Christmas is just about to peek around the corner! I am sure I am not the only one in a frenzy to get things organised and prepared!
Christmas day can often be such a whirlwind of family, friends and fabulous food that often some wonderful photo opportunities might slip by. I am here to help prepare you with a some tips to document the day, but to also remind you to stop and enjoy it too.
Knowing when to pick the phone up for a snapshot can be key. Kids and pets move so quickly! We also know that they don’t sit still and wait for us to get ready. Christmas time for many of us is about the time we spend with each other. It’s so important to have the phone and camera away too, to be sure we can be present and enjoy the little moments with our family.
Pro Tip One: Watch for Camera Fatigue
Like every parent knows, kids have short attention spans and even less patience. Add in the excitement of Christmas and chances are, your child (or children) is a bundle of energy. Taking photo after photo will be hard work for everybody involved! My recommendation: look for quality and not quantity. Think about what photos you would like to document, have the phone handy for a couple of quick snaps and then put it back away for later. Some of my own favourite moments to capture include opening a present, playing with the box that the present came in, face covered with delicious Christmas food (if you have a messy baby!) and a family photo.
Pro Tip Two: Be Present in your Photos
Mums know how important it is to take photos of their littles growing and changing. You probably are not the first to realise that you don’t always appear in the photos with your kids. Let me gently remind you; be in the photos too! We document their lives growing up, get in front of the lens and be apart of it all. Your kids will want to have these images of you with them as they grow.
Pro Tip Three: Natural Expressions Always Win
Asking a little one to sit still, or smile, or double the challenge and ask for both at once… chances are slim. A serious baby face with their squishy chubby cheeks or a toddler being themselves with a head tilt and a squint… let them be themselves with all their quirky expressions. These documentary photos can be just as rewarding as a smile.
Pro Tip Four: Remember to Include Everyone
Christmas is of the few times that families gather in one place at the same time. Capture the occasion. Use a self timer if you need to, because don’t forget Tip Two: being present in your photos. Relax, it doesn’t have to be perfect, after all, when you’re ready for the portrait to display on your wall, that’s what I’m here for. Also remember to take the photo before the elderly family members need to retire for a rest. Lastly, don’t forget the furry family members! After all, they are also such an important part of the family, they deserve to be in the group photo too.
Pro Tip Five: Let the Professional Capture the Portraits
Keep the stress of capturing that perfect Christmas portrait to the professionals. Let your photographer create that annual photo of your little people growing bigger. That way you can focus on the candid, relaxed moments. There’s some wonderful opportunities in the lead up to Christmas, as well as Christmas day itself to bring your phone out:
- Hanging the stockings up.
- Decorating the Christmas tree and putting the star on top! If you have personalised Christmas ornaments, you can also make this a special time to look back and see how big they’ve grown!
- The kids unwrapping their gifts (but just for a quick one- then put the phone down to enjoy the moment in real life!).
- Your kids helping with baking, or arranging a fruit platter.
- Story time with grandma and grandpa.
Have a yourself and your family a very Merry Christmas! Happy snapping and don’t forget to tag me in your images that this article has inspired!
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