The holidays are filled with magical moments, but sometimes your photos don’t quite capture the magic.
Blurry shots, bad lighting, or awkward angles—sound familiar?
Well … With a few simple tips, you can shoot holiday photos that you’ll actually want to share (or frame).
1. Master the Lighting
Good lighting is the secret sauce of great photos.
Holiday lights look stunning, but they can make photos tricky.
Tips:
- Natural Light: Take photos near windows during the day for soft, flattering light.
- Evening Photos: Use the glow of holiday lights for ambiance, but avoid total darkness. Turn on a lamp or two for balance.
- Phone Flash: Skip it! Use a flashlight app or another phone’s light to gently illuminate faces instead.
Pro Tip:
Use “night mode” on your phone for low-light scenes like Christmas lights or candlelit dinners.
2. Choose the Right Angle
A slight shift in angle can make a huge difference in your photos.
Tips:
- Get on eye level with kids or pets for more intimate, engaging shots.
- Tilt your phone slightly up or down for creative framing, especially when capturing holiday lights or tall Christmas trees.
- Avoid shooting straight into bright lights unless you want a dramatic silhouette.
Pro Tip:
Use the “grid” feature on your phone’s camera to follow the rule of thirds, positioning your subject off-center for a more dynamic composition.
3. Focus on the Details
Holiday photos aren’t just about people—capture the little things that make the season special.
Ideas:
- Close-ups of ornaments, cookies, or gifts.
- Candids of hands wrapping presents or kids sneaking a cookie.
- Festive table settings or stockings hanging by the fireplace.
Pro Tip:
Tap the screen to focus on a specific object or detail, like a sparkling ornament or the steam rising from a mug of cocoa.
4. Embrace Candid Moments
The best holiday photos aren’t always posed. Catch people laughing, hugging, or sneaking a taste of the frosting.
Tips:
- Turn on “burst mode” to capture several photos in quick succession. You’re more likely to get that perfect in-between moment.
- Take photos from a distance so people don’t feel “on the spot.”
Pro Tip:
Try snapping a photo while someone else is taking theirs—those meta shots can turn out beautifully.
5. Use Portrait Mode for Flattering Shots
If your phone has a portrait mode, use it to blur the background and make your subject stand out.
Tips:
- Perfect for close-ups of people, pets, or even your holiday table.
- Keep the subject about 2-3 feet away from the background for the best blur effect.
Pro Tip:
Experiment with lighting in portrait mode to get a soft glow or dramatic shadows.
6. Capture the Golden Hour
If you’re shooting outdoors, plan for the golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and perfect for holiday photos.
Tips:
- Position your subject so the light hits them from the side for a flattering glow.
- Use the “HDR” mode on your phone to balance bright and dark areas in the photo.
7. Get Creative with Framing
Use holiday decorations to add a festive touch to your photos.
Ideas:
- Shoot through a wreath for a fun frame.
- Use garlands or twinkling lights in the foreground to add depth.
- Snap reflections in ornaments for a unique perspective.
Wrap-Up: Make the Holidays Picture-Perfect
Taking better holiday photos isn’t about having a fancy camera—it’s about working with what you’ve got and capturing the magic of the moment.
Use these tips to snap pictures you’ll love looking back on for years to come.
Now grab your phone and start clicking—holiday memories await!
