CityView Magazine

30 | November/December • 2014 the evolution of the christmas card arts By tayloR aUBe D uring the winter holi- days it is common to re- ceive a flux of invitations flying through our mail slots, like something out of a Harry potter movie. From distant relatives to a best friend's dog, Christmas pho- tos hang on our refrigerators and re- mind us of those we cherish and miss. Seasons Greetings Local photographer Jen Tarbox of Jen Tarbox Photography explained where she thinks the custom of Christmas cards comes from. She said that people send holiday cards to stay connected to those that live far away. "We want to share an im- age with our family and friends that captures us at the end of another year. Plus it is a way to show off our good-looking fam- ily!" she maintained. Tarbox was more than happy to share her tips and experience as a photographer for Christmas photos with the readers of CityView. e best time to start thinking about Christmas card photos is around the time children return to school, generally in late Christmas cards have evolved over the years, very much so since their first debut in 1843. BBC News reported that Sir Henry Cole of England is the man credited for originating the concept of sending regards during Christmas time. His hand-drawn lithographs were considered the first commer- cial Christmas cards in history. With the birth of the printing press and the surge of com- puters, illustrated Christmas cards are mostly le for chil- dren. Currently, professional photographers have taken hold of the reigns of capturing the holiday spirit. It has become a common practice for families across the country to have hol- iday-themed family portraits taken by professionals to mail out to family and friends. Photo by Jen Tarbox

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