5 Tips to Nail Your Holiday Photos
The holidays are special. There’s no denying that warm fuzzy feeling that creeps up around late November each year, and why would we want to? This year has been especially difficult for most folks and while the holidays may be celebrated differently in 2020, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t celebrate as best as we can.
I don’t know about you, but I treasure our holiday photos even more than “regular” pictures. That’s why I decided to create this list of 5 tips to nail YOUR holiday photos! I’d love to see these tips put into practice, so if you use any of them be sure to tag me (@jennifervansonphoto) when you post them.
Let’s dive in…
TIP #1: Turn OFF your flash! I know, this seems crazy, right? If you turn off your flash won’t everything be dark? Well, possibly. But turning off your flash (even if you’re shooting in automatic) allows your camera to take in the ambient light around you, creating a more true to life shot. You will need to hold your camera (phone or DSLR) super steady to prevent shake, but don’t be afraid to play around with photos in low light without a flash.
If you own a DSLR and want to get used to using it in Manual mode, this is a great time to practice and begin to understand how aperture, ISO, and shutter speed will work together to get the best effect. You will need to embrace the graininess of the photos, but maybe you’ll find that you love it!
TIP #2: Move your body. It’s easy to get stuck on a typical eye-level shot, but the most interesting things happen at all levels. Don’t be afraid to step back, or get really low, or even really close! If you have kids or pets, get right onto the floor with them or hover overhead. Play around and see if you can push yourself to find a more interesting perspective than the first shot you take.
TIP #3: Look for interesting light! We’re spending a lot of time at home this year, find patches of weird light in your house and grab that shot! You’ll need to have your flash off and if you’re using your phone be sure it’s not set to HDR mode, focus on the lightest part of the photo so that it’s not too bright.
TIP #4: Find beauty in the details. Look for those little fingers playing a game or showing off a new toy. Capture your holiday momentos hanging on your tree. Grab a shot of little bare feet on a fuzzy rug on Christmas morning. These are the things I want to remember forever!
TIP #5: Watch… wait… look for the sweet & silly moments that happen all the time but don’t get enough attention. Your husband snuggling your dog, your kids dancing around the kitchen, your parents sharing a quiet moment. As the movie says “love actually is all around”. Don’t be afraid to be a little sneaky, and above all have fun capturing these special times with your family!
BONUS TIP!!! Give the little ones in your life a disposable film camera to capture their own holiday memories – the images they capture from their wee vantage points never let me down.
Please enjoy some of my personal favourites, captured by my kiddos, lol!
Have a very happy holiday season!!! I wish you all the love in the world and the best in the New Year.
xoxo ~ Jen
Tips to Nail Your Holiday Photos | COVID Christmas | Film Photography
