Christmas Card Photo Shoot Ideas

[hihowdy]

I am kind of new to photography and just getting up the nerve to shoot for other people. My neighbor asked if I could take some pictures of her 4 year old twins for their christmas cards. She mentioned maybe wanting to do it in front of their tree or with the dogs. I am excited about this opportunity and adding more photos to my porfolio. Does anyone have some good ideas of other things I can do with these kids. I don't have any "backgrounds" or other fun props so I will need to get creative. I shoot with a 10D and 550ex flash along with either a 50mm lens or a 28-135 (?) It is too cold to do outside shots which is what I am better at. Any help or direction to sites with this info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

Hihowdy

[CoolToolGuy]

Decorating the Christmas tree or the house might be a good one.
I know you said no outdoors, but if you have any snow it is a great opportunity, or any wintry-looking locales nearby (a farm, haybales, etc.) you can get some nice shots.

Have Fun,

[AshPhotography]

I do alot of indoor sessions in my customers home during the holidays. They like having their personal tree, fireplace, etc. incorporated into the photos. I did a set of twins last year. I purchased some of the BIG christmas ornaments you can find at wal-mart, hobby lobby, etc. Made some presents, which I wrapped big packages out of solid color wrapping paper and made big bows for the packages. I used the tree and put the big packages on 1 side of the tree, but the twin in front of them, gave them the ornaments and sat down on the floor several feet in front of them and just took lots of pictures of them playing. I had the parents stand above me and make faces to get them to look toward me but up. The pictures were awesome. You can utilize what they have in their home for backgrounds and purchase props yourself without always getting them from places like Denny and Backdrop Outlet. Use your imagination. That will give your clients personalized portraits, which sells wonderfully. Good LUCK!!

[sugarplum14]

What about some fun photos with Christmas hats.. and then you can change them to black and white with the hats in colour.. or likewise with the presents.. highlight them in colour!