Professional Photographer’s Tips for Capturing the Best Moments During the Holidays
Hey folks. John Watkins from Watkins Photography here. We are a professional photography company based in Mukilteo and serving the greater Seattle area, including Snohomish County and King County.
The holidays are a special time of year that people all over the world cherish, whether it’s a religious event, or a time to come together and enjoy the company of family and friends. Professional photographers can help capture each of these unique, beautiful moments to be treasured forever. If you’re looking to capture every special moment of your holiday season, here are some tips from professional photographers that can help you make it a memorable time of year.
1. Capture the details
Capturing the little details of the holiday season makes for the best memories. Taking pictures of vintage decorations, the little bows on packages, the ingredients for special recipes, or the with the kids looking for the hidden present can make for some of the most festive and delightful images.
Don’t forget to check your equipment to be sure it’s in working order. Bring multiple lenses of different lengths, extra batteries and camera cards, and all the other necessary items. Be sure to charge your devices in advance and make sure you have read your user manual to learn the ins and outs of your DSLR and editing software.
2. Get in close
Photographers will often tell you to “get in close” in order to capture the most intimate moments. This can be tricky with all the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, so you must pick the best moment to snap that photo. Details such as a child’s face to show their excitement, or the intricate woodwork in a festive Christmas tree are a great way to get those close-up shots.
While you’re prepping and setting up, also consider your composition. How many people or objects will you include in the shot? What type of perspective are you going for? The angle and framing of your shots can make a world of difference and will help you capture the perfect moment. Think about incorporating leading lines and other elements to help you draw attention to the intended area.
3. Utilize light
During the holidays, you can take advantage of the natural light that comes in through windows or the daylight indoors. Utilizing natural light can create beautiful images that capture the warming feeling of the holiday season, while also providing the best lighting possible.
Also, take your time and be patient. Emotions can be running high during the holidays and it’s important to remain composed. Allow the scene to unfold and be ready to snap at the perfect moment. Don’t be afraid to ask everyone to pause briefly or to do a few extra takes if necessary. Wait for the right moment and the right lighting, then click — the rewards will be worth it.
4. Document the activities
Take pictures of all the different activities of the holiday season to document the importance of that moment. Whether it’s baking holiday treats or decorating the house for Christmas, there are many moments in between that often get missed. These activities can be the most special part of the holidays, so document them in detail to remember the special times.
5. Document the emotions
During the holidays, many people express themselves through their emotions. Whether it’s a hug between family members or the excitement of kids opening presents, capturing these special moments can create some of the most beautiful holiday images.
6. Try something new
Holidays can provide the perfect opportunity to try out new techniques or props that you wouldn’t normally be able to use at other times of year. Thinking of creative ideas for holiday themed photo shoots can help to create some of the most spectacular images that will last for years to come.
7. Tell a story
Photography can be used to tell a story, and during the holidays this is even more powerful. Whether it’s capturing the family gathering from start to finish, or the decorations on the tree, you can use your photographs to tell a beautiful holiday story that can connect with many other people.
Conclusion
Finally, don’t be afraid to have a little fun and experiment with your shots. Capture a wealth of images from different angles, using a variety of different lenses, to get an assortment of unique images. Throw in some motion, take a few close-ups, or try out a tilt-shift for a fun, playful effect.
Using these tips and thoroughly preparing before your next holiday photography session is sure to help you capture beautiful, memorable moments for years to come. Take the time to set up, get the angle and light just right, and don’t forget to be ready to push the shutter button at a moment’s notice!
The holidays are a special time of year for everyone, and it’s important to document these moments to help preserve their importance. Professional photographers will be able to provide invaluable guidance to make certain that your holiday adventures are captured in the most beautiful way possible. The right tips and techniques will have you capturing the most memorable holiday moments in no time!
