Christmas Photography Tips

Christmastime, and winter in general is one of the most energetic and exciting times to take photographs for many reasons – the natural elements, all the Christmas decorations and the festive mood that overcomes whole communities.

You can photograph during the day, but some of the most evocative images can be found early in the morning, and the hour before and after sunset. You can also get great photos  at night! The brilliance provided by the pure white snow may be challenging, but there are benefits as well.

Let’s take a look at how to get some great Christmas photos:

1.Outdoors.

When the temperature drops in winter it brings a certain purity to the air. Even the light usually has a different quality to it. This is all great for your photography. Get out in the brisk air and take photos of the snow-covered homes and the natural elements in your area. The Christmas lights and props make excellent backdrops for your photos – seek these out.

2.Photography walk.

It can be a good idea to go for a photography walk at night. The whiteness of the snow elevates the overall light level so you can get some really good photos using this light. One tip is to use long shutter speeds – below 1/15 (which might require a tripod) – to get some spectacular shots of the lit-up houses and the sky.

3.Family photos.

Christmas is a holiday that highlight the importance of relationships. The stress and pressure of the passing year may wear on everyone, yet everyone is glad to relax and spend time with family. Christmas photos can have dual uses – you take them for the memories and you can use them as your family’s Christmas card. Either way, you want to make sure that you, the photographer, are in some of the important family photos. You can for example position everyone by the Christmas tree and have some presents in the composition too, or maybe you want to go outdoors and take your family photo there. The possibilities are endless.

4.Remember to use a tripod for group shots so you can be in the photo as well. Your camera’s timer is a handy little feature. It’s simple to work; you just set your exposure values (shutter, ISO and aperture), compose your frame, set the timer interval (between 3 – 10 seconds), then press the shutter.

5.How to capture the preparation stages.

Families come together at holidays, but not just for the main event, they come to help decorate. These are often exciting, fun-filled moments, so they’re ripe with photographic opportunity! Making Christmas cookies and other holiday dishes together can be a great way to get some movement and spontaneity. Decorating the Christmas tree is another good setting for some great photos and most families have a cherished collection of ornaments, lights and stockings.

When the tinsel goes on, you’re almost done, but there are two more shots to get; the first is when the star (or angel) is placed on the top of the tree; and the last shot is when everything is on the tree and the lights are plugged in for the first time.

Try to get people’s faces as they open the ornament boxes or check out the wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree. Young children are especially good subjects. To get that personal feel about your photos, remember to focus on people’s eyes. This instantly elevates your photo and conveys the emotion in a great way.

I hope this article gave you some photography ideas for this happiest of seasons!

Enjoy the holidays!

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