For professional photographer Russ Burden, it’s the thought that counts when shooting holiday pictures – the forethought that is.
Burden says you too can capture holiday memories like a professional. All it takes is a little planning.
A few days before Christmas, Burden advises purchasing new batteries for your camera and making sure there’s enough room on its memory card.
“Make sure you have enough photo paper and fresh ink for the printer so you can send Grandma home with a new 8-by-10 of the family,” Burden said.
One way to plan ahead is to read the instructions that came with your camera.
Another suggestion for parents is to tell the Christmas story. Set up your camera on a tripod the night before and, using the self-timer feature, take a photo of everyone in their pajamas in front of the tree on Christmas Eve.
Most cameras have a two-second and 10-second self-timer setting, Burden said. “Use the longer setting so Dad – or whoever is shooting the picture – will have enough time to jump into the shot. And leave a slot for him.”
For a more pleasing photo composition, put short people and children on the inside of the grouping. Place taller people and adults on the outside, Burden said.
On Christmas morning, take pictures of children getting out of bed, making sure to focus on their faces as they rub the sleep from their eyes and realize that Santa has come.
“Be taking pictures from the first moment when your child realizes, ‘Oh, my gosh, it’s Christmas,’ until he or she gets to the tree,” Burden said. “Take a picture of the tree before they dive in. And have the camera focused on their faces when they are opening that special gift. Look for the expression.”
When the gift-opening frenzy is done, take pictures of new toys and gifts scattered around the tree. Then take an “after” shot, repeating the pajama portrait from Christmas Eve.
Burden recommends making the most of available light.
“Turn on all the holiday lights and house lights to get that nice, warm, orangy incandescent glow,” he said. He also recommends using your camera’s flash when shooting, but adjust it so that it doesn’t overpower the available Christmas lighting.
Most digital cameras have a “back-lighting bolt button” with a feature that allows the photographer to adjust the intensity of the flash. “You should be shooting for one F-stop less than the light in the room,” Burden said.
It will put a twinkle in the eyes of your subjects, dark skin will get better exposure and it will eliminate shadows if anyone in your family has deep-set eyes, he said.
In warm area’s like Niceville, get out and go to the Geek Lights on the corner or City Hall and find a festive outdoor setting for a photo.
Finally, if you’re shooting inside with a flash, move your subjects are away from the wall to eliminate ugly shadows.
Professional photographer Nick Kelsh offers these tips for shooting perfect holiday photos:
– Use a tripod, especially in low-light situations, to avoid handshake and blurred images. If you find yourself without a tripod, try bracing your camera on a stationary object.
– Get close when shooting adults and children opening presents to capture their emotion when the gift is revealed. This can be achieved without getting in your subject’s personal space, or ruining the moment, by using a telephoto lens.
– Give as much space as available to the faces in your group shots and as little as possible to the legs and feet.
– Find the picture within the picture. People don’t have to be in the image. Tightly cropped close-ups of things you love, like cherished ornaments can turn you into an artist.
