Who doesn’t love Christmas? (Those of you who don’t, shhh keep quiet!) I love it.
Not that every year is so perfect but there are many memories with loved ones, gorgeous presents, lots of laughs, good food and well, just not having to think about stuff for one day. I don’t know about you but I’m always the one, camera in hand because well, it’s rude not to capture these yearly milestones, especially when kids are involved.
So, here are just a few tips for taking better pictures…. that’s before the champers gets opened at lunch!
Most important tip of the day is to charge your battery the night before, be it a camera or a smart phone. Sounds obvious – until you forget!
When taking family group shots, if the weather is OK then it’s best to use the natural day light outside for this. But if it has to be done indoors, try not to line people up in front of a window because they will become silhouetted and the background will be blown out. It’s best to position them so they are facing the window and then if you need some more light and you have a decent flash, use that as well.
For a nicely composed family photo, try to create the shape of a triangle, so put the tallest at the back and in the middle and work your way down from there.
Be a little sneaky and take photos when people are unaware, then you can capture the fun and laughter or even the cute intense little expressions of kids examining a gift or mince pie.
Rather than take photos just from where you are sitting move yourself closer to your subject and fill the entire frame with their happy faces. Same goes for the Christmas decorations, get in nice and close.
Don’t forget to take some photos of the yummy food but if you do, make sure to move the dish or your plate near to a window to make use of natural light. The flash kills a food photo and makes it look unappetising and you don’t want that!
Lastly, once you’ve captured some key memories of the day, put down the camera, crack open the bubbly and sit down to enjoy some good old fashioned conversation with your family and friends.
Should you be lucky enough to receive a camera for Christmas or indeed be looking for a present to give a keen amateur photographer, I am offering vouchers for an hour or 2 hours of photography tuition. For more information, please email office@rebeccafennellphotography.co.uk
Have a wonderful Christmas and prosperous New Year!
