Steps to prepare your image 

Good lighting and background

Either near a large window (with the light coming from the side) but not in direct sunlight or preferably outside 30 mins prior to sunset. Refrain from taking the picture using artificial lighting or a flash as it washes out detail.

If there is an element of lighting in the background, consider replicating it for a more realistic finish.

Get your kids to sit and stand in front of a plain background which is a contrast to the colours they are wearing. White or grey is best to ensure a can extract them cleanly.

Dress it up!

Christmas colours and hats are preferable, but colours will also make your child stand out!

Taking the Photo

Try and get your kids to imagine the moment to help make for a more believable final image. Use props and Christmas decorations to get them in the spirit! If all else fails, bribery usually does it will my kids :)

For best results, keep a steady hand to eliminate blur and ensure you child holds still. Takes lots of pics and consider the angle you are taking the photo from. You may have to bob down to take the pic straight on, rather than looking down on your child. This will differ depending on the background you have chosen. Try not to chop off limbs if they are needed in the image, and if you are outside get them to stand on some cardboard as grass is very difficult to edit out!

If you are photographing more than one child and one has a good pose in one photo and one in another, I can use the two shot to combine into one if that helps! 😁

Pets are welcome at no extra charge

As I am a huge dog lover, I have decided to allow furry friends to be captured alongside the kids if you wish. This will only be accepted if they are right next to, or on the child I am extracting from the photo.

More than one child?

If you are having multiple kids in the photo, please get a photo of them together initially. I know it is hard to get them in the best pose altogether, so you may submit multiple images so I can chose the best poses and combine them into one image for the final edit.

Any questions?

Please email me at info@josouthwell.com.au

Now to choose your background!