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Tips to take the best holiday photos
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!
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 wider, unique perspective.
- AI tip: Use portrait mode to blur the background and add focus to faces, even for selfies.
Lots of folks?
Give your photo some depth and dimension by having some people standing and others sitting. If someone else can take the photo, have them use Burst mode by holding down the shutter button.
Switching to Burst mode allows you to capture multiple photos in quick succession, increasing your odds of a really great shot. If everyone needs to be in the photo, use your phone’s timer to make sure no one is left out.
Let there be light
Lighting is the most critical factor in whether your pics turn out great, so-so or downright terrible. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid direct overhead light: It highlights bumps, wrinkles and blemishes — not what anyone wants to see!
- No squinting: Have your subject face the light so it illuminates their features. Ask them to look toward the light or sun (just not directly at it).
- Cloudy days are perfect: Soft, diffused light on cloudy days eliminates harsh shadows and squinting. It’s a photographer’s dream.
- Shoot for the “magic hour”: The hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise provide warm, soft lighting that’s perfect for capturing holiday memories.
Spice up your photos
Tired of the same old, posed Christmas shots? Here are some fun ideas to add flair and capture the true spirit of the season:
- Cozy fireplace moments: Gather everyone around a roaring fireplace decorated with stockings and twinkling lights. Capture the warmth and glow reflecting on their faces.
- Pajama party: Break out the matching pajamas! Snap photos of your family cuddling on the sofa, playing games or sharing holiday memories.
- Winter wonderland: If you have snow, head outdoors to build a snowman, have a snowball fight or make snow angels. Let the action unfold naturally!
- Add some AI flair: Use apps like Canva (free with premium options) to add holiday-themed overlays, frames or filters to your photos for a festive touch.
Learn something new
We all get in a rut and just edit the brightness or crop a photo. Apple has some great tutorials online to help you take your skills to the next level. Use this one for help editing your photos and check out this one to remove people or objects from photos.
Google Photos also has a built-in photo-editing tool called Magic Eraser. Here’s how to use it.
My best advice: Don’t stress it
You’ll get better photos if you relax and let moments happen naturally instead of trying to wrangle every child (and adult) into smiling the “right” way. I love the candid shots where people are actually enjoying themselves. These pics often turn out to be the most memorable.
🎅 Speaking of … Why is Santa always smiling? Because he knows where all the naughty girls are. (Oh, I know you’re going to use this one!)
Tags: Apple, Christmas, family, lighting, phones/smartphones, Photoshop, tutorials
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