One of my favorite things about Christmas has got to be getting Christmas cards. I love the adorable pics and the occasional letter letting me know what is going on with people from far away who I love. One of my least favorite things about Christmas? Getting my own kids to pose for our own Christmas card picture. Partly because it is like wrangling wild cats and partly because I take the worst pictures ever.
So here are some tips to take a good holiday photo:
- While busy patterns are fun to wear, try to stick to solids.
- Black & white photos are always flattering.
- Go for variety in pose: kneel, sit, stand to get depth
- Let there be LIGHT – use artificial and natural light indoors vs. flash! If outside, have light source behind the photographer (and use flash!)
- Capture the moment with close-ups!
- Snap shots – set your camera on high, fine, super fine resolution so you get a clear picture when you order your cards
- Professional Photographs – get a signed release from the photographer
And then my other tip is to find some unique, beautiful cards to send out to family and friends. I typically do Costco, but am always a little dismayed that I get several cards over the holiday season that are exactly the same as mine. Recently, I discovered a friend of mine from college has started a stationary company that produces a whole host of things, one of them being Digital Christmas cards. And I can honestly say I haven’t seen anything like them.
Avondale Paperie can provide you with wedding and baby announcements, cards for every occasion and holiday as well as a whole host of stationary needs. All the cards are on the 110# paper, matte finish, etc – not your flimsy photo cards! I have to say the matte finish looks fabulous and the picture quality is still like it was on photo paper. And my absolute favorite part, there are adorable designs on the back of some of the cards too. Oh wait, my favorite part is that they offer a service for a bit extra that is frankly worth a million bucks. They will print your envelopes for you and send them on there merry little way.
I am eyeing these babies for Christmas.
Perfect for a new family of five. Pray for me this week as I attempt to get the perfect picture of each kid.
How would you like to send out some unique cards this Christmas instead of the typical fare. My friend Stacey has generously offered one of my readers a $100 gift certificate to Avondale Paperie. To enter, head over to their site poke around and let me know what you would spend your $100 on (don’t worry, you can change your mind later).
For extra entries:
- Sign up for Avondale Paperie’s loyalty program. It is free and will reward you for every dollar spent. You will also you will receive special deals when you order. There is a new “free gift” every month.
- Become a fan of Avondale Paperie on Facebook.
- Twitter, blog or post on Facebook about this contest and leave a link letting me know you did so.
- Subscribe to The Diaper Diaries over email or reader (if you already do, you can leave a comment too)
- Become a fan of Diaper Diaries on Facebook.
You have up to six chances to win. You MUST leave a separate comment for each entry. The winner will be drawn next Tuesday night November 10th using Random.org.
Can’t wait to order? If you order between now and Nov. 9th, you can take advantage of the following three deals on Christmas cards.
- PRINTS CHARMING: Purchase 50 cards get an additional 25 FREE! Which is the same as $1.49 a card or 25% off! You will also get FREE return address printing!
- SAN LORI: Purchase 50 cards and get 1 sheet of address labels FREE! Again, this is a 25% discount!!!
- If you use the code DIAPER during checkout you will receive another free gift!
Good luck with the contest and all your Christmas card endeavours. For more great holiday tips, head over to We Are That Family.
I love the Julien Photo Card! So pretty!
.-= Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up´s last blog ..Readers Ask: a jumble of topics =-.
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I became a fan of theirs on facebook
.-= Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up´s last blog ..Readers Ask: a jumble of topics =-.
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I like the Red Christmas Box cards.
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I am a fan on Facebook
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So cute! The joy card you have here is adorable — that might be what we do for Christmas this year!
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I really like the Evergreen Photo card
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The red wreath photo cards are nice.
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I would spend my $100 on the Pink Chain Link V card baby announcement! I’m due to have a baby girl in 14 days so this would be perfect!!!
.-= Annalisa´s last blog ..Associated Foods Deals (11/4 – 11/10) =-.
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I subscribe in google reader.
.-= Annalisa´s last blog ..Associated Foods Deals (11/4 – 11/10) =-.
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I’m a facebook fan of avondale paper. (annalisaspencer)
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I’m a facebook fan of the diaper diaries. (annalisaspencer)
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I signed up for the loyalty program.
.-= Annalisa´s last blog ..Associated Foods Deals (11/4 – 11/10) =-.
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I would choose the Big Joy Photo card. And boy, would I love to have them mail them for me! That sounds WONDERFUL!
.-= Olivia´s last blog ..Photo Art =-.
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Just signed up for the loyalty program.
.-= Olivia´s last blog ..Photo Art =-.
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Became a fan of Avondale Paperie on FB.
.-= Olivia´s last blog ..Photo Art =-.
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I’m already a fan of Diaper Diaries on FB.
.-= Olivia´s last blog ..Photo Art =-.
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Great ideas for holiday picture taking!
I ended up using a picture that my daughter took that really captured her and her brother’s eyes. 
.-= Sherry´s last blog ..Works For Me – Holiday Preparations and NOT stressing out! =-.
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I would use the gift card for Christmas cards!
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I became a fan of Avondale Paperie on face book.
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There are several that I really like but I have narrowed it down the to Red Name Band Photo Card in the Prints Charming section. They are all adorable! Thanks for the opportunity to win a GC!
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Thanks for saying it is okay to do black and white shots. I have been hesitant to use those in previous years, thinking I should do something more colorful for the holidays.
I always buy those cards that have the window you can slip a 4×6 print into. They have them at Target, Dollar Tree, and Michael’s.
Great post! I love the card you showed with the beach pics. Adorable.
.-= niki´s last blog ..A Very Thrifty Tuesday! =-.
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I liked the holiday ornament card. Thanks for the great pic taking tips!
Brandi H
lawyer180@yahoo.com
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I blogged about this giveaway
.-= Emory´s last blog ..Christmas Cards =-.
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Twitter: strongrhetoric
says:
Nice giveaway Jill.
I’d use my big win for some baby boy announcements like these cuties: http://www.avondalepaperie.com/Navy-Bubble-Photo-Card_p_981.html
.-= Strong Rhetoric´s last blog ..Mummy’s Mommy =-.
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Twitter: strongrhetoric
says:
I tweeted this giveaway from @strongrhetoric:
Sweet little holiday card giveaway over @diaperdiaries: http://bit.ly/3sj89p
.-= Strong Rhetoric´s last blog ..Mummy’s Mommy =-.
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Twitter: strongrhetoric
says:
I’m a fan of Diaper Diaries on Facebook.
Look at me! Triple Threat! I’m a sucker for stationary!
.-= Strong Rhetoric´s last blog ..Mummy’s Mommy =-.
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I like the kid thank you cards.
Thanks!
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Email subscriber.
Thanks!
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I love the Rejoice photo card – and I have the perfect picture for it! $100 gift would sure help
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I was never a fan of getting xmas cards. I mean I get them, I read them, then I throw them out.
I kinda feel bad about it, but then again I have enough stuff piling on my desk and kitchen counter as it is.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..When I Don’t Get My Way =-.
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I’d love to get the Holiday Santa Kid’s Thank You cards for my son. So cute!
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I’m an email subscriber
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I would love to get the Big Berries Holiday Notecards, how festive!
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I subscribe via email.
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I am a facebook fan
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Oooh, that would be an awesome to have all my Christmas cards done!!
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