Dear Reader,

Is it December already?

Time to get out the lights, garlands, and wrapping paper. And with all of that in mind, scroll down for this month’s holiday-flavored Photo Challenge Theme...

Bonnie Caton
AWAI Travel Division

P.S. Speaking of the holidays, it’s time for our annual Holiday Sale! Tis the season… to save 20% to 50% off our best resources for travel writers and photographers... and get FREE shipping, too! Check out all of the savings we’re gifting to you this month.

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December 2, 2009
The Right Way to Travel, Weekly Photo Tip
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Bells, Bows and Mistletoes

By Shelly Perry in Portland, OR

It’s getting pretty dark out here in the Northern Hemisphere. Good thing it’s the holiday season, which means it’s time to bring out the lights, glitter, garlands, and maybe even see a dusting of sparkling snow.

That’s why this month’s Photo Challenge theme -- Bells, Bows, and Mistletoes -- is devoted to all the things you do to make your winter bright.

Photos in this Challenge can cover a wide swath of holiday merriment, including tree trimmings, gifts, holiday parties and gatherings, and all that goes into readying your home and family for the holidays. Whatever you’re doing to add some sparkle to these darker winter days, take out your camera and document it.

Then, send in your one best shot for a chance to win a $30 gift certificate to the AWAI E-Bookstore... and be entered in the running for next year’s $2,000 Grand Prize.

Submissions for Bells, Bows, and Mistletoes can include:

Your favorite elves of the season:

What happens when Fido helps with the wrapping:

All the glitz, glitter, and glow that surrounds you:

True love’s winter kiss:

... Or any other festive shots of the season.

Remember to write a strong description -- there are a wide array of customs and traditions this time of year -- so you’ll want to be sure we know what we are looking at. Keep in mind the various tips for composition and lighting you’ve learned so far through these weekly photo tips. I encourage you to go back through our archives at and read some of the critiques of previous months' entries.

You'll gain some useful insights about what differentiates a winning photo from one that's just okay.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Submissions for December’s challenge are due by 8:00 a.m. EST on Monday, December 28.  You can submit your photos by clicking on the "Enter to Win" tab on our website.  

Look for a list of November's winners in next week's Photo Tip.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Shelly Perry from Portland, Oregon specializes in people photography, what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits.  She is known especially for her imaging of children. Her concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the images she produces.  Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, websites, ad campaigns, and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.

To meet Shelly in person, join us this April 16-18 in Nashville, Tennessee, for the Ultimate Money-Making Photo Workshop. Seats are on sale for the holidays.]

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