With the holiday festivities in full swing here are some simple tips to help create those memorable photographs with friends and family.
Equipment
- Know your photography equipment – study the operating manual if you have time. If you are short of time just be sure you know the buttons and dials on your camera. Today’s models are self explanatory and most have a timer so the photographer can also be in the picture.
- Be sure to have extra batteries and memory cards. If you have rechargeable batteries make sure they are fully charged.
Background
- Many digital cameras and light meters read the average light of an area. Be sure that the subject of your picture is not positioned in front of a window. The outdoor light gives the camera a false light reading and the subject will often appear dark in the photo.
- For outdoor photographs watch for shadows on faces. Also be sure that with group pictures no one is hiding in the shadows.
- A decorated staircase makes an interesting setting for family portraits.
- Be sure to watch for plants and branches when positioning family members. There is nothing more disappointing than seeing the final picture with antlers on grandma, unless of course you planned that.
- A Christmas tree offers a variety of colors and angles to make the perfect holiday photo. Just be sure that the glittering decorations and lights don’t cast too much of a reflection on the subject of your picture.
- If you have young children in your pictures, get down low with your camera and change the perspective of your picture. It’s fun to get down to different levels and join the children with candid photographs. Who knows what you might find under the Christmas tree.
Positioning
- If your picture is multi-generational, place the eldest family members in the middle of the setting and then position the rest of the family around them. If infants or young children are present consider placing the youngest in the arms of the eldest.
- If you set your picture up with everyone on the sofa, have people turn inwards to create a family union. Their knees should be turned in towards the center. Keep in mind if people are sitting on the floor in front of the sofa have them tuck their feet in or fold their legs. The camera makes things like feet appear bigger when in the foreground.
- If your setting is around the dinner table, you might consider placing your turkey or main part of the meal in the center of the table. Then position half of the family at the far end of the table behind the seated guests. Remember to watch for shadows and hidden faces. If the setting is near a window, look to see if the view is complimenting the picture. If not, then close the curtains. You will definitely need to use a flash in this type of setting in order to capture the sharpest image.
Did you get pictures of everyone?
- During family celebrations there is usually one family member who takes all the pictures. In many families it’s Mom. Be sure to learn the self-timer mode on your camera. Once you set the self-time for at least 10 seconds then join the family in some of the holiday pictures.
- When setting up for a self-timer shot, be sure to focus on the group setting. Avoid standing in front of the camera when doing so, because the camera will focus on you and not the group.
- A tripod would be a good addition for pictures taken in this manner. If a tripod is not available place the camera on a stable surface such as a counter, mantel or bookshelf.
Lighting the Scene
- Many images are better when taken with available light, but consider the subject matter and camera motion. Low light images often have a narrow depth of field and images may be grainy or out of focus.
- Available lighting may also cast a yellow hue on the pictures.
- When taking the family holiday portraits use a flash. The flash reduces the risk of out of focus pictures and poor lighting. Be sure to aim your camera at the subject you are photographing and allow it to get an accurate meter reading. Take many pictures to ensure a successful group of holiday images.
With all the digital cameras at our convenience, taking holiday pictures will be fun for everyone. Now technology even allows you to view your creations while your guests are still enjoying desert. You might even consider letting the children take some pictures. Perhaps, purchasing some disposable cameras and leaving them around for the guests to use would be an added festivity. With many cameras in several hands you could end up with some very interesting holiday pictures. Have fun with the family and Happy Holidays.
Find more photo tips at:
Examiner - photo tips
Kodak - www.kodak.com
Olympus – www.olympusamerica.com
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