Article: It's that time of year again! - Make your own Xmas Cards!

[Chris Dodkin]

It's that time of year again!

Time to think about digging through your photo collection, and doing your very own Christmas / Holiday cards

It's a great way of getting a personal and unique card to send out to friends and family - and of course showing off one of your favorite shots.

Ordering now will guarantee you get your cards in time to send them out for the holidays.

Lots of online services to choose from.

I use Apple's service linked to iPhoto - they have a great selection of card styles, and it's easy to use - not cheap though!

Then you have people like CostCo: Costco Photo Center - Account who do the single sided cards.

Snapfish: Snapfish:Cards:BrowseStyle:Christmas who have a huge selection of styles.

Hallmark: Greeting & Photo Cards | Christmas & Holiday | Hallmark.com

CVS: http://www.cvsphoto.com/Photo-Greeting-Cards

Shutterfly: Christmas Cards, Photo Christmas Cards, Photo Greeting Cards | Shutterfly

Photobox UK: Online digital photo printing - PhotoBox

Moo UK: MOO Christmas Cards | Design and print personalised Christmas Cards | moo.com

Boots UK: Online digital photo printing - Boots Photo

Lots more to choose from - some are online only, others allow you to walk in and order at a photo booth in store.

Just remember to tweak your shot so it's sharp and clean, with good contrast and colour - and use a large file as the master image to maintain quality.

And don't just limit the selection to holiday cars - there are calendars, mugs, mouse mats etc - great stocking stuffers

 

[Hamish Gill]

Nice one Chris...My only problem is that for me, this involves a too much forethought ... Good tip for next year for me though! If i get my bum in gear and take a nice xmas shot this year, ill have something for next

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Definitely worth thinking about if you get some winter weather - get that Christmas shot in the bag!

Of course - you can always shoot a family Christmas portrait and use that on the card - always goes down well, and you can do that last minute, so no excuses!!

Did one for a mate last year for exactly that purpose - how we managed to get the kids to stand still long enough I don't know...

Just think how happy SWMBO would be if you suggest a nice family portrait, as the official Gill card for 2011...

 

[adrian jordin]

I did something similar a few years back and produced calendars featuring my children as a memento for distant grandparentsand other family.
I included shots of the kids on days out or special events if the image could stand on its own, or I edited some to add a bit more fun, eg kids in their halloween costumes, so I changed the background to somethig spooky, my daughter in her mermaid outfit with an underwater scene...



It makes a great present and the kids enjoy coming up with ideas...

 

[Davie Hudson]

I like the idea of custom christmas cards though could never go down the road of a family one... they are great if you have a wholesome family, i don't.

I think i'll plan for next year that way i can get the shots I want this year, cards, postcards, calendars etc

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Nice one Adrian, love the Harry Potter look!

I also put together a calendar, and inflict it on the family each Christmas!

Usually include a mix of shots of the family on vacation, plus some scenic views.

I also put a picture of each family member on their birthday date - goes down very well.

Which reminds me - need to get my arse in gear and get that done!