Capture it all this Christmas with my 12 festive photos you’ll definitely want to snap.
Make sure you’ve charged your camera or phone in time for the big day and check you have that all important storage available! The festive season is brilliant for photography so capture it all with my 12 festive photos you’ll definitely want to snap this 2020. I’ve put together
a sleighful of hints, tips and ideas to help you capture all those memorable moments and more. 2020 might be the year we all stayed apart and sadly the big Christmas parties are all on hold but it won’t stop us making Christmas magical. So plug in those fairy lights and untangle the tinsel. Festive photo inspiration is here!
1. The Christmas Jumper selfie shot (Natural light, no flash)
Everyone loves a Christmas jumper. It makes you feel cheery inside and when you feel cheery inside your eyes twinkle - what better time to take a photo. Use natural light and avoid the flash when taking your Christmas jumper selfie. Christmas props and fun poses suit these shots. If you’re feeling creative why not try a boomerang, GIF or festive filter. It’s Christmas photo fun with bells on!
2. The Christmas tree shot (Bokeh)
Make use of bokeh! You know those photos where the fairy lights in the background look like little orbs? That’s bokeh. It blurs the background and draws attention to a particular focal point. If you switch on to portrait mode on your camera phone, tap on a decoration on the tree to focus, then let the phone do the rest. Try different angles to get interesting or different shots. Shoot through the branches of the tree and look for interesting shiny reflections on the baubles. Go on experiment!
3. The Christmas decorations shot (Wide angle and close up)
Let’s face it decorations are giving us the best (and much needed) Christmas feels this year. Capture the atmosphere of your home (inside and out) by taking wide angle and close up shots to capture the overall look and intricate details of your decorations this year. Your
home is your creative palette and it’s the heart of your Christmas. You might not be able to show it off in person this 2020 but you CAN show people photos. Share away!
4. The Christmas Eve shot of the kids (Same location or same pose)
Make it a family tradition, whether that’s the same pose or same location. You’ll love seeing these, year after year and noticing how everyone has grown and changed. The kids will be brimming with excitement and it’ll show through in the photos. Position them in front of a festive twinkly backdrop and ask who’s excited for Santa. You won’t need to get them say cheese.
5. The stuff left out for Santa shot - pre and post! (The rule of thirds and shoot from above)
This one is all about composition that is perfectly balanced and most pleasing to the human eye. Follow the rule of thirds, imagine a noughts and crosses grid overlaying the image and position the most important elements roughly where the gridlines intersect. Shoot from above and make sure you have a clean background (wood table, neutral carpet or marble hearth) the key is to choose a background that can act as a blank canvas. Shoot from a bird’s eye view (stand on a chair if you need to – carefully!). The goal is to get the lens aimed straight down. If you’re using a camera phone you can switch to square crop mode and turn on your grid to help you line up your shot. Most importantly don’t forget to take a bite out of that carrot and mince pie!
6. The present opening shot – before AND after (Burst mode)
Presents all wrapped with a picture perfect bow! YES take lots of photos of the presents under the tree or next to stockings but don’t stop there. During the unwrapping, get photos of the excitement and those big smiles on your families faces. The unwrapping frenzy can
happen quickly so keep your finger on the button and shoot in burst mode. Later you can look through and select the winning shots to keep. Whatever you do, don’t forget to shoot the aftermath, the chaos and remnants of the wrapping paper - ‘Tis the season after all.
7. The one when they aren’t looking shot (Switch the camera facing mode)
Candid shots are simply divine. Capture discreet images of your loved ones who tend to shy away from the camera by pretending to take selfie. Instead flip the camera and shoot your unsuspecting subject. Capture those natural face expressions; they’ll thank you for it afterwards.
8. The family dinner shot (Move in closer)
Capture the preparations as well as the finished product. Take a shot of the whole table then a close up of each of the dishes. To get the whole family in the frame, the tendency is to step back but I’d advise you to get closer! Getting closer draws the viewer in to the photo. Try different angles until you find the best one. My top tip though is to move fast when the food is on the table! If it’s anything like my family, no one will want to wait!
9. The Christmas cocktail shot (Stage the scene)
Ahhh the Christmas cocktails! What more could we ask for to get snapping! Everyone loves a ‘cheers’ photo and the array of bottles and garnishes make for simply wonderful festive photos. Feeling creative? Try arranging your cocktails on beautiful festive trays with gorgeous glasses. Don’t forget the mulled wine too. I can almost hear the clink of glasses!
10. Family interactions (Different angles)
Get down at the kids level and your photos will get more interesting results. Get the shots of parents playing with kids, grandparents helping build that Lego set. Photos can take on a whole new meaning when taken at surprising angles. Get close to your subject especially if your phone camera doesn’t have a zoom. It’s all about perspective. Just remember to get expressions in the shot and your photo will tell the story itself.
11. Family traditions (Reportage style to document the day)
Whether it’s baking at home, writing letters to Santa, or watching Christmas movies, capture it all. Take shots in sequence and put them together using a photo collage app. Capture the story of your family this year because it’s true what they say, the small moments really are
the big moments.
12. Capture connections (Use the self timer)
Christmas is a together-y sort of time. Capture those family connections and don’t forget to use the self-timer so you can hop in to those photos too. My final and most important tip for you this Christmas is this... once you’ve taken these festive shots, put the camera or phone away and enjoy every single magical moment.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!
Love Jess x
Why not join my grapevine – Not only will you get my monthly blog brimming with top tips but you’ll get access to offers, discounts and be the first to hear when I release dates for my limited ‘mini’ sessions.
*By signing up you agree I can send you my photography-stuff and you agree to my privacy policy.
Commentaires