Family Photos

Sending a holiday letter isn't just what it used to be. The printing and envelope-stuffing of the predigital days are still an option, but everything can also be done with some key strokes and a few clicks of a mouse. If you're looking for something that's more informative than a photo card, but not as long-winded as an annual family letter, check out these alternatives.

• These folding timeline cards (starting at $64 for 25) or mini photo booklets (starting at $87 for 15) both open up to reveal your family's memorable moments.
• This Top 10 list (starting at $125 for 25) is a brief and fun way to let your loved ones know about the highlights of the year.
• If you have lots to say, this vintage-style newsletter (starting at $125 for 25) is a great way to send all the updates that are fit for print.
• American Greetings' Holiday Pics and Wishes ecard creator (requires $20 per year ecard membership) allows you to upload pictures, videos, text, and sound to create a family holiday card that has plenty of personality.
• If you have the creative spark, design your own holiday card or letter (or download a free template online) and PDF it for an easy way to update friends and family.

It's time for a group shot! Nancy Alcott has had plenty of practice snapping shots of newborns and energetic tots in her experience as a professional photographer, but as the holidays near everyone wants a family photo! The artist and mother of two told us her tips for capturing the perfect shot of a bunch (that includes tots). Check out her five tricks that (will make the photo shoot more fun) and try them at home!

Bribery will get you everywhere
When times get tricky, break out with the bribes. For posed shots where I need my subjects to look in a certain direction, I use anything that will grab their attention. For my own daughter that means Cheerios, but it can be anything from gummy bears to graham crackers. One hint though – stay away from chocolate and Oreos unless you’re going for chocolate beards and fingers.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease
Child photography is part artistry, part stand up comedy. Be an entertainer. Use props like squeaky toys, rattles, mirrors, keys, or flashlights to get your child’s attention. Even a millisecond look your way can create that prized expression you're looking for.

Call in the cavalry
When things get out of hand, use your friends. Professional photographers bring assistants. You'll want to have your own too. The nanny, babysitter, neighbor — they're all great for corralling the kids, holding props, and when needed, taking the photo for you.

To see which kid-friendly game Alcott uses to get the perfect picture, read more

One of the most challenging aspects of decorating a home is finding a way to tastefully display family photographs. Bunching photos on a mantel can just look cluttered, and hanging them along the wall on a staircase evokes memories of bad '80s family comedies.

If you want a streamlined, chic alternative to family photo mayhem, take a cue from interior designer Ryan Korban, who hung portraits in three rows of four. Try using the same arrangement somewhere in your home, whether it's over an entryway console table or above a wingback in your study.

To keep the look as sharp as this one, use the same frame and matting for each photo. Black and white photography will add elegance to your family photos. Keep in mind that even if a photo isn't shot in black and white, you can easily transfer it to that medium using Photoshop. When you want to update your photo gallery, simply slip out one black and white shot for another. Voila! Family photo clutter solved!

Where does your family gather for photos? Some clans stand by the mantel, while others prefer the front steps or outside in the garden. On last night's episode of Modern Family, Phil's plan to take a "ridiculousious" family photo in bed a la Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is shot down by his wife, who wants a more traditional stair shot. But perfectionist Claire doesn't get her way either — the photo session ends up taking place on Jay and Gloria's lawn and includes some squabbles and mud slinging. Where do you take your family pictures?