Harvard Homemaker |
By HarvardHomemaker
I'm a Harvard graduate and homemaker who blogs about living (and loving!) the domestic life with my husband and four young daughters. My blog now permanently resides at www.harvardhomemaker.com. Please visit me there!
Posted on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 09:20:00 PM in Photography
Tags: poses, ideas, cards, holiday, photography, christmas card ideas, holiday card ideas, christmas pictures, holiday pictures, christmas photos, holiday photos, family photos, family pictures, holiday photos, family photos, photography, stationery, cards, holidays, christmas photos, holiday card ideas
Tags: poses, ideas, cards, holiday, photography, christmas card ideas, holiday card ideas, christmas pictures, holiday pictures, christmas photos, holiday photos, family photos, family pictures, holiday photos, family photos, photography, stationery, cards, holidays, christmas photos, holiday card ideas
100 Photos to Inspire Your Holiday Cards
It's November... you know what that means! Yep. Time to start preparing for the holidays! Poor Thanksgiving. It never gets the attention it deserves.
When Halloween is over and I shift gears, one of the first things I start thinking about is my holiday cards. I love everything about "card season"--both designing my own cards and receiving them. There was a time I even made my own cards (I used to have a stationery-design business), but now I usually turn to Tiny Prints to do that for me. I love their cards, and I use them for almost all my stationery needs these days. I have also occasionally used Shutterfly for various cards, and I think Minted uses the most beautiful paper ever. After admiring others' cards from Minted for several years, I decided to get my holiday cards this year from them. I must say that I love them so much!! My little girls say they are our best cards yet. :) They even came with these little vellum papers that you insert so that the ink from the pictures on the inside doesn't transfer to the other side of the card where our names are signed. Brilliant!
Putting together a card to send out is something I truly enjoy. But I'm pretty sure that isn't a universal feeling?! To help you brainstorm, I have compiled 100 photos under various themes to get you thinking.
As you'll see, some of the pictures are sweet, some are creative, and some are downright hilarious. Getting a photo for your card doesn't have to be the worst part of Christmas--have fun with it and think outside the box. The very first picture was sent to me by my friend a few years back. It was the result of a photo session gone bad. While that shot wasn't what they were going for, they certainly succeeded in spreading some holiday cheer with their cards... I remember laughing so hard when we opened it!
So have an open mind, relax, and see how your pictures turn out. Even if they aren't "perfect", they just might be your favorite cards yet!
MORE POSTS THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO YOU
100 Book Recommendations for All Ages--tons of great gift ideas! If you don't know what to get someone, you can never go wrong with a book! Each book recommendation has some commentary added by me to help you make the best choice for the recipient.
50 Gift Ideas for the Ladies in Your Life--perfect for Mom, Grandma, Sister, etc. Lots of personalized gift ideas.
Gift Ideas for the One You Love--gifts for the love of your life. Perfect for the holidays, an anniversary, wedding, birthday, Valentine's Day, etc.
Bake in Recycled Cans for Cute Gifts--a fun, simple gift idea for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, hostess gifts, party favors, etc.
* Kudos to all the talented photographers and bloggers from whom I collected these photos. If you see your photo here and it's not sourced to you, or if anything should be corrected in any way, please let me know!! I really want to make sure everything in this post is as accurate as it can be. I hope this post sends a little traffic your way so others can be impressed by your fine work, too! :) Thanks for making this fun post possible!
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Online Card Companies: More Details
I wrote a post with 125+ Family and Sibling Photos for Posing Ideas and Inspiration in May 2013 (please reference that for even more photo ideas!), and I thought some information I shared there about the card companies I like to use might be helpful here as well. I'm pasting in an excerpt from that post below:
WHERE I ORDER MY CARDS
Tiny Prints has been my go-to company (for Christmas cards, invitations, birth announcements, etc.) for the past several years. One time I wasn't happy with how they cropped a picture (without telling me) when printing my 250 (!) holiday cards, and they reprinted them and sent them to me overnight, no questions asked. They have great service, and I love their designs.
Minted is right at the top of my list now as well. I used them last year for my holiday cards, and they were my favorite cards yet. They included vellum paper inserts to be sure that the ink didn't transfer inside my folded cards when mailed (because that does happen, especially if you have a picture printed on the inside). Minted also has the best envelopes you'll find (I love the brown kraft paper myself), and they print on really beautiful paper as well. You can view some custom Mother's Day cards here that I had made at Minted this year. It's pretty safe to say that I think I'm developing a crush on this company. :)
I have also always loved Shutterfly. I typically order photo thank you notes there after the holidays so we can send out a little glimpse of how we celebrated, along with our note of gratitude.
Wishing Tree Designs is a company I discovered this year when I made my own photo invitations for my daughter's first birthday party. (See the pictures I took of her with balloons on the beach--I used one as the cover of her invitation.) I chose the luxe paper, and it was beautiful in person. Their style was similar to that of Tiny Prints and Minted (they are the gold standard for me when it comes to cards), but you will save some money at Wishing Tree Designs--although I wasn't impressed with their envelopes, I will admit. The paper was pretty thin. But for the price, this was a small sacrifice to pay if you are looking to save a few dollars.
Our Family's Recent Holiday Cards |
100 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS
Peace on Earth (and maybe a little in our house, too!)
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Wishing you Happy Holidays... right down to our mistletoes!
View this and more pretty pictures on this great photographer's blog: |
See more adorable pictures like this one at the blog below: Via - miskamiller.blogspot.com |
View this talented photographer's work below: Via - jlhphotography.com |
See more from this talented photographer here: |
Merry Christmas
See more great shots from Roberson Photography here: Via - robersonphotography.com |
See more of Heather C. Johnson's great work here: |
See more from this great photographer below: Via - abryanphoto.com |
May Your Holidays Be Merry & Bright
See more of this talented photographer's work below: |
Amy Tripple, the fantastic photographer who captured the shot above, offers posing guides for purchase. The Holiday Sweetness Guide can help you with some great tips so you can get a shot of your child like the one above!
See more creative pictures like these below: Via - blog.thebecker.com |
Visit the site below for more photos from this talented photographer: |
Dear Santa... I can Explain
See more pictures of these cuties at this fun blog below: |
This creative photo is credited to the fun blog below: Via - sayyippie.blogspot.com |
Jump for Joy--It's the Holidays!
See tips on how to shoot pictures like this at the site below: |
Get tips on how to take pictures like this one at the site below: Via - takebetterphotos.com.au |
Oh, What Fun It Is!
See more incredible pictures below at this amazing photographer's website: Via - photosbylei.com |
See more pictures from this happy photo shoot at the site below: Via - pinkpistachio.com |
This was found via Pinterest, but I'm not having luck finding the original source. Please let me know if this is your photo so I can credit back to you! |
See more of this family's amazing Christmas photos each year below: Via - hohumcards.com |
Let it Snow!
See more creative shots from this talented photographer below: Via - britainearl.com |
Via - antsmagazine.com |
See more of this talented photographer's work below: |
I have tried like crazy to find the original source for this photo. The genius behind this one needs credit! Please contact me if this is yours! :) |
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Hark, the Herald Angels Sing...
See more from this talented photographer here: Via - gmphotographics.com.au |
Visit Goodger Photography here to view more adorable photos: Via - imagesoflove.com |
Naughty or Nice?
See more from this great photographer below: |
Via - thewellroundedmama.com |
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See more cute shots from Melanie Painter here: Via - melaniepainter.com |
Peace
Via - flickr.com |
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See more of this talented photographer's work below: Via - jlhphotography.com |
Visit the site below to see more of this talented photographer's work: |
May the Beauty of the Season be Yours
See more beautiful pictures like this one at the site below: Via - jlhphotography.com |
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Joy to the World
These photos are credited to the wonderful photographer below: |
Visit the BMC Report below to see more of this sweet family: |
See more from this talented photographer below: Via - derksenphotography.com |
Warm Hugs
Visit this talented photographer's site below for more pictures of this beautiful family: |
See more of Sydney Middleton's work here: |
See more from this talented photographer here: Via - jlhphotography.com |
See more from this talented photographer here: Via - jlhphotography.com |
See more of this talented photographer's work below: Via - periwinkleandmimi.com |
Love is All You Need
This photo is credited to the talented photographer below: Via - brethurston.com |
See this and other cool "heart" photos here: Via - yeowzers.blogspot.com |
See more of this talented photographer's work below: Via - studiojphoto.com |
This photo is credited to the talented photographer below: |
This photo is credited to the talented photographer below: Via - hulahoopphotography.com |
Best Gift of All
See the original picture here on this talented photographer's site: |
This photo is credited to this talented photographer below: |
See this adorable photo and other great shots below: |
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
Visit this photographer's site below for more fun photos: |
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This photo is credited to the talented photographer below: Via - timwillphoto.com |
O Christmas Tree
See this shot and more amazing photos below: |
See more from this amazing photo shoot at the talented photographer's site below: Via - sarahasstedtblog.com |
See this shot and more cute photos at the site below: Via - hanalynch.blogspot.com |
This and more beautiful photos like it were found here: http://www.greylikesweddings.com/category/2-inspiration/season/winter/page/5/. The amazing photographer credited is listed below: Via - simplephoto.ca |
This super cute photo is credited to the fun blog below: Via - alittleglassbox.com |
The Wonder of Christmas
This photo is credited to the talented photographer below: Via - lindseywalkerphotos.com |
Visit Heather C. Johnson's site for more sweet photos: |
Photo credited to the source below (photo by Funkeemonkeeland): |
Frosty the Snowman
See this photo and other amazing shots at this photographer's blog below: Via - butterfly-photography.ca |
Find this sweet tutu dress at the Etsy site below. Laurie, the owner of the shop, took this adorable photo herself. Love it! Via - etsy.com |
This photo was uploaded to Pinterest by Michelle McClendon, a fabulous art teacher and a creative genius in my opinion! I love this shot!! |
Silent Night
This photo found on Pinterest with only google.com listed. Exact source unknown. Please contact me if this image is yours so I can credit properly. |
Via - shop4santa-letters.co.uk |
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Check out this talented photographer's work at the site below... she does amazing things with props! So cute. |
This cute photo was found on Etsy (I love Etsy!!) where you can purchase this fun hat. The photographer who took this super sweet photo can be found below: Via - meredithrowlen.com |
Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays!
I *believe* the site listed below is the original source for this photo. Please contact me if this is your fun picture and I haven't given proper credit! |
The original source for this photo seems to be "uploaded by user" on Pinterest. If this photo is yours, please contact me so I can source back to you! |
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Candy Canes
See more from this super cute photo shoot below: |
This fun photo is credited to the photographer below: |
Santa Baby
I found this adorable photo on Etsy (I love Etsy!), but the photographer credited with the image is listed below: Via - facebook.com |
View more of this talented photographer's work below: Via - heidihope.com |
See more of this talented photographer's work below: Via - memoriesforkeepsake.com |
Happy Paw-lidays!
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Via - gjphotos.com |
See more cute photos below: |
Jingle Bells
I found this photo on Etsy where you can get this really cute banner. The photographer behind this adorable shot is listed below: Via - sorensen-studios.com |
I *believe* the original source for this photo is listed below where you can get directions on how to make these fun hats. Via - favecrafts.com |
Under the Mistletoe
This photo is credited to the talented photographer below: Via - urbanvisionstudios.com |
See more from this cute photo shoot at the site below: |
See more photos of this super cute family at the blog below: |
Laughing All the Way
See more of this talented photographer's work below: Via - selahphotography.org |
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See more of this talented photographer's work below: |
Visit this talented photographer's blog below: |
WISHing you Happy Holidays!
View more from this wonderful photographer here: |
Christmas Wreath
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Visit this talented photographer's site below for more great photos: Via - shannonarchibald.net |
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Star of Wonder
This cool photo is from Gap's holiday campaign in 2009. See the source below: Via - emagascene.com |
View the work of JLH Photography here: Via - jlhphotography.com |
This photo is credited to J. Crew Kids. Photo source below: Via - sunshineandstarlight.org |
This is the best we could do... Happy Holidays!
And when all else fails, just find a little humor in the situation! Chances are, you'll look back on the less-than-perfect photos with a laugh one day, and they will always remind you of that crazy stage in life when getting a nice family photo was next to impossible! Someday when your family pictures are full of cooperative smiles and people looking at the camera, you will miss this stage when you never knew what you were going to get!! :)
View more entertaining shots like this one here: |
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Whew! I hope these 100 photos have helped you come up with some ideas for your cards this year. Happy Holidays everybody! :) Enjoy the special season ahead.
What photo ideas do you have?
Until next time,
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Comments
sarahasstedt - 19 Nov, 2012 at 12:06 am
I love this post, it's so cute! I found it via pinterest and was enjoying looking at all the ideas! However, the second photo under "O Christmas Tree" is not by Shannen Natosha, it was taken by me for a shoot I styled last Christmas! The rest of the photos can be seen on my blog. I'd love if this could be corrected! Thanks! :)
http://www.sarahasstedtblog.com/2011/12/21/colorado-engagement-photographer-kelli-brandon/
HarvardHomemaker - 19 Nov, 2012 at 7:20 am
I'm so glad you corrected me!! I found the photo at
http://www.greylikesweddings.com, and I accidentally clicked on the photographer's name above yours to give credit. I will fix that right now. You are so talented--wow!!! Thanks for allowing me to use your beautiful photo on this post. I hope it brings some traffic your way. Anyone would be lucky to have you photograph them! Take care. :)
shawn_swander - 23 Nov, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Hilarious Cards thanks for sharing this. I reposted it.
HarvardHomemaker - 24 Nov, 2012 at 9:24 am
Thanks so much for sharing! Glad they gave you a laugh. There are some creative people out there!!
MelaniePainter - 28 Nov, 2012 at 12:24 am
Hey hun - I just wanted to thank you for linking back to my website on my portrait and for sharing my portrait with all of your followers :)
Happy Holidays!
Melanie
HarvardHomemaker - 28 Nov, 2012 at 8:44 am
Yay!! I'm so glad you left a comment to let me know! Everybody--Melanie's photo is the one where the little boy is drinking Santa's milk. What a cute idea!!! Love that shot. :) Take care and thanks again for the note!! Enjoy the holidays!
britain_earl - 28 Nov, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Hi, I've seen this floating around pinterest and think it's a great post. But I am the photographer who took the "let it snow" pic of the kids blowing snow. Even though the image was featured on Prop Junkie, I'd love if it was credited to me. Britainearl.com, or at least the prop junkirpost where I am credited. thanks!
HarvardHomemaker - 28 Nov, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Oh great! I'm so glad you let me know!! I will fix that right now! It can be so hard to figure out what the original source of something is... Of course you need the proper credit! :) LOVE THAT SHOT! Take care and thanks for the note!
mwinegar - 30 Nov, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Love this blog! I found it on Pinterest while browsing. I clicked on the 100 Christmas photos because I have a 5 month old that I needed some ideas for! Now if I can only accomplish them. And I love target! I go there all the time for baby stuff! I am excited to follow you. My email is melbaby12345 at yahoo dot com
HarvardHomemaker - 30 Nov, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Yay! So glad you found me! How fun that you have a 5-month old. Boy or girl? Enjoy this first Christmas with your new baby!! If you love Target you should go here
http://www.harvardhomemaker.com/giveaway-win-100-gift-card-to-target/ and sign up for the giveaway!! :) Maybe you'll be the lucky winner! Take care!
mwinegar - 30 Nov, 2012 at 8:49 pm
5 month boy! He is soo adorable! If I knew how to post a picture I would. I also thought that I already signed up for the giveaway. I hope I did!
HarvardHomemaker - 30 Nov, 2012 at 9:15 pm
So fun!! I bet you are enjoying every bit of that little guy! I don't see your name in the comments on the Target giveaway page unless I'm missing something?? Maybe you want to double check and try again if your comment didn't take the first time or something. Would hate for you to miss out in case you're the lucky one!! :)
britain_earl - 07 Dec, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Thanks for updating that photo for me!
HarvardHomemaker - 07 Dec, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Of course!! So glad you let me know that I hadn't already sourced back to the original... I really want to make sure I can feel good about everything I post and that all the information I share is accurate. Thanks again!! :)
teen1428 - 09 Dec, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Great photos,can't wait for the newsletter, criley1428@yshoo.com
HarvardHomemaker - 09 Dec, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Glad you found the photos to be helpful--there are some creative people out there!! :)
Mommy2FourNuts - 10 Dec, 2012 at 9:52 am
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! I am finally getting around to visiting your blog and I AM SO IN LOVE and SO PROUD of how far you've come! With Pintrest, it's AMAZING how people can connect and share. AWESOME. Love and (this sounds odd, but...) MISS YOU!
HarvardHomemaker - 10 Dec, 2012 at 3:18 pm
You are so funny... at first I had to think--do I know this person? :) Who else writes in all caps and with this kind of enthusiasm?! Silly me. Thanks so much for the sweet note. You're the best!
Jolieo8 - 10 Dec, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Hello! I have seen more than one photo being used as the "pin" photo for the 100 christmas cards, but the one with the little girl in the santa bucket with the Golden Retriever next to her wearing reindeer antlers is mine.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jolie-Moore-Photography/118831641543783
Thank you! :)
HarvardHomemaker - 10 Dec, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Oh great!! I actually took that one off the post because I wasn't entirely sure that I was sourcing correctly, so I ended up using a similar one that I had myself instead. It was only up very briefly, so that shows you what a great photo you got for it to be pinned in that short amount of time! It is SO CUTE. If you're okay with it, I'll put it back up and source you now that I know. :) And if you'd rather that I leave it off the post, of course I completely understand that too. Please let me know! And sorry for the confusion!! Thanks!
HarvardHomemaker - 10 Dec, 2012 at 11:05 pm
Okay, I put the photo back up... I mean, ridiculously cute!! So glad you are okay with me using it here! Love knowing that it's sourced correctly now--woohoo!!
Jolieo8 - 10 Dec, 2012 at 11:27 pm
Thank you! You are so sweet!
Here was my response to you on FB just in case you didn't see it. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I think that it is wonderful that you went to all the trouble to actually locate and give credit to all the great photographers! The reason its not watermarked, is simply my own fault! It was just a personal photo I took last year for my own Christmas cards and didn't see a need to watermark it......until now when it has ended up all over the place! LOL! Lesson learned! Feel free to put it back up (only if you want too). I look forward to following your blog in the future! Thank you!
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