5 Quick Tips for Holiday Photos December 22, 2015 – Posted in: Photography – Tags:

If you’re lucky enough to be able to spend time with family and friends during the holidays, here are a few photo tips to keep in mind. After all, you want those memories to look as good later as they felt at the time.

  • Think portraits as well as activities. Yes, it’s fun to photograph Uncle Bill opening his present, but get a portrait too. In the coming years, those informal, environmental candids will become the real treasured images.
  • Reduce flash exposure. Most cameras emit too much flash indoors. Go to Flash Exposure Compensation and set it to -2/3 or even -1. Then increase your ISO to 800 (or even 1600) to reduce dependency on the flash. Plus, you’ll capture more ambient lighting at a higher ISO.
  • Get a group shot. Yes, everyone will moan and groan. But group shots tell a big story in just a single frame. It’s worth your while to set one up.

  • Photograph food and decorations. Be sure to capture the food table before everyone digs in. Keep an eye out for decorations and place settings. Some of these items have been in the family for a long time.
  • Share your images. The more people who you share pictures with, the better the chances they will survive the decades. Believe it or not, sending email attachments are often the most effective because the recipients don’t have to do anything to receive them.

Family Group Shot

And finally, keep things simple. Believe me, I love being a photographer. But I also know that it’s important to interact with my family and enjoy the time we have together.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Rocky Nook Publishing!