cards that showcase recycled themes in the designs. Whether you want to promote environmental awareness, make a statement about your environmental concerns, or just fall in love with one of our designs that just happens to be printed on recycled paper, you are sure to find the perfect holiday cards to express season's greetings to everyone on your list.

 

Here are some of our most popular recycled Christmas cards. Available in more colors than just standard red and green, our recycled Christmas cards make it simple and fun to send a holiday message that suits your personal style.

 

 

Christmas Two for One - Recycled Christmas Card

 

Spot-On - Recycled Christmas Card

 

Sending recycled Christmas cards from Pear Tree Greetings shows much more than your love and good cheer toward the recipient. They also share your love for our planet and environment during this festive holiday season.

How to take great Fall photos

Capturing great fall photos can be challenging. We've all seen rich, colorful, New England fall photos; the white birch trees turning a golden yellow, dusting the tops of white picket fences along winding roads. While we'd all like to be able to capture iconic images like these, the truth is those moments are magical, and the vast majority of us just aren't magicians. However, there are great fall photos everywhere you turn. To prove it to you I headed out this morning determined to show you how to capture a great fall photo.

I only had one shot of getting today right, and by today I meant a few short hours. The sky was 100% overcast - no sunshine in sight. It was late morning so all that moody mist had long since disappeared. The leaves had started to turn, but the deep reds and oranges just hadn't yet blossomed. Knowing that the conditions were less than ideal, I needed a subject. I grabbed my black lab, Stanza, and headed out. [Admission: Stanza is well trained. She'll sit and pose for photos if I ask her to (especially if I have treats in my pocket). But, she's not ideal. Kids, spouses, friends–they all make great subjects for photographs, and are generally more appealing than a slobbery dog. So, if you have an opportunity to put real people in your photograph, you're already one step ahead of me!] 

Portraits

Pumpkins, dried corn stalks, and leaves. Incorporate these elements into a photograph and let your background set the mood for you. Keep your subject the primary focus! In this particular occasion, I didn't have much to work with. I found some yellow and orange leaves on the opposite side of a creek and tried to make do. I knew Stanza wouldn't sit still unless she was tired, so I let her run around and splash and do all those things labs love to do. Plus, it'd make her a more interesting subject with some wet fur (on a sunny day this would be much more difficult because the water on her coat would end up being blown out highlights). Today, though, a wet dog was a good dog.

I tried some different angles of this shot, but the best ended up being not showing the creek at all. I laid down to change the perspective (I ended up with very soggy knees and elbows), blurred the background, got my subject sharp, and snapped away.

The key to portraiture is to make your subject work with your background, not compete with it. I knew my background elements weren't strong, but I introduced enough color to make it seasonal. If I had kept the leaves sharp, the photo would have been too busy. Also, tighten up on your subject and have fun with them! If they are enjoying themselves, you'll get better photographs (even if your subject is a dog).

What to do when you don't have anything

The most challenging part of taking great photos is making a photo happen when you just can't seem to find anything. Today I had adverse conditions, and stripped of my model (who was now rolling gleefully in a pile of dead leaves), I had to make something happen. When you don't have great conditions, get up close, real close.

These seed pods were interesting to me. They had a sort of wizard-like quality to them and hinted at a rebirth to come after a long winter. I set up shop next to one that had a some color behind it (to warm up the gray of the pod) and snapped this photo.

If you're ever lacking fall color, look for moisture. Find a lake, a creek, morning dew, go outside just after a rain–just find colorful leaves when they are wet. As I had mentioned, the red leaves hadn't turned yet, but I found this cluster of fallen leaves swirling in a pool of water. I ended up precariously about 4" from the water for this shot, but I got the fall color I was looking for.

Fall is a great time to take photos. There are always photographs to be taken, but sometimes you have to work a little harder to find them. Hopefully these tips can help you capture some great shots. Remember, you'll never get great photos unless you go take the pictures. Get out there!

- Wyatt enjoys wearing tweed caps and his size 13 Chuck Taylors, especially while hunting down great photos with his black Lab, Stanza.

2009 Christmas Card Collection

Our New Christmas Card collection for 2009 is nearly complete and I couldn't wait any longer to share it with you! The new designs are amazing and I have no idea how I'm going to pick one for myself. I think I'll just let the designs speak for themselves...

Classy Collage -- Holiday Photo Card

 This is my favorite. I can't get enough of it. Not only does it feature multiple photos but YOU get to pick the color behind the text. With over 20 different colors to choose from...the options on this card are ENDLESS! I just love it.

Diamond Damask -- Holiday Photo Card

Then there is this design. Damask + my favorite shade of green, it's a perfect match.

Oh, it comes in red, too, whichI must say is equally pretty.

Mantle Joy -- Holiday Photo Card

I am loving this color combo lately. And honestly, what will your family and friends think when they get this card in the mail? Pretty sure they'll be telling everyone about this cool card they got in the mail...

There are so many more new, amazing Christmas Card designs. Plus, a few more to come. So keep checking back!

 

My Valentine's Day Cards

Have you ordered your Valentine's Day Cards yet? I am sending mine out this week and just wanted to share with you all my card. Well, it's actually from my son...

Since I just sent out Christmas Cards, I'm realistically not going to send EVERYONE on my list a Valentine, but just to those special ladies in Connor's life :)

Isn't he adorable? (studly for a 9 month old) Yes, I'm definitely biased :)

I would LOVE to see your Valentine's Day cards, please send them to christy@peartreegreetings.com!

Valentine's Photo Cards are Live!

The cards are officially live and ready to order :) Check them out!

Valentine's Day Photo Cards!

They are so close...hours...maybe even minutes away from going live! We've heard from many of you looking for some cute, stylish and of course, affordable, Valentine's Photo Cards so we had to answer. Below is a sneak peak at some of the designs...I'll be sending some out to a modified list of people from my Christmas Card list. (let's be honest, I'm not sending everyone on my list a Valentine's card, just immediate family, close friends, etc., people that will enjoy seeing yet another picture of my little baby)

Moving on. (the links won't work until the items go live, but I couldn't wait to share the designs)

I'll let you know when the items go live!

10 Tips For an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season:

'Tis the season to be GREEN! This holiday season keep your eco-friendly efforts going with these tips to make it a very special season ‘green’tings for your friends and family!

1. Shop Green. Keep down your costs and environmental impact by shopping online. You will save yourself a trip to the store and those long lines. Have the gifts sent directly to the receiver; this way it won’t be sent twice and you save a little extra money. If you have to go to the store, plan shopping trips in advance and carpool to save extra trips to the mall and the grocery store.
2. Bring Your Own Bag. This year– BYOB to the stores with you. Not only will your shopping tote hold your holiday list, but you’ll also feel good knowing you save a few plastic bags in the process. If you have left over bags from shopping, use them for wrapping the gifts or as a trash can liner.
3. Eco-Wrapping Solutions. Find alternatives to wrapping paper. Some of my favorites include:  Using the newspaper comics section for a pop of color or brown grocery bags dressed up with ribbon. For a really trendy look, buy vintage tins at a thrift stores to wrap your presents. Use old holiday cards to create a unique gift tag to tie it all together. Remember, save the bows and ribbons you receive from others for next year.
4. The Gift That Keeps On Giving: For those hard to buy for on your list this year, make a donation to their favorite charity, have a tree planted in their honor, or buy a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Find trendy gifts that are eco-friendly, fair trade, or made from recycled materials online. Offer your services such as babysitting, cooking, or helping someone move. All of these gifts will certainly not be forgotten and won’t end up in next year’s trash.
5. Set a Green Table: Instead of disposable plates, cups, and napkins, opt for cloth napkins and re-usable dishes. Serving dishes can be rented or purchased from restaurant supply stores, or IKEA. After the event, un-needed pieces can be resold on e-bay. If your event calls for disposable pieces, opt for those made from corn or potatoes, these are easily biodegradable compared to Styrofoam or plastic.
6. Waste Not. Buy locally grown organic food to feed your friends and family this year. To reduce waste, buy in large quantities; one large bottle is better than five small ones. Send leftovers home with guests, or donate them to local food kitchens and remember to compost your scraps.
7. Green Christmas Tree. Opt for a real tree, grown from a local tree farm instead of the plastic versions in the stores. One acre of a tree farm creates oxygen to support 18 people and remove 13 tons of airborne pollutants per year. When the holidays are over, contact your city officials to find out where you can take it in for recycling. Recycled trees are used for mulch, and other landscaping uses.
8. Add a Twinkle To Your Holiday. Recycle those old, worn-out, broken and outdated strings of twinkle lights and replace them with LED lights. LED lights use only 1/50^th the energy of regular holiday lights and don’t create a fire hazard!  Turn off your lights at night to save even more energy. Go to HolidayLEDs.com for more information on recycling your old lights.
9. Festive Décor. Be creative this year using what you find in your own backyard. Make edible decorations such as popcorn strings and cranberry wreaths. Cut down a few bows for décor around the house or collect pinecones for a great centerpiece. The smell of nature is sure to bring out your holiday spirit.
10. Recycled ‘Green’tings Card. Send out holiday greetings made from recycled papers. There are plenty of cool and trendy options here on Pear Tree Greetings to make everyone’s holiday a little more green.
    

 

It's a...

Girl! or wait, a boy? Doesn't matter...we've got the birth announcements to fit both! Introducing Pear Tree Greetings' line of birth announcements!

And we have more coming! (plus...options for multiples!) Email me at christy@peartreegreetings.com if you can't find what you're looking for!