It doesn't have to be picture perfect
If you spend too much time on social media (like most of us do!) you might get the impression that everyone's homes and families look like they came straight out of a Pottery Barn catalogue. Perfect, neutral color palates, freshly renovated rooms and starry-eyed cherub children posed sweetly or playing peacefully under a meticulously-trimmed tree. The truth is, most of our lives don't look like that. Even those whose lives look like that don't really look like that. They look like that with the right lighting, the right circumstances, at the right angle and maybe even with some skilled editing. My point is, don't let less than perfect aesthetics stop you from creating some beautiful photos of the holidays with your loved ones. Here are 5 tips to help capture the beauty that's right in front of you.
Tip #1: Clean your lens
Okay, this feels like a silly one but it is SO important. So many coulda-been-great photos end up looking smudged and out of focus and it's so avoidable. Especially with little hands that might be grabbing your phone, any time you pick it up to take a picture, just assume it's dirty haha! If you're serious about it, wipe it off with a microfiber towel but your t-shirt can do the job just fine without taking more than 5 seconds.
Tip #2: Use natural light
On Christmas morning, my kids line up in the hallway and wait for the "okay" to run out to the living room to see what Santa left them. Before the kids head in, the first thing I do is open up the curtains to let in the sunlight. Even when the kids are up particularly early and it's dark outside, I know that the sun will be up soon, and I want all that yummy light streaming into the room as we partake in the festivities. Make sure that any holiday decor lights are also on, you want that glow of the Christmas tree to add to the ambiance and it will give your photos a soft, cheery touch.
Tip #3: Photograph the details
Take some close-up pictures to capture the details of the day. I like to try to get a photo of each of my kids on their own as they are engrossed with a new toy, book, game, treat, etc. What is happening in your house on Christmas? Get close to get the picture of someone biting into their gooey cinnamon roll, cozied up under a blanket on the couch watching a favorite movie or little hands fitting puzzle pieces together. Getting in close can help capture details that could be easily forgotten later and those excited expressions make for some great photos!
-When getting in closer for a photo, avoid using the camera zoom function and physically move in closer whenever possible.
-If you are worried that getting closer will interrupt the moment, gently move in and then wait a second before pulling up your phone. Don't just put the phone in their face. Connection first always.
-Position yourself so that you don't block the light and cast a shadow over your subject (down lower or off to the side usually does the trick).
-Try taking the photo in Portrait Mode to blur the background, making your subject really pop.
Tip #4: Step back to take it all in
After I have gotten some detail photos, I like to step back and get a wider view. Wide shots help to capture the hustle and bustle of the morning. The growing pile of wrapping paper, discarded boxes and emptied stockings strewn about are all part of the story.
-A few steps back will usually be plenty to get a fuller picture of your scene.
-When you are in the spot you want to take the photo from, make sure to tap your screen where your subjects are (your kids, for example) so that the camera puts the focus on them instead of the foreground or another random object in view.
-Try propping up your phone and putting it on video mode to join the fun and get in the frame.
Tip #5: Put down the phone
It can be easy to obsess over getting the perfect picture on an important day like Christmas but here is where we need balance. You don't want to be looking through your screen instead of into the faces of your children. You don't need 500 photos and a vlog-worthy video of the entire morning, but some sweet photos or short videos is doable.
Here is a rule of thumb: Take a few pictures for a few minutes and then put your phone down.
Keep it nearby in case there's more you want to capture but know that what you have is enough. Now go and have the merriest Christmas, you've earned it!
~BONUS TIP~
Ask your partner or other adult to take pictures, too. So many special occasions with treasured photos have one glaring omission, and it's the person taking all the photos. (And let's be honest, in a lot of families, that's the mom.) So while you're enjoying capturing the day, be sure to ask someone else to take photos with you in them. Even if you don't feel the cutest and you're in your pajamas and running on very little sleep, be sure to get in the photo. There's no pressure to share it online but it should exist and one day you'll be grateful to be part of those memories.
