Best Places For The Perfect Holiday Photos

The holidays are quickly approaching which means it's time for holiday cards! Today's trend for families seems to be to send out a holiday photo card so all of the family members and friends can catch up with you and your kids in the photos. We send out holiday photo cards every year and the most important thing for us is obtaining the "perfect" photo.

But, perfect means different things to different people.To us it means capturing the true essence of our family, even if it does mean no one is looking directly at the camera and everyone is lying in a heap on the floor.  It's a true testament to my daily life with three young sons. To others, the perfect photo may be one with the entire extended family included, or one that is taken by a professional, or one that is expertly posed and highly edited.

No matter which route you go, for many families the holiday photo is an important yearly tradition that you work painstakingly to accomplish. Here are some tips to help you get the holiday photo your hoping for.

1. Find A Good Location.

So much of what makes a photo spectacular has to do with the surroundings.  Finding a place that has good lighting, provides a beautiful and scenic background, and channels your family's personality is almost more important than wearing color coordinated outfits.  So, where are some fun places to snap a holiday photo in and around Baltimore?  Here are a few to try:

The Inner Harbor:  Perfect for an urban feel and to capture some of Baltimore's most well-known local attractions as your backdrop.

Fells Point:  The perfect mix of urban and historical as the local area has 100-year-old buildings all pushed together and convenient like they were built for today.  Plus the area is full of color with alleyways and interesting staircases perfect for capturing the we're-just-hanging-out photos many seem to enjoy.

Head To A Pumpkin Patch: There are tons surrounding Baltimore City and they provide the perfect backdrop for a fall-themed photo.  Plus, they are outdoors and offer kid-friendly activities at your fingertips to use as bribes to get one good smile!

Don't Forget The Park: Although in the park photos might seem cliche at first thought, Baltimore is home to some interesting park areas and playgrounds that provide unique opportunities with the camera.  Try Patterson Park for year-round adventure and Patapsco Park to take advantage of scenic river views.

2. Think About The Clothing.

As a professional photographer myself, I always advise my clients that it's best to color-coordinate, but not match.Everyone does not need to wear the exact same shirt (as a matter of fact, I advise that you don't), and they don't even need to be the same color.They just need to be neutrals or in the same color family to make them complement each other. And, don't be afraid to wear something colorful (not to be confused with something busy). Everyone doesn't need to wear white for continuity; wearing color adds interest and excitement to your photos.

3. Hire A Professional.

You can go into a local studio, but another alternative is the freelance professional photographer. Baltimore is bursting with talented photo artists who will bring their services to you in the comfort of your own home (or backyard as the case may be) or meet you at your favorite play place, or ice cream shop to allow you and your family to have a familiar, comfortable environment to take photos in.  Whether you are a family of five or just a girl and her dog, there is a local professional who can capture you beautifully! Here are some recommendations for off-beat, upscale and unique photographers in and around the Baltimore area:

Blair Blanks Photography
6709 York Road
Baltimore, Md. 21212
410-370-2896
www.blairblanks.com

Love. Life. Images.
8600 Foundry St. Ste. 217c
Savage, Md. 20763
410-491-5433
www.lovelifeimages.com

Kim Flores Family Photography
On-location photographer servicing Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington, D.C. and some cities in Northern Virginia
410-900-3907
www.kimfloresphotography.com

Crissie Traugott Photography
On-location photographer servicing Western Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore
703-217-9869
http://crissietraugottphoto.com

Then Again Photography
On-location photographer servicing the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metro areas
240-344-0954
www.thenagainphotography.com

Amanda Rodriguez is a professional photographer and humor-parenting blogger.  You can find her humorous stories of life with her three Dudes on her site parentingBYdummies.