As Christmas is nearing, and neighbors are hanging their decorations, it is hard not to get into the Christmas spirit. Photographing Christmas is not only fun, and rewarding, but is beneficial when you have children growing older. To record that special day of the year start by photographing your children or families’ expressions once they have awoken. What is really fun is photographing smaller children in footy pajamas and nightgowns. Catching the gasp on their faces when they awake to find Christmas is here is priceless. Of course taking shots of them with their favorite present is also important, but don’t forget the details.
Photograph the Tree, the Stockings, the food, and try different angles for a more interesting look. An interesting angle to shoot at is Knee level. Get down on your knees and photograph it. What makes this angle interesting is it is what a small child would see on Christmas day.
Never photograph someone who is eating! Not only will they not like the photo, but also it is a very unbecoming photo. No one wants to see someone stuffing his or her face, just make sure you have photographed the food ahead of time. Photographs of hugs and kisses under the mistletoe are much more flattering and Album worthy.
Kids playing in the snow are timeless photographs. Make sure your camera is at a setting for action shots, and go crazy. Shots of the Snowman, snow angels, and snowball fights are great in your Holiday Album! When photographing a snow angel try to stand as close as possible, make sure your shadow is behind you and not in the shot, and try holding the camera above your head angled at the ground. Take a few shots of this because your feet could be in the picture, and you will want to adjust or crop as needed.
Texture is a huge trend right now. Trying to photograph the subject in their coat, especially if their coat has fur, will have loads of texture, which will make for a more interesting shot. Get as close as possible, and put your camera in a setting for close ups, like for flowers, and bugs.
Photographing snow can be tricky! Sometimes because of the sun, or your flash it can come out more blue then white. If you have Photoshop this is a quick fix! Just got to Image’, adjustments’, and then click on Hue and Saturation’. Under the edit’ scroll down to Cyan’; adjust the sliders as needed until you see your blue snow become white again.
Last but not least there is the night shots. Photographing your lights outside will showcase all the work you did in creating it. A cool way is to shut off your flash. Try mounting your camera on a steady surface or tripod, and put your camera on a setting for night shots. This setting usually allows more light to shine through the lens, capturing your beautiful hung lights. . A steady surface is important for these shots, or the photos will be blurry.
What is most important is having a good time! You can lose yourself in the picture taking, and not include yourself in on the fun. Feel free to take breaks, and try to take shots with you in them as well.
