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There are several ways to capture great photos during the holidays but today I want to share my top three tips for taking great photos:

1. Plan ahead


2. Location, Location, Location


3. Take lots of pictures (I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record on this topic)

Many of you must be thinking “wait, what about a tip for how to use my camera to take great photos?” I have to admit I am making an assumption that you already own a DSLR camera (insert shameless plug for Canon camera QVC is offering at a great price ). The Canon EOS Rebel T5 can deliver amazing photos with your eyes closed! Ok I am exaggerating but the reality is a good DSLR camera can deliver amazing photos for the new photographer who has very little knowledge of taking pictures. The road to taking great pictures starts with a plan and ends with taking lots of photos. If you follow these three tips for taking photos during the holidays you will be amazed at the results of your pictures.

TIP#1 - Plan Ahead

I learned from wedding photography that it is really important to plan ahead if you want to capture great photos. I have created a mental checklist of things I need to make sure I am ready for my photoshoot.  When I'm taking family photos during the holidays the checklist is a little smaller but still important to review. A few days before you are going to take photos you need to check your camera bag for: memory cards, batteries, camera, lenses, and any other accessories you know you will need (i.e. a tripod). Memory cards should be EMPTY! No photos from past events should be on your memory cards; this will make uploading photos from the new photoshoot much easier. Check that your batteries are fully charged and confirm if you need to purchase any batteries for an accessory like an external flash. Definitely make sure you have your battery charger in your bag! 

TIP #2 - Location, Location, Location

If you are hosting your holiday event then you should take some time to think about where you are going to capture the really important photos (i.e. the full family photo). The best location for a group photo allows for everyone to be seen clearly.  If the weather is permitting and the sun is still out, I would highly recommend you get EVERYONE outside for the one family/group photo.  If you can’t go outside be sure to have your indoor location ready with the appropriate amount of seating for some people to sit and the rest to stand or sit on the floor around the chairs (sitting on the floor works for the kids). If you are not going to be at your own home then make sure you scope out the best location for your group photo as soon as you arrive to the party.

It can be challenging to organize a lot of people for a group photo so I also strongly recommend you try to get this photo completed as soon as everyone has arrived. If your guests get too comfortable enjoying yummy food and drinks, you will have a really difficult time getting the group to agree to getting up for the photo. Being super prepared for group photos will be the deciding factor of how good the final photo looks.

I like to choose locations that will mean something to me in the future, which is why I like taking photos in front of my home. Dozens of years from now when my kids are older I can look at these photos and reminisce about the good times we shared.

TIP #3 - Take Lots of Pictures

If you’ve been reading my previous posts you know that my number one tip is always take lots of pictures! As you become more skilled with taking pictures with your camera you can be more selective in the volume of photos you take because you know what you like and you will know when you have captured that perfect photo. But until then, GO NUTS!

For the group photos take at least 4 pictures (6 if the group will let you) because inevitably someone is not looking or eyes are blinking or smiles are not good. With multiple photos to choose from hopefully one will meet your needs.

I think capturing a photo diary of your holiday event is a really great way to capture the day. Take a few photos every hour to make sure you are capturing the complete essence of your special event. Take close-up photos of the details (i.e. place settings, decorations, key ingredients to the meal, etc.). Take photos of smaller groups of people that are interacting (I am thinking 2 or 3 people). Capture photos of people preparing the delicious food, if you are the cook then make sure someone takes your picture! People eating never looks good so skip those moments, but definitely capture candid moments after the meal is completed.

Candid photography is difficult because people don’t always look so good when they don’t know you are taking the photo.  I recommend getting your subjects attention and take a quick couple of pictures while they are giving you a nice smile. The quicker you can take someone’s photo the less annoyed they will be from you taking lots of pictures. Some photos where your subjects are not looking at you can be really nice when done well (kids playing, family members catching up, etc.).

Because I am suggesting the beginner photographer take a lot photos this holiday season, try a camera feature you haven’t used before on some of the photos you take and see if you like the results of the photos (i.e. no flash with high ISO setting). Otherwise, set your camera to auto and work on your composition of each photo.

To get 20-40 great photos I am expecting the beginner photographer to take at least 200 total photos on the day.  Taking lots of photos will give you a selection to choose from that is the cream of the crop. Your friends and family will love the best of photos and rave about how awesome a photographer you are…I promise.

So who is up for my camera challenge to take at least 200 photos during this holiday season?

This Thanksgiving I am going to focus on capturing really nice photos of the kids in my family (my two sons and their 3 cousins) mostly because they will let me torture them with lots of photos (my wife is not as excited about being photographed J). Check back after the Thanksgiving weekend to see photos I take using the Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR camera. I will be demonstrating my tips in this blog post for the pictures I take this weekend.

Wish me luck!

-CG