Tips on How to Take a Hassle-Free Holiday Photo of Your Kids

In her new book of photographs (entitled “The Fine Art of Family”), it is evident how well Monica Rich Kosann knows how to capture moments in the lives of family and children.  If you have yet to get a holiday card in the works, even as the mailbox is starting to fill with those from those detestably more prepared friends, Monica’s tips on how to get a great photo of the kids without tears from them (or you), might be well-timed.  We adapted from her website some of her quite sensible and seemingly achievable suggestions:

  • Remember that shots of everyday life are generally more interesting than the overly-posed and contrived ones.

  • Let kids do what they do best: Be kids.  Embrace that this includes sticking their little finger in the holiday cookie batter, or just getting silly. In  her words: rather than overlook these everyday moments in our lives, embrace them for what they are: The golden moments that will make your holiday photos stand out and help tell the unique story of your family.

  • Try Bedtime as a photo shoot setting: kids in their pajamas can create an ideal warm, fuzzy, winter moment. (And maybe just this once, you let them jump on the bed or have that pillow fight).  You can also trying photographing kids while curled up watching T.V. (Far fewer complaints this way, along with high potential for lovely unposed expressions).

  • Playtime is another surprisingly good setting for truly observing and capturing versus staging a moment.  Let them get lost in their train set or tea party with dolls, or for a larger group of kids, go with that old standby of Ring Around the Rosy… and see what develops.

Explore More Ideas at fineartoffamily.com
 

And the Photo-Related Gift We Are Coveting…

We mentioned that Monica is also a jewelry designer, and her classic pieces that weave in photos, family and memory have made it to our personal wishlist.  This Satin Finish Rectangular Gate Locket Necklace may have to be on the deferred wishlist at $4,200, but there are some just-as-lovely pieces starting at under $200 that have instant heirloom potential.  A worthy consideration as a grandparents’ gift as well.  Or maybe we’ll just hold out for Mother’s Day…

The Fine Art of Family jewelry

 

Some Family Fun for the Holidays

One of our favorite New York holiday events is the circus coming to town — specifically the Big Apple Circus – with it’s old-fashioned charm, one-ring intimacy and perennial favorite Grandma the Clown.  This year’s show, “Bello is Back!” is under the Big Top at Lincoln Center in New York City through January 18th.  Executive Moms can enjoy a special offer on tickets:

Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/pop.aspx and submit the code POP10 in the Promotional Codes box

By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP10

In Person:  Big Top Box Office  10AM–6PM daily. No service fee. Bring a copy of this email.

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Must present this email to receive your discount at the box office. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees. Enjoy.