Well, hello-ho-ho. It’s December and that means that Christmas is not too far away. Eeek, exciting! Thankfully, this year we have no restrictions on numbers for meeting up with family and friends. After the necessary caution of the previous few years this will make celebrations even more special and even more important to record it with your camera. So here are my top tips for taking great Christmas photos. Helping you to create real and lasting memories. Happy ho-ho-holidays!
???? Top Tip 1 ~ Don’t stress
This is a joyful time. We want that joy to be in the photos you’re taking. If you are stressed that will transfer to the people you’re photographing. Whereas happy people give genuine smiles which will shine through and result in great pictures. Remember to breathe. Have fun, be happy, and enjoy this special time. Capture the joy.
???? Top Tip 2 ~ Capture those traditions
Every family has little traditions they like to do each year. So make sure you capture them. It is these special moments, unique to your own family which you will look back on in years to come with fond memories. Whether that is in the kitchen making mince pies or a gingerbread house. Early frost morning walk or snuggles on the sofa with a Christmas movie. Looking back, these images are going to give you lots of, “do you remember when?” comments.
???? Top Tip 3 ~ Mix it up
As beautiful as posed images can be, sometimes the best shots are when they are spontaneous. It’s great to have a mix of both to really reflect this special time. When taking posed shots it can be easier to take single portraits. If you are photographing two or more people together give them something to do. A shared activity – be it putting decorations on a tree or playing a game of cards, even rummaging in the tub of sweets for their favourite – helps relax everyone. Get shooting as they interact naturally and smiles will be natural, not forced.
When taking candid shots, use burst mode on your camera. Take loads of images and then delete the ones you don’t need. This makes it much more likely to capture that one fantastic shot where it’s a great picture of everyone. This is especially useful for high energy times like Christmas Morning present opening – especially the children. Stockings are too exciting. I doubt they are going to be patient enough to open their gifts in a calm enough manner so you can pose them for your perfect shot. Capture their spontaneous excitement and joy.
Use your smartphone/ smartwatch trigger to be able to take less intrusive shots, this will give more natural feel. You can even be in the photos too. Which leads me nicely on to…
???? Top Tip 4 ~ Don’t forget about you
Whether it’s a quick selfie, or setting the timer and dashing to be in the shot, make sure you appear in some of the photos. You are part of the celebrations after all and how sad would it be to look back at the photos and not be in any of them? Ask someone else in your gathering to take some pictures too, and create real and lasting memories with you in them.
???? Top Tip 5~ It’s the little things
Family is everything, yes. But Christmas is also so much more: The tree, the meals, the decorations, the cake. Capture it all. Whether you prefer your photos to be styled or candid or a good mix of both, take plenty of pictures. Trawl the flea markets beforehand for some great props to add to the Christmasness for your styled shots. Or use some spare tree decs and crackers. Don’t overlook those small details that make the season so special.
???? Top Tip 6 ~ Include your furry friends
It can be a crazy time with changes to usual routines and lots of people. Pets can be unsettled by the different energy in their home. Some take in all in their stride and want to join in, some will need a calm space. However yours cope, make sure you include some photos of them. It’s their Christmas too.
???? Top Tip 7 ~ Time of day
There is usually something happening whatever the time of day at this time of year. But if you’re heading outdoors remember that late afternoon gives great, natural, flattering light. Plus, later in the day outdoor lights will be twinkling too. Pull on a woolly hat and some mittens and you’ve got a wonderful wintry atmosphere. Great for Christmas photos.
So step outside. Photograph the weather, the garden, the frost, the winter. All part and parcel (!) of the festive season.
???? Top Tip 8 ~ Look into your crystal ball…
Get a little creative. Crystal balls are readily available and relatively inexpensive. They can be used to take beautiful shots that look far more difficult to achieve than they actually are. Especially outdoors. Especially if it’s frosty. Or, simpler still, use a shiny Christmas bauble and photograph the reflection on it’s surface. This looks just gorgeous with the sparkle of tree lights.
Even if you use just one of these tips for taking great Christmas photos, take plenty of images to cherish. And have yourself a very Merry Christmas xx
Fancy reading more?
The Importance of Photography (and of actually printing the images)
What to Wear to your Portrait Session
SAMPHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY | HORSHAM PHOTOGRAPHER | SPECIALISING IN NEWBORN, BABY AND MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY
Top Tips for Taking Great Christmas Photos
