Change in Your Pocket: Saving on Holiday Photos | Video

Joel Porter | 11/1/2012

When it comes to snapping photos for the holidays, a little planning can go a long way.

"You`d be surprised what you can do with a small space for photos," said Farren Gunderson with Forget Me Nots Photography.

Gunderson is decking her own halls as she creates a holiday backdrop to capture professional family portraits at a small space in Mandan.

"You can set a timer all you want, but who knows what`s going to happen in those 10 seconds between the camera getting clicked and the actual photo being taken," she said.

Since she doesn`t have a large studio yet, Gunderson says she can charge less than several competitors but still offer quality prints. Still, any photographer will tell you, getting children to sit still and smile is no easy task.

"You can hear us always giggling and laughing and being crazy with the kids. We try as hard as we can to get that," said Michelle Hagen with Expressions by Ashton Photography.

"In case the kid goes non-smiling, non-smiling, non-smiling, oh my gosh! There`s a really big smile. So it`s nice for somebody else to be able to capture that as well," Gunderson said.

Once the session is over, ask your photographer if you can have a few digital copies or a photo CD. From there, you can upload and customize your own holiday card at a number of places.

"In store, there`s also a lot of foil print options, which make it stand out a little nicer. Gives it a much more elegant feel to the card," said Office Depot Department Manager Rick Rhoades.

You can find other coupon specials such as free envelope printing or free sitting fees in November. Even websites like Snapfish or Shutterfly will offer holiday templates and free prints for signing up. A few steps that`ll guarantee you`ll have quality cards without sending your money up the chimney. That`s change in your pocket.

On Saturday, November 10, the Central Dakota Humane Society will be hosting "Santa Paws Photos for a Cause" at Plantperfect in Bismarck. People are welcome to bring their family and pets and pose with Santa.

The event runs from noon to 5:00 p.m.

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