Get your cameras ready, the holiday season is upon us. Here are the top 10 tips for capturing those special moments with outstanding pictures. While everyone is preparing for Halloween, family gatherings, finalizing travel plans and preparing menus, be sure to shake the dust off your camera and have new batteries and memory cards on hand. It is also a good idea to have a second camera as a backup just in case the unforeseen happens.
Keep the cameras in a safe and convenient location so special moments can be captured as they happen. Sometimes the best pictures are the candid ones, so take many pictures as the celebration moves from preparations, to family bonding and the last farewell. If you are one of the travelers, keep your camera in your carry-on. Be sure to keep it easily accessible for those travel shots on the way to visit family.
Tip # 1 – Have fun and pay attention to what is happening around you. Get close to your subject and fill the frame. This effect can be achieved by using the zoom feature on most digital cameras. If your camera does not have a zoom feature simply step a little closer to your subject.
Tip # 2 – Get down to their eye level. Especially when photographing children or pets, try and get down to their eye level and get a different perspective to the picture. If you are unable to get down, try having someone lift the child or pet into the arms of a family member. Watch their reactions and go for the candid shot created at that moment.
Tip 3 – Take vertical pictures to add variety to the photo collection. Vertical photographs often lend a different focal point to a subject matter. The simple turn of a camera can create a more dramatic effect than a horizontal picture. This method is also a way to crop unwanted background clutter.
Tip # 4 – When possible keep the background plain. If taking outdoor pictures, be sure that tree branches and shrubs do not appear to be protruding from the head of the subject. If taking indoor pictures pay attention to windows and mirrors. Window light can alter the light meter reading that the camera records and result in the picture being too dark. Mirrors will reflect a light flash from the camera flash which can ruin the picture. Holiday decorations may also reflect a light flash.
Tip # 5 – Use flash when taking pictures outside. The use of a flash will create a more dramatic background and light up the subject. Be sure to meter the light off the main subject of the picture, lock the setting and then recompose the entire photograph to get the optimum lighting for the image. This is a good way to eliminate the washed out appearance that occurs in bright sunlight. The best setting for outdoor photography is overcast because the softer light flatters faces.
Tip # 6 – Know the distance of the flash range. If the flash range is short the subjects in the distance will appear dark. Available lights can help illuminate the subject but if the flash distance is too short the wrong subject may be lit up. Digital cameras will meter for the light based on pre-programmed settings but may result in disappointing pictures if taken out of the flash range.
Tip # 7 – Remember the Rule of 3’s. Divide the picture into three even sections horizontally and vertically, so you have nine parts. There will be four points where the lines cross. These points are where the subject should be positioned for the optimum effect. By using this type of placement for the subject, the focal point will be more dramatic and create movement within the picture.
Tip # 8 – Avoid shadows that appear across the subject. When photographing a group of people it is easy to have shadows appear on some of their faces. Shadows can also be a problem when taking outdoor photographs on bright, sunny days. Try to alternate positions of people to eliminate shadows and use a flash to provide extra light.
Tip # 9 -Take lots of pictures and be aware of what is happening in the background. Sometimes the best picture is not the obvious one. Have fun, enjoy the celebrations and watch for the candid, special moments. Although the photographer should be the director of the picture, sometimes the candid shots build the story, so try to watch for the special moments. Children are excellent subjects when they do not know that they are being photographed. Try and capture the emotion of the moments. Remember to get close and around eye-level.
Tip # 10 – Learn how to use the self-timer system and get into some of the pictures as well. Remember to place the camera on a tripod or stable surface and align it for the setting chosen for the photograph. Keep the background uncluttered, plan your position in the picture and watch your step when run for your spot.
Whether you spend your holidays with family or travel to exotic places these photography tips will help you capture each moment. The beautiful photographs you create can be shared with pride for many years. So enjoy your holiday experiences and take lots of pictures.
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