The holiday season is full of SO many incredible moments as a family. There’s trees to decorate, classic recipes to make, presents to open, and decorations to enjoy. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist (maybe looking to go pro!), or even just a parent with a camera, there’s something to be said about capturing these memories for your family. As we get into the holiday season, here’s a few quick tips for capturing some memories at home this winter!
Stay in the moment.
You don’t have to pose everyone. Try to capture them in the moment, as they are. Sometimes our favorite photographs are the ones that show true emotion. Grab a quick photo of your kids FaceTiming your relatives on Christmas day, or snap a photo of them pulling out decorations to hang on a tree. While the technical aspects of these images might not always be ideal, the emotion and memories will matter more!
Find Good Light.
When you can, encourage your family to find the good light for photos. When you open gifts, place your kids with their faces to big windows so that you can avoid darkened faces in the shady corner of the room. If you’re taking a photo outside with your holiday lights, do so when the sun isn’t directly overhead – a great way to avoid harsh shadows again. Little adjustments in where you stand and shoot from can change your beautiful portraits for the better!! And remember, you can find good light whether you’re using a “good” camera or just your phone!
Try a Few Angles.
Although it’s easy to get in someone’s face and snap a photo right on their level, I want to encourage you to try another angle. Maybe capture an image from above them or further back. Try to get a few angles of the same setup so that you have variety when you go to look at your images later on. It’s a simple way to have more options!
Remember, no moment is too small.
There’s so many things happening in the holiday season. But remember to focus on what matters to you – and that no memory, no moment is too small. If you want to capture how your little one looks playing with their new toys or their nose covered in flour after baking, do it! These are YOUR memories and no one can tell you what you should or shouldn’t capture.
Experiment and don’t be afraid to “make mistakes” or take a “bad” photo. That’s how we learn! These photos become your memories, your story, your legacy. Tell your story at home this holiday season in a way that’s meaningful to you! And if you ever need any additional tips, don’t ever hesitate to ask!
