Have you ever walked into a convenience store and look at one of those photo Christmas cards? You know…the cards where you can place one of your family photos into a slot?  They always seem to have the same happy family posing for the picture.  Traditionally you send these cards with a studio portrait of a family member or your entire family.  Personally, I like to put a little modern spin on the classic idea.

Here are some Christmas photo cards tips to help you get a little more creative this season:

• Ditch the Studio – Those posed shots do look very nice, but they don’t tell a story.  Use a digital camera or a high-res scanner to take candid shots of the person/family.  It’s these small memories we hold on to the tightest.
• Find your “Calling” – Most people don’t carry a camera around at all times, but they carry around cell phones.  Cell phone cameras are becoming a standard feature in phones, and can take high-quality photos.  If the moment strikes you, this is an easy way you can instantly capture it. Now you have a fun picture to share.
• Don’t Forget to De-Digitize – Print out your pictures on high quality photo paper and send them the old fashioned way.  You may be tempted to e-mail them out to friends and family after taking, but e-mailed photos don’t come with that lasting impression.  Think about the smiles they’ll have when they open a beautiful Photo Christmas Card they get in the mail this December.  No matter how high-tech we become, there’s nothing like the feeling of receiving real Christmas cards.