‘Tis the season to be jolly–and very, very cold! Unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of the sunnier states, you’d have already noticed the chill in the air and the longer, darker nights drawing in. Winter is well on its way, and now’s the time to start planning the ultimate winter getaway.
Time away in a scenic wintry setting is not only a great way to unwind and de-stress. It’s also the perfect opportunity to capture some high-quality photos–perfect for the holiday card you’re sending to your family and friends or the personalized photo album you’re putting together as a Christmas gift for someone special.
Seeking inspiration for a vacation is tricky, especially during winter. So we’ve done the hard part for you by putting together a guide on where the perfect winter getaway spots are, and how you can make the most of it.
Winter Vacation Spots
Lake Louise Ski Resort, Canada
Less than an hour away from the Instagram-worthy town of Banff, Lake Louise is one of Canada’s stand-out ski resorts. Whether you’re an experienced, die-hard skier or just starting out, this 4,200-acre terrain will make the prettiest backdrop for family photos.
USA National Parks
Have you ever wanted to explore the natural wonders of Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, but are put off by the massive crowds, elevated prices, and too-hot-to-handle weather? That’s understandable. Visiting in the winter will ease all of those worries, and when it comes to photos, there really is no place better.
The Riviera Maya, Mexico
If embracing the snow on the slopes or hiking up mountains isn’t for you, why not infuse a touch of paradise to your winter getaway? While most beach resorts settle down at the end of the year, the Riviera Maya in Mexico is just getting started – and there’s not a Christmas sweater in sight. From Mayan history and ancient ruins to long stretches of white sandy beaches and yoga retreats, Mexico has something for everyone. Don’t forget to send a holiday card of you sipping cocktails on the beach!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you’re chasing the sun but still keen to avoid a typical resort-style winter getaway, you should try soaking up the ambiance and culture of Puerto Rico’s largest city, San Juan. With endless rows of colorful colonial buildings and an abundance of cobblestone squares, you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to take your winter holiday photos.
New York City
Sometimes, winter vacation spots are easy to choose. If you prefer to keep it classic, New York City is the way to go. There’s always something going on at every corner in The Big Apple, and when it comes to photos, it’s easy to find the perfect setting. Because everywhere you go, you’ll feel like you’ve walked straight into a Hallmark movie.
Winter Family Photo Ideas
Hopefully, our go-to destination guide has provided you with the inspiration you need to plan your ideal winter getaway. If you think you’re covered for winter family photo ideas, but still need some advice on techniques or photography, we’ve got your back.
How to Take a Winter Family Photo
Having a picture-perfect background is only half the battle when it comes to winning photos. You’ve also got to think about lighting, angles, positioning, and quality. So, when you’re getting snap happy on your winter getaway, take a moment to think about the basics.
With family photos, it’s generally best to keep it natural. Even candid shots that no one is ready for can end up coming out on top. Putting everyone at ease is the first step of great photography, whether you’re going for a traditional family photo or a creative, personality-infused picture.
The main problem most people face with group photos is synergy. Someone always blinks or squints at the wrong time, or looks in the wrong direction or forgets to smile. It’s exhausting! Setting some time aside on your vacation for photo taking is crucial to make it as memorable as possible.
Family Photo Display Ideas
Whether you’re creating a holiday card, compiling a photo album, designing a collage, or simply giving away photos as a gift, how can you ensure your pictures are kept and enjoyed for a long time to come?
Digital photo frames are changing the way we view and share photos, and keeping memories alive has never been easier. You can use digital frames to display your pictures anywhere in your home, and you can instantly share your photos at the click of a button. You can even link some frames, like the Nixplay Seed Wave, up to Spotify and create playlists to music. You can even use it to display short videos! When it comes to family photo display ideas, it truly can’t be beaten.
Take a look at Nixplay’s Smart frames, Digital frames, and Wi-Fi frames to find the perfect creative photo display for your family.