How to Take the Perfect Photos This Holiday Season
Photo by Chris Benson on Unsplash
It’s the time of year for fun family gatherings and oodles of photo ops. If your photography tends to be a bit uninspired, here are a few tips and tricks to help make your holiday photos a bit more merry and bright.
Find a Picture-Perfect Spot
Don’t settle for a boring backdrop. Look for signs of the season! Maybe it’s already snowing where you live, or maybe your street is still lined with colorful, crunchy leaves. A good location makes a big difference, so hunt for a background where the season is represented.
Add Some Holiday Flare
Sure, take the “Sunday best” shot of everyone wearing their holiday best, but once that’s done, pull out the ugly sweaters or have folks accessorize with festive hats or cozy scarves. A holiday costume will surely bring a smile to other people’s faces. Coordinate the group’s outfits with a color-scheme or matching apparel (did someone say, “holiday jammies?”). Dressing for the season is a great way to capture a little spirit in your photos. If you need some ideas, Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for fun holiday attire.
Act Natural
Who doesn’t love a good, in-the-moment candid shot? After you’ve taken the posed, group shots, be sure capture a few in-the-moment photos of family traditions or activities. The family gathered around the table sharing a meal, or a little one sharing a special conversation with grandpa – these are memories you’ll want to capture.
A Pleasant Smile Goes a Long Way
The key to a natural smile is to relax. Easier said than done with all the added stress of the holidays, right? Well, here are some tips to get everyone feeling ready to smile before the camera flashes:
- Have everyone loosen up their facial muscles by making big, exaggerated silly faces.
- Tell everyone to think of one thing that always make them laugh. Better yet, come ready with your best “dad joke.”
- Ask everyone to look at the camera and say, “money!”
Be sure to keep your family’s smile healthy during the holidays – and all year long – by flossing daily and brushing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly.
