Picutes Ideas?

Question

I am doing my daughter's Christmas pictures, I need ideas on what to put in the picutes.

I've bought some crushed black velvet I though I could use that as a backdrop. She's turning 3 also. I don't want alot of props becase to many props can take away from the picture I know that. But I need some more ideas. Thanks

Answer 1

Give us more information. How old is she? Obviously you have more options with a six year old than a newborn. Are you rural or urban? What is she interested in? Add some info, and I will check here again.

EDIT:
Ok, she's old enough to strike some poses then. If you want to use a backdrop, I'd put her in a little chair with her favorite stuffed animal or doll (or tractor, car, whatever she likes that will hold her attention for a few minutes.) You could use a stuffed animal or Santa, or a nutcracker doll, or a big candy cane or ornament. I'd try to have some sort of holiday decor visible, a tree, some presents, or wreath.

Try to get a lot of natural light in the scene unless you are experienced at shooting backdrops with studio lights. Set it up near an evenly bright window or door. If you can use the flash off camera do so, or at least bounce and probably use a reflector as well to bounce light into the shadow areas on her face.

Really, I would prefer a natural picture, either indoors or out, using natural or environmental elements rather than a set up pose in front of a backdrop, but that's just my preference. I prefer to see kids mostly as they are, and most children don't live in crushed velvet black rooms. You may have the expertise to make it look great, but most home done backdrop portraits are not very well executed, mainly because of the lighting difficulties. Good luck with it, at any rate , I'm sure it will be fine and the receipients will love it.

Answer 2

Keep it simple and get in close. I use our Christmas tree as a backdrop. But I go in very close and you can see only hints of it. If it snows when you take pictures go outside and take some great shots. Or stand against a large window using the natural back drop. If you want to get more creative wrap up some empty boxes with pretty paper and bows. Any holiday fabric you find in the store can be used as props and backdrops. Have fun with it and try several backgrounds.