The holiday season is a time for togetherness, traditions, and creating memories that last a lifetime. From Thanksgiving feasts to Hanukkah candle lighting and Christmas morning excitement, every moment tells a story worth preserving. With a few photography tips, you can capture the spirit of the holiday season and relive the joy for years to come. Here’s how to make the most of your family’s festive moments.
1. Focus on meaningful moments
The holidays are full of fleeting yet magical moments. Being intentional about what to photograph can help you create a meaningful story. Here are some ideas:
Candid interactions: Snap photos of your children helping in the kitchen, playing with cousins, or sharing a secret with a grandparent.
Traditions in action: Document rituals like carving the turkey, the family football game, spinning the dreidel, or unwrapping gifts.
Expressions of joy: Capture the wide-eyed wonder as your kids see the Christmas tree lights or their excitement when they open a special present.
Tip: Keep your camera or phone nearby, and be ready to shoot quickly. Spontaneity often produces the most authentic and heartwarming images.
2. Find the best light
Great lighting can transform a photo, and the holidays present unique lighting challenges and opportunities.
Natural light: Soft, diffused light is flattering and eliminates harsh shadows. During the daytime, use available light from kitchen or living room windows or take the family for some outdoor fun.
Holiday glow: Use the warm light from candles, menorahs, or Christmas tree bulbs to add a cozy ambiance to your photos.
Avoid harsh flash: If possible, avoid using your camera’s built-in flash, which can wash out faces and create unflattering shadows. Instead, adjust your camera settings for low light or use an external light source, such as a ring light or a soft lamp.
Pro Tip: To balance tricky lighting, try adjusting the exposure on your smartphone camera by tapping on the brightest area of the frame and dragging the exposure slider.
3. Kids in motion
Children bring a special energy to the holidays, and capturing their excitement requires a mix of preparation and flexibility. Try these tips to elevate your photography this holiday season.
Use burst mode: Take multiple photos in quick succession to ensure you catch the perfect moment, whether they’re running around the yard or ripping open a gift.
Get down to their level: Kneeling or lying on the floor allows you to see the world from their perspective, creating more intimate and engaging shots.
Embrace imperfection: Kids will be kids! Allow for some blur or unconventional framing—it can add character to the story you’re telling.
4. Details tell the story
While group shots and portraits may tell some of the holiday story, don’t overlook the little details that make your celebrations unique.
Close-ups: Photograph all the fixin’s. Capture the intricate details of grandma’s pie crust, the texture of knitted stockings, or the ornaments on the tree.
Setting the scene: Take wide shots of the dining table, the decorated house, or the family gathered around the fireplace. These images add context to your holiday memories.
5. Stress-free group photos
Getting everyone together for a family photo can feel like herding cats, but it’s worth the effort.
Set up early: Position your camera and test the lighting before gathering the group. Don’t forget to get yourself in the shot! Take a family selfie. Or you can set up a tripod or try propping your phone on a table or nearby shelf and setting the timer so you can join your family for a larger group photo.
Keep it casual: Encourage everyone to stand close and interact naturally—it makes the photo feel authentic & reduces the awkward smiles!
Use props: Incorporate seasonal props like Santa hats, mugs of hot cocoa, or sparklers for New Year’s Eve.
Tip: Save these group shots for next year’s holiday cards! Include a new family photo alongside the ones taken this year to show how your family has grown.
6. Tips for staying present
While it’s tempting to document everything, remember that the best memories are the ones you experience fully. Once everyone is gathered take a few minutes to snap photos, then put the camera down and join in the fun.
Start early: Capture the details of your holiday decor before the family arrives, so you can focus on the family later.
Ask your family to help: Every family has the person who’s never in the photos because they’re always behind the camera. Give your phone to a family member while you are opening presents or helping with dinner and ask them to capture a few photos of you getting in on the holiday fun.
The holidays are fleeting, but the memories can last forever. With these holiday photography tips, you’ll create a collection of photos that not only look beautiful but also capture the spirit of the season. So grab your camera, gather your loved ones, and start documenting the magic.
Happy holidays, and happy photographing!
