Our annual Holiday Card sale has begun: now through the end of October take 15 percent off your custom holiday cards at Penny Post. We love doing holiday cards for folks, especially the photo kind because we get to see your lovely families. It’s such a treat! To make getting those family photos a little easier, I reached out to my good friend and photographer extraordinaire, Rashmi Pappu, for a few tips for getting the perfect shot.

Rashmi has been working with families in Alexandria for more than a decade. Her instagram is practically a family album chronicling children from two to 10. Right there, they grew in the blink of an eye. Her philosophy: keep things simple. She can be trusted to gently guide you during the shoot and to find the perfect light to make your family shine. What I love about Rashmi is how genuine she is. With her “what you see is what you get,” and I can promise you’ll get a delightful experience. 

Here are Rashmi’s Tips to prepare for your upcoming holiday photo shoot:

What to Wear

It's not called “sweatah weatha” for naught. Jeans, cords, sweaters, sport coats, button downs are all classic. Yes, we all want the 'perfect' family photo, but if the kids want to wear their favorite polka dot dress or Batman t-shirt, let them. The only people really keeping these photos forever are you – and grandma. Stay away from big logos or bold stripes or patterns. Pay attention to shoes and socks, too! Wear your hair and makeup how you would naturally. You don't want to be unrecognizable to yourself when you see the photos. If in doubt, lay out all the outfits on a bed, take a quick photo and email it to a friend or photographer for their opinion.

What to Expect 

Everyone wants that unposed candid photo where the entire family is looking at each other and laughing with the sun hitting them just right. I always joke that a photo tells a thousand lies...and the reality is that it is COMPLETELY UNNATURAL to be dressed up and standing in front of a photographer. 

The photographer's job is to put you at ease, give you directions on how to 'pose' and put you in the best light (literally). You will be given directions on what to do. There will be family photos, individual photos of kids, and just the kids, etc. If there is a photo that you really want, let the photographer know. If you are bringing a pet, also let the photographer know beforehand.

The Overall Process

You’ll discuss pricing, book a session, sign a contract, pay a deposit, settle on a location and time and date. On the actual day, after some intros and chit chat, everyone warms up and it’s shoot time. The photographer will then edit the photos and display them in an online gallery for you to view and select your favorites. Once you purchase the photos, they are either delivered digitally or via prints. Additionally, you may be interested in purchasing other photo products such as albums, gift prints, mugs, and other keepsakes.

 What's the best lighting or time of day?

Ideally right before sunset. But if you toddler goes to bed early, we can work around that. We can shoot indoors if the sun is too high. I am not fond of cloudy days (lighting is not dramatic) or freezing cold or rainy days. If we are not shooting outdoors and using lights indoors, then day or night does not matter. 

 What if the kids are not in the mood or misbehaving?

This happens, they are kids. Snack bribes are okay. Most photographers will have a few tricks up their sleeve. Make sure they are well rested (yes, easier said than done). Make sure they’re not wearing itchy clothes or uncomfortable shoes. Keep the sessions short. Nobody wants a two hour session with a million different poses, locations, clothes. What would you even do with all those photos? Remember, we are just trying to capture a moment in time with everyone in the family in the photo (one that isn't a selfie). It will all be fine!

To see her work and book an appointment, visit Rashmi’s website, and stop by Penny Post to start planning your holiday cards early.