Whether you’re preparing for the annual photo card or just want some nice pictures to remember this year’s holidays, taking great photos – especially when kids are involved – can be a challenge. Add to that the busy schedules and shopping to be done, and the last thing you and your little ones may feel like doing is smiling. But here are some easy tips that experienced moms know can help get their families looking their best and make sure those holiday photos look great:

Plan and prepare. To avoid interruptions, try to put fresh batteries in the camera before you start and clear off images so you have enough space on your camera’s memory card.

Dress for success. Whether you go all-matching or not, wearing complementary colors brings a sense of togetherness to the photo. Avoiding strong prints or patterns will also help give a unified look.

Time it right. Scheduling get-togethers – and the resulting photos – when your little ones are well-fed and well-rested goes a long way toward getting good shots. It’s nearly impossible to get a good photo of a tired, hungry and cranky baby.

Shoot for sincerity. Instead of asking them to say “cheese,” try telling a joke to bring out your family’s smiles. Placing a toy on top of your head is a great way to get little tots to laugh, and asking older boys to say “girls” (or older girls to say “boys”) almost always gets a genuine smile.

Bring treats. Having a little treat on-hand to encourage kids to sit through the picture-taking is always a good idea. (This goes for the family dog, too, if you’re brave enough to include him!)

Use light right. If you can turn off the flash indoors, you’ll avoid that harsh, unnatural light, as well as problems with red-eye. Try having your subjects stand near (but not in front of) a door or window for more natural light. Outside, try using the flash even if you don’t think you need it. It can help fill in and even out shadows.

Set realistic expectations. Sometimes getting the best photo is just a matter of numbers, so plan on taking a lot of pictures. Eventually, no one will be blinking or looking the other way! If you prepare everyone that it may take awhile, you’ll get fewer complaints and eye-rolls when you ask for “just one more shot.”