Unwrap Holiday Photo Taking

A photo with family and friends – ugly sweaters and all – is a holiday tradition. But getting everyone posed in front of the fireplace is just the first step. From selecting the right settings, to taking the photo, to sending it to our loved ones, so much goes into capturing the moment.

Capturing (and sharing) the moment:

We all love sharing holiday photos on social media. In fact, our survey found 50 percent of consumers post more pictures on social media during the holidays than during the rest of the year, and 45 percent say they receive more likes and comments during the holidays. Forty-two percent of those surveyed also noted they are more likely to participate in a holiday activity if there are good photo-taking opportunities.

When taking holiday photos, 60 percent of respondents said that they would be more likely to snap pictures if their cameras had features designed for winter activities such as low-light capabilities, dual cameras, or larger screens/displays.

Here are some tips for expert photo-taking this holiday season:

Expert tips for low-light photos:

* When shooting in low-light conditions against an illuminated background, turn your subject toward the brightest point. That way, whatever light there is will hit where you want it – plus you’ll compose a more interesting shot.

* When capturing moving subjects in dark conditions, digital zoom is rarely your friend. Resolution is lost with each level of magnification, so for better close-ups, avoid zoom and move as close to your subject as possible.

* If you’re shooting a skyline or landscape at night adjust your camera’s ISO settings and set your shutter speed to a longer time. Opt for a stable surface to keep the shot steady.

Closer together:

The holidays are a time to connect and spend time with those you care about: 51 percent of consumers say a picture with family members is their most sought-after photo of the season.

Expert tips for taking quality family photos:

* Whether you opt-in to matching ugly sweaters or not, color coordinating or wearing items from the same hue (warm versus cool) will help tie your family’s look together.

* To ensure that everyone is in the shot and one person isn’t stuck behind the lens, opt for a smartphone that has a camera delay timer.

* Smartphones that capture portrait shots are great for enhancing your subjects.

There’s no place like home

Every family has their own traditions but some things are universal – everyone loves cute photos. Parents with children at home and families with pets are more likely – by 22 percent and 29 percent respectively – to take photos of these cute sidekicks. Of course, sometimes kids and puppies don’t make the most cooperative subjects, so how can you capture the moment regardless of their willingness to sit still?

Expert tips for reducing blur:

* If you’re shooting a fast-moving subject and don’t want motion in the shot, use a fast shutter speed.

A feast for the eyes:

The most popular foodie photos of the season are holiday pies and desserts – with 57 percent of respondents noting they’ll take a photo of their sweet treats over other foods.

Expert tips for food shots:

* A straight-on shot over your plate lacks visual interest. Switch it up by taking photos from multiple angles to see what works best.

Whether you spend the holidays with friends or family, inside or outside, with children or puppies, while eating cookies or pie, the best way to capture and share your memories is right in the palm of your hand.

Related Articles

Free Email Updates
Get the latest content first.
We respect your privacy.