Creating the Perfect Holiday Photo Card
Tracy Greene
Holiday Photo Greeting Cards
It's that time of year again. The mad rush to get all of your holiday cards out on time and with the perfect photo. Here are some tips to get your creative juices flowing and help you make a wonderful, one-of-a-kind holiday card.
The Photo Makes or Breaks the Card
The image that graces your card can make it spectacular or just middle of the road. When sending cards to family or close friends, there is a good chance they will keep it beyond the holidays if it includes a great photo of your kids or family and if the theme is not to holiday heavy.
I like to stick with the snowflake themes or something that can live beyond December. Some of the more involved themes with bright colors and a lot of graphic elements can actually take away from the photo itself. Use the "Keep It Simple" rule when making your choice.
Just Can't Decide On One Photo
One of the options you now have it to use more than one photo and create a collage of images on the card. You can use a few from a series of photos, or use images from throughout the year. It's a nice way to catch everyone up on all the highlights from your year.
To Theme Or Not To Theme
When choosing the visual theme of the card, think about the message as well. Try to create a message that compliments the photo on the card. You might even want to use a famous quote that works well with your image.
Photo Cards vs Opening Cards
Cost might be a factor when deciding whether you go for a standard card that opens up with a message inside, or a photo card that has the picture and message all on the front.
The photo cards are less expensive and I find them quicker to get out the door. I also like the fact that when friends and family hang them up, they can see both the picture and the message together.
Can't Get the Right Photo
When a photo is just not an option, a great alternative is to take a picture or scan your child's favorite artwork and turn that into a beautiful holiday card. Kids think it's really special seeing their artwork as real printed art. Once you have the digital image, just use it like any digital photo and create the cards from there.
Once you have the perfect image, whatever that may be for you and your family, you can go to your local drug store or photo store, or upload to your favorite online photo finishing website, like Shutterfly, and follow the simple instructions to make your card.
Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, start thinking about your holiday cards. The season is closer than you think.