Christmas is such a special time for millions of families. Festive lights, decorations, and cosy atmospheres all contribute to lifelong memories for adults and kids alike. Taking stunning photos during this magical season is essential to capturing these moments, allowing you to look back on them for the rest of your life
Photo by Stockcake
Taking stunning yet candid Christmas photos can be tricky, especially if you have kids and pets to wrangle! Here are some tips for elevating your photography game this festive season.
Tips for taking stunning photos this Christmas
Lighting
Lighting is such a crucial influencer when it comes to taking a good photo, especially at a time of year when lights are twinkling everywhere.
Natural daylight is always the best option when it comes to taking daytime photos. Sunlight helps to create softer, more flattering photos and also means there is less work for the photographer. Utilise windows and the great outdoors to capture as much natural light as possible.
If the light has begun to fade, you can use additional lights to create a festive feel. If shooting indoors, use warm lighting to softly light your subjects. Outdoor Christmas lights can also look beautiful – just remember to use your camera flash so your subjects don’t appear too dark.
Photo by Stockcake
Focus on the details
Christmas isn’t just about family portraits, but the smaller details as well. You may have special ornaments that form your family’s tradition, or decorations that you can rely on year after year.
These small details are important so make sure you capture them too. This is one area of photography you can get creative in. Zoom in closely on special ornaments and use tree lights, for example, as a blurry background for a beautiful photo. This technique is called bokeh.
Get creative with angles
It is easy to stick to the same angle when photographing family and friends. Typically, you will face them head-on and have their positions be flat towards you.
Embrace movement and different angles. Even if you move 45 degrees one way whilst your subjects stay still, you can create different poses and interesting shapes. This mindset is especially helpful with wriggling children and pets!
Remember, photos of people don’t always have to be full-face profiles. Sometimes a side profile can be just as gorgeous. You may even want to position your family facing away from you, taking in a festive scene. This can help moments feel less posed.
Photo by Stockcake
Capture candid moments
Many photographers agree that capturing candid moments can make for the most beautiful photos. Managing to get genuine laughter and hilarity on film is magical.
The trick to successfully capturing candid moments is to keep your eye on the ball but plan some key moments. There are certain times of the season which are more special. For instance, the moment your kids burst through the door and see the presents from Father Christmas, or the jokes being read out from the crackers. Make sure you are in position for these moments and keep snapping away – you may just capture gold.
Photo by Stockcake
Conclusion
Capturing the essence of the holiday season through photography is a wonderful way to preserve those heartwarming moments for years to come. Whether it’s getting creative with angles, focusing on the small details, or using the perfect lighting to set the mood, there are so many ways to elevate your Christmas photography skills. Don’t forget to capture candid moments that reflect the true joy and spirit of the season. With these tips for taking stunning photos, you’ll be able to create a beautiful visual story that your family can cherish forever.
What’s your go-to tip for taking stunning photos that truly capture the magic of Christmas?
*Disclosure: Collaborative Post
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
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