On top of day-to-day survival, there are so many things to think about this holiday season…your gift lists, travel arrangements, scheduled gatherings & parties, trying to keep the meaning behind each celebration alive and just trying to have some fun. And, of course, you would like to capture those memories in a special way.
I’ve come up with some tips and ideas on how to incorporate fun into your photo sessions and family gatherings.
GET READY!
1. Make sure that your camera battery is fully charged and that you have an extra, charged battery on hand, just in case.
2. Clear your memory card(s) by formatting them (option in most SLRs that will delete all photos on the card). At the very least, make sure that you have enough room on your memory card for the amount of photos that you are prepared to snap and have extra formatted memory cards.
3. Have your camera in a spot where it is easily accessible for impromptu photos around the house, such as in the living room or the kitchen counter. This way you’re not constantly missing shots, while running to dig it out of the closet or your purse. You can take photos of baking with your kiddos or other holiday craft ideas.
4. If you are planning to take some posed pictures, set up your “studio” before rounding up the kids to take pictures. We all know what little attention spans they have, so you need all the time you can get with them.
5. Also, be mindful what is a good time of day for your kiddos. If they are unhappy or cranky around a certain time, wait until after a nap or some other time when they are generally at their best.
6. Make sure you’re not cramming a photo shoot in at the last possible minute before needing them for photo cards, gifts, etc., since that will most likely lead to a stressful situation. Set aside a specific block of your day, to allow for ample time to get some good shots.
POSING & SETUP FOR GIFT PORTRAITS
1. Dress your child according to your theme, maybe a pretty sweater/dress, nice shoes, or even a Santa suit! Let them choose from a few hats to wear, such as a Santa hat, reindeer horns, elf hat, etc., so they feel like they have some say in their photos. Any other items, such as cute boxes or a stool that the kids can sit on, add a nice touch as well as other decor that you may want in the photo. Christmas lights are a fun choice, too!
2. It’s always nice to have some form of a backdrop. A blank, white/cream wall works, or even hanging a large piece of colored felt, or large piece of a certain wrapping paper (not shiny) on the wall with painters tape. You could also set this up as a photo booth to add to your holiday celebration!
3. When shooting indoors, try shooting without flash. To insure the best possible photo, make sure that your subject(s) are close to a well lit window (not too harsh or bright), with your subject(s) at a 45% angle toward the light.
4. If the light is super bright (think squinting), then you can diffuse the light with nice, white sheers.
MAKE IT FUN & KEEP YOUR COOL
1. If you make it fun for the kids, then they will open up and be more likely to listen (for a short time, anyway)!
2. Kids pick up on vibes, especially from their parents, so try not to get upset when the shoot isn’t going exactly the way you planned or your child is misbehaving.
3. Offer treats for good behavior – yes, children love bribes! If it still doesn’t work, just stop and try again at a better time. There is no sense in making it a bad experience for your child and risk them not wanting to participate in another shoot!
4. Let them make their silly face every once in a while and you can show them the result. Kids love looking at their photos.
DURING THE PARTY
1. Have your camera ready to shoot as soon as the fun starts!
2. Start taking candid (and posed) pictures when everyone arrives. I like to get people talking, smiling and then posing together while mingling.
3. When snapping photos of your little one(s) unwrapping gifts, make sure that you’re close and are in full view of their face. It’s nice to fill the frame, rather than to be far too far away. Also, have each child unwrap their gifts separately, so you can catch expressions of each one.
4. After getting some shots of the kiddos opening presents, you can also take some of other friends and family involved.
5. It’s nice to get some candid pictures of people talking, or sharing something (a hug, kiss, reading a book, etc.)
6. If incorporating a photo booth into your party, ask someone to assist you with hosting while you take the photos, so you can think about snapping the photos with no worries.
7. Also, don’t forget the details! Some of my favorite photos that help frame the event are the details of the table setup, place cards, food, individual ornaments or decorations and anything that is special to the celebration or gathering.
LARGE GROUPS
1. Try taking this photo at the beginning of the gathering, once everyone arrives. I find that it is very difficult to get people together after a meal or especially after presents, so take it when everyone is “fresh.”
2. Group families together as much as possible and scrunch in! If they feel too close, then it’s perfect! Be careful to insure that everyone’s head and neck are visible (when at all possible), that tallest people are in the back and that there is ample natural light shining into the area by raising shades and curtains to get the desired result.
3. Make sure that everyone is on board and snap lots of photos. You could also try having the group count out loud with you as you motion with your fingers to 1…2…3! And capture them on the count of three. This can be fun for the kids for sure! Yes, it’s a little cheesy for the adults, but it’s all in the spirit of fun!
4. You can also have everyone strike a silly pose or facial expression at the end of the shoot.
5. Don’t forget to include yourself in your family photos! It’s easy as the photographer, to be left out of photos. Learn your camera’s timer, so you have time to jump into the shoot (in a prearranged spot).
***********************************************
Christina Powell is the power behind Legacy Photo Impressions Photography. She’s a wife and mother to 2 boys and a Boxer (Maverick), and lives in the Frisco area with her family! Her passions are baking, photography, sushi, watching movies, and Dr. Pepper.
This isn’t the first time you’ve heard of her- she did an awesome giveaway for us way back when! You can find more of her photos in your portfolio on her blog/website or check out her Facebook page.
“I’m happy to share in your special memories and help make them last forever!”
