The MSG Sphere in Vegas, the world’s largest spherical building, lit up its exterior for the first time with a stunning display of 1.2 million LEDs.
Kim’s guide to holiday picture-perfect moments
Forget getting everyone together at Christmas for a photo opp and having them all say, “Cheese!” Instead, use words that end in “ah.” These sounds put the muscles around the mouth to work, creating a genuine smile. Try “yoga,” “mocha” or “banana.”
Now, I’ve got more great tips you can use for your perfect Christmas pics!
How big is your group?
- Just a few of you? Focus on capturing candid moments, take a few selfies and use your phone’s timer to take a group shot or two. Pro tip: For selfies, switch your camera to .5x or .7x magnification for a different look.
- Lots of folks? Have them stand or sit at different heights to add depth and dimension to the photo. If you have someone who can take the pic, have them use burst mode. All they have to do is hold down the shutter button to take a bunch of pics in a row — more chances to get a winner. If everyone needs to be in the photo, use your phone’s timer.
Let there be light
Lighting is the most critical factor in whether your pics will turn out great, so-so or downright terrible. A few tips:
- No direct lights: Don’t photograph a person standing directly under a light — that highlights bumps, wrinkles and blemishes. No thanks.
- No squinting: Have your subject face the light so it illuminates their features. Ask the person to look toward the light or sun (just not right into it).
- Clouds are good: Photographers swear by cloudy days for portraits. There’s enough light to make everyone look nice and bright, but no glaring sun to squint at. Try it!
- The Magic Hour: The hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise will give you a warm, soft light that’s perfect for holiday photos.
Tired of the same old posed Christmas photos?
Spice things up this year with some creative ideas that capture the true spirit of the season!
- Cozy up by the Fireplace: Gather everyone around a roaring fireplace adorned with stockings and twinkling lights. Capture the warmth and glow of the fire reflecting in their faces.
- Pajama party: Embrace matching pajamas! Cuddle up on the sofa, playing games, reading stories or sharing holiday memories.
- Head outdoors if you have snow: Build a snowman family, have a snowball fight or create snow angels.
AI can help, too
I always meant to learn how to use Photoshop. Now I don’t have to because it has handy AI features even I can use. You can upload a pic and type in a prompt like … “Remove the telephone pole,” “Blur the background” or “Make the sky brighter.”
iPhone and Android photo fix 101: How to save blurry pictures
Ever had one of those “oops” moments taking pictures? Your hand wobbles and the photo is as elusive as a Bigfoot sighting. (Or, in my case, my dog Abby doing something super cute.)
Before you rush to hit delete, hang tight! I’ve got a few helpful tricks to fix blurry photos.
'Watt’s the deal?
💡 These items are illuminating in so many ways.
- I don’t like dark hallways and stairwells. Dangerous! These night-lights look nice and cost less than $10 for eight. Click for the extra coupon.
- Smart bulbs don’t have to be expensive. WiZ smart lights are under $10.
- Upgrade your evening porch time with app-controlled outdoor LED lights. Click the box for $42 off.
- This smart table lamp will look good in any room (27% off).
- Prefer paper books to electronic versions? I do, too. All good! Grab a book light for under $7.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Get that chic look with cozy lighting: Skip the harsh, sterile lighting. When you’re shopping for bulbs, temperature matters. Avoid LEDs above 5000k and opt for warm, white LEDs around 2700k to 3000k. They emit a softer light that creates a more inviting vibe, so you can look extra marvelous, darling.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
20% of crashed cars
Are totaled out. One in five seen by an adjuster is deemed too expensive to fix. That’s five times higher than in the 1980s. Why? Today’s high-tech lighting and sensors, pricey airbags, and fancy materials add up fast.
Peeping Toms are upping their game with smartphones
I hate using dressing rooms at retail stores. I’d rather buy two different sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit. Plus, those mirrors are awful and don’t get me started on the lighting. The last thing you want to worry about is being spied on while changing.
5 easy iPhone video editing tips to make your footage stand out
Let’s talk video. Whether filming something for school, work or a cute little clip to send to friends and family, you have plenty of tools to get the footage you want. Best of all, they are built right into your iPhone.
Bonus bathroom lighting
I’m a big fan of lighting. I was clicking through Amazon, looking for something to brighten up a dark corner, and stumbled onto a new-to-me category: Bathroom novelty lights.
- Vanity light: This string of 10 LED bulbs attaches to your mirror with adhesive strips. With 10 brightness levels and three color temperatures, give your bathroom a dressing-room vibe. They’re 20% off ($11.92).
- Roll light: A battery-powered nightlight ($12.89) that cleverly replaces your regular toilet paper spindle. It’s motion-activated and shuts off automatically after two minutes.
- Rim light: Hang this little light over your toilet rim and never wonder if the seat is down again. It’s motion-activated, and you can cycle through its 16 colors or choose your favorite. A two-pack is 37% off ($13.77).
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Look your best: Ever been caught checking your hair in a video call? Kind of embarrassing. Adjust yourself and the lighting before the meeting. Launch the Camera app built into Windows (from the Start menu) or open Photo Booth on a Mac.
Best smart bulbs
You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to make your house (and your lighting) a little smarter. I found options for any budget. Seriously, one is under $5.
- High end: Wait, $29.97 for two lightbulbs? People do it gladly when it’s the Philips Hue. These top-of-the-line smart bulbs have a stellar glow. Control them with Alexa, Google Assistant or the Hue app.
- Bargain: Give the smart bulb a whirl with a basic Alexa-compatible bulb from Sengled. At 61% off ($3.93), it’s a total steal.
- Nightlight: The Echo Glow is a multicolor smart lamp that works with Alexa and makes a perfect nightlight. And right now, it’s 33% off ($19.99).
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
8 tips for taking better nature photos on your phone
It is frequently said that the best camera is the one you already have with you. We all love our smartphones, and the integrated camera is often the only one we carry.
Amazingly, the cameras on modern phones rival many of the low-end DSLRs on the market. That means you can take killer images without a professional camera. Tap or click to turn your smartphone camera into a full-featured webcam.
12 essentials for your home office makeover
A comfortable and organized workspace is important, especially if your office is your home. While it’s best if you don’t have to worry about back pain or poor lighting, many of us do, and so it’s time to consider an office makeover.
Best smart LED lights for the money
I’m new to the smart light revolution, and I’m not turning back. Let me explain. I lived in my last home for 17 years, and while it needed upgrades throughout, the lights were the least of my worries.
Moving into a new place, I had to either hire an electrician to install the kitchen’s under-counter lights or try to do it myself with smart lights. I opted for saving money and getting my tech hands dirty.
The best, easiest ways to print photos from your phone or computer
The quality of a photo depends on many factors such as the camera, lighting, composition, exposure, focus and more. Your smartphone camera takes much of the guesswork out by making all these settings automatic. A more proactive photographer can tweak these settings to their liking.
How to take great photos with a cheap camera or smartphone
Just how money can’t buy happiness, expensive cameras can’t always capture good images.
Good photography has never really been about the equipment. Cheaper cameras are less durable, which makes them less reliable. That’s why professionals are willing to invest in nicer gear. But the secret to capturing amazing shots is actually all about techniques and perspective.
The best TV trick you're probably not using (but should be)
Think about all the devices you use daily. Your phone, tablet, TV, gaming console, streaming boxes, thermostat, smart speaker, etc. Depending on the model, they can communicate with each other, opening up new features and increasing usefulness.
How to make money selling your photos (with cheap equipment)
If you’re a photographer, you probably have a long list of camera equipment and gear on your wish list. If you sell your photos professionally as a stock photographer, better equipment can make your job and life easier. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to shell out thousands of dollars for a better camera and lighting rig.
Smile! Tricks to take better selfies
Selfies aren’t just a fad from the last several years. In fact, people have been taking them since as early as 1839, when Robert Cornelius took a self-portrait by sitting in front of an old-timey camera for an entire minute.
7 photography myths you should stop believing
Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a semi-pro photographer, you probably have some strong ideas of what makes a photo (or a photographer) good.
Maybe you think it’s all about the right equipment or the right software. Photoshop isn’t the only tool in town, though. Tap or click here for some free alternatives that may have all the features you need.