Philadelphia isn’t just a city, it’s a palette. From the warm red brick of rowhouses and the soft glow of Boathouse Row in winter, to the Art Museum steps and the grand old lamp-posts in Rittenhouse, Philly offers textures, layers, and light that can elevate holiday decor and keepakes. As designers, we know that incorporating local identity gives depth to a home, helps memories feel rooted, and makes every piece - from photos to cards - tell a story.
Pairing that with seasonal decor (evergreens, wreaths, garlands) gives interiors a festive coherence. And when your home reflects elements of Philly - its architecture, its public spaces, its color tones - you don’t just decorate, you curate.
Capturing Perfect Portraits: Tips for Picture-Perfect Memories
To make images that deserve a frame - and a focal wall - follow these guidelines:
1. Choose the Right Setting
- Indoor with natural light is often flattering: large windows, soft ambient light in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid overhead lighting that casts harsh shadows.
- Outdoor scenes in Philly offer wonderful backdrops: LOVE Park, the Art Museum, Boathouse Row, or even snow-dusted sidewalks in Old City. Morning or golden-hour light softens everything.
2. Coordinated Outfits & Textures
Use clothing styles that complement the setting. Think winter layers—coats, scarves, hats—with textures like velvet, wool, flannel. Keep color palettes in harmony: muted tones with pops of festive color (deep green, burgundy, navy) look more timeless than matching red & green over the top.
3. Posing & Composition
- Let your subjects interact naturally—walking, laughing, maybe sipping hot cocoa—rather than stiff posed looks.
- Try heights and angles: crouch down so kids and adults are more level; shoot a few standing, a few seated.
- Incorporate architectural lines (the steps of the Art Museum, door frames, porch columns) in your framing to give structure.
4. Lighting & Timing
- Soft daylight, golden hour, and diffused light (cloud cover helps) give warmth.
- Avoid harsh midday sun unless you can find shade.
- Inside, turn off or dim mixed light sources; use natural light plus maybe soft lamp or tree lights.
5. Editing & Presentation
- Keep edits subtle: warm tones, slightly boosted contrast, gentle vignettes.
- When framing, use quality photo paper and glass that’s UV-protected. The frame style should match your decor (e.g., clean mid-century frames with a simple wood trim work well in Philly rowhouses; ornate mouldings suit more formal spaces).
Designing the Message: Local Holiday Cards That Speak
Once you have great images, turning them into holiday card designs is the next step. You want cards that reflect both your style and your community. Here’s what to think about:
1. Local Graphic Identity
Use local landmarks or skyline silhouettes in card fronts - LOVE Park’s LOVE sculpture, City Hall, the Museum Steps, Boathouse Row. Many Philly independent designers and shops offer cards that feature these. Examples include Philly‐themed holiday card packs and mashup cards combining several seasonal landmarks.
2. Paper Choice & Printing Details
- Matte vs gloss: Matte gives warmth and elegance; gloss or semi-gloss offers crisp color (but reflects light).
- Heavy cardstock feels more premium. Envelope quality matters too (liner color, envelope flap styles).
- Specialty finishes (foil, embossed printing, letterpress) are beautiful touches if the budget allows. Local stationers and shops often offer these.
3. Layout & Personalization
- One large photo front or multi–photo collage? Decide based on your favourite shots.
- Fonts should harmonize with the image: classic serif or calligraphy styles suit more traditional pictures; clean sans serif works with modern, minimal photos.
- Color scheme should tie back to your images: pick two or three accent hues derived from your portrait tones (maybe the brick, coat color, scarf etc.).
4. Where to Source Local Cards
Philadelphia has several excellent options:
- Philadelphia Independents offers packs of locally designed blank holiday cards with Philly themes.
- Paper On Pine has Philly-themed holiday cards (skyline, LOVE sign, etc.).
- Phila Carta produces cards that mash up local landmarks in seasonal design.
- Cards for Causes allows you to pick Philadelphia scenes & customize the message, while also contributing to a charity.
Displaying Memories: Framing & Decorating with Photos
Once your family Christmas photos are printed, consider how to make them part of your home décor - not just something in an album.
Gallery & Ledge Display
Lean framed photos on picture ledges in your hallway or living room. Mix in small holiday accents - like a garland, twig branches, or a vintage ornament.
Seasonal Swaps
Use frames or mats that let you swap photos yearly. Keep a consistent frame style or color so the display feels unified even as the image content changes.
Mixing Styles
Combine candid, informal shots with more formal portraits. Let informal ones show personality: kids playing, pets, unposed laughter. Formal ones anchor the collection.
Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead & Keeping It Cozy
- Start early. Book photographers or plan your DIY shoot in November. Order cards by early December to allow for shipping, addressing, or mailing.
- Capture authenticity. The warmest photos are the ones where people relax and enjoy each other, not forced smiles.
- Let your home and your identity in Philadelphia be part of the story. When your decor, lights, frames, and cards all subtly nod to your sense of place, every piece- from the photo on the wall to the card mailed far away - feels more meaningful.
