The right photo
A good photo card starts with a suitable subject:
- Room for text: a calm area (sky, snow, blurred background) where the greeting sits legibly — as with text on an image.
- Well exposed: winter and indoor photos are often dark; more on that shortly.
- Sharp enough: 300 dpi at display size, i.e. the original file, not a WhatsApp version.
- Matching format: a portrait photo for a portrait card; otherwise it gets cropped.
For family and group photos: better a shot where everyone looks good than the technically sharpest one where someone is blinking.
Rescuing dark winter photos
The classic: the cozy photo of the Christmas tree is too dark. And printed it looks even darker than on the glowing screen — paper doesn't glow. So before printing, lift the shadows: with the phone's built-in tools, don't overdo it (or it gets noisy). The exact approach with the right slider is in Brightening a photo that's too dark.
The folded-card trap
With a folded card many get confused: it has four pages (front, two inside pages, back), and depending on the fold direction a certain arrangement must be laid out for print — what's "top" on screen can end up "bottom" after folding. The good news: almost every provider supplies a template that dictates exactly which content goes on which surface. Use that template — it takes the fold confusion off your hands. The general card basics (format, bleed, type) are in Design your own invitation card.
Text and layout
- Keep the greeting short — one heartfelt sentence does more than a full paragraph.
- Legible over the photo — light text on a dark image area or a text box; check the contrast.
- Don't forget the names — who sends the card should be clearly recognizable on it.
The most important tip: order in time
The most expensive mistake isn't a design mistake but ordering too late. In the pre-holiday season photo services are maxed out, delivery times stretch, and a necessary reprint (wrong crop, typo) needs extra time. To send the cards before the holidays, order ideally late November to early December — with a buffer for corrections. A beautiful card that only arrives in January has missed its purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Which photo suits a Christmas card?
A subject with some room for text (sky, snow, a calm area), good exposure, and a format that fits the card. Group and family photos are popular; what matters is sufficient resolution and that everyone looks good. Brighten dark indoor winter shots beforehand.
How do I lay out a folded card correctly?
A folded card has four pages (front, two inside pages, back) that must be arranged a certain way for print — usually the provider supplies a template. Important: which page shows what depends on the fold direction; the provider template takes that confusion off your hands.
How do I rescue too-dark winter photos?
Winter and indoor shots are often underexposed. Lift the shadows with the phone's built-in tools before the card is printed — printed, dark images look even darker than on the glowing screen. Don't overdo it, or it gets noisy.
When do I have to order Christmas cards?
Earlier than you'd think. In the run-up to the holidays photo services are heavily loaded and delivery times stretch. To send the cards on time, order ideally in late November or early December — and plan time for a possible reprint if there are mistakes.