Tuesday, December 6, 2011

TMR Frugal Living Tip #84

hollyjollychristmasToday's thrifty living tip is take your own Christmas pictures. When I received photo studio coupons in the mail, I would bring my son for his Christmas pictures to save money. The catch was you could only pick the first pose. The whole time I had my fingers crossed the picture turned out nice. I know some photographers would retake the picture if I wasn't happy with that pose, but many of them are making minimum wage. Taking my child's perfect Christmas picture is not high on their priority list.

I began taking all of my son's Christmas pictures when he was about 5 years old. I was already taking pictures of the items I sold on ebay so why not take his pictures. I take shots in front of the tree, in front a white sheet (just like the studios), outside, and maybe on location. I do not own a high quality digital camera, but it is a decent camera. I upload all my pictures on Snapfish. I can edit all the pictures and have the ones I wanted printed. You can add fun borders and other neat options. I'm not sure if you can order the pictures with borders. I think that might be for online use only. I usually spend $20-30 for many pictures in different sizes such as 8x10, 5x7, and wallet. This price even includes the price of shipping.snowflakes

You might be thinking...well, I don't know. This idea might not work so well if you want to be in the pictures such as a family picture. You might be lucky and know someone who takes good pictures that might do you a favor or barter for taking your pictures. I have a couple of people in my family who love to play photographer for fun. They would never dream of asking for money. Save some money and have fun taking the pictures. I also love the editing. The picture shown is one I took a few years ago and added a fun holiday border.

6 comments:

Czjai said...

Hello!
Dropping by from Entrecard.
Looking forward to reading more of your helpful tips! :)

http://mycandycoloredglasses.blogspot.com/

Jenny said...

Great idea! I don't know about Snapfish, but on Shutterfly you can order the pictures with borders. I've often done this instead of ordering overpriced photo cards--paying $0.10 or so per print instead of $1 or more per photo card.

Petula said...

Yup, always a great idea. My problem is forgetting to do it! LOL

Brenda said...

We set our camera on automatic, and it takes our Christmas pictures for us. Online at Walmart, you can order your pictures printed with a border.

Veronica Lee said...

Hi! Stopping by MBC. Great blog!
Have a nice day!

ExploreColorado said...

Great Idea. I'm sure it saves you lots of money.