Whether you are using a DSL, digital camera, 35mm, instant or throw away camera, these tips will help to preserve the seasons memories.
Practice makes perfect
Take the time to capture a few pictures before the holiday action begins. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with your camera, resulting in better pictures.
Start early
The holiday season starts long before December. Begin to chronicle this time on the first shopping trip or when the family goes to buy a tree. Also, remember to get those great shots after the festivities are over. Photos of wrapping paper strewn on the floors help recreate the mood of the holidays.
Go out in the cold
Don’t expect great moments to come to you — go out looking for them. If it’s cold, don’t forget to put on a hat and gloves and go outside.
Watch the background
A beautiful picture can become unintentionally funny if the background is wrong. When you get the photo set up, take a last look through the viewfinder to make sure you’ve considered the background as well as the subject(s). Otherwise, you might end up with an ornament or tree branch “growing” out of Aunt Becky’s head.
Stop at the red
Everyone knows that red means stop, so this holiday be sure to follow a few easy steps to reduce red eye. Before you take the picture, turn on the lights in a room, and consider posing your subject so they are lit by daylight at a window or door. Or, use a camera that has a flip-up flash feature or a pre-flash feature.
Elbow in for that shot
You may value elbow room at the dining table, but be sure to keep family members close when you’re photographing them. A distance between four and six feet is considered optimal.
Wait until dusk
The most common problem with outdoor Christmas tree and decoration photos is that they’re too dark and the lights or ornaments are pinpoints of bright light that can’t be seen clearly. Try photography the tree at dusk or on a cloudy day, and use a 400 speed film.
Go overboard with light
You can improve your outdoor pictures by taking full advantage of the flash built into most cameras. It helps brighten your subject’s face, provides good color in the shade and eliminates potentially irritating shadows, especially around the eyes.
Here are a few more general pointers:
CHILDREN:
- Get close enough to catch their expressions as they open gifts
- Shoot at or slightly below eye level
- Photograph them putting out cookies and milk for Santa Claus
- Take pictures of them in front of the fireplace or Christmas tree
- Minimize “Red-eye” by turning on all room lights and having the children
look away from the camera lens - Keep the camera handy, with SD card loaded and fresh batteries on hand.
CHRISTMAS TREE:
- Use a 35mm camera
- Turn on tree lights and all room lights
- Open drapes to increase amount of light. Avoid direct sunlight
- Use the camera flash
FAMILY EVENTS:
- Take a picture of the person who gave the gift as it is opened.
- For group pictures, take several shots. Enlarge the one where all
have good expressions - Around the dinner table, stand on a chair for the best angle
- Have several single-use cameras available so others can help
you catch those wonderful holiday moments