We all have old boxes filled with Christmas pictures. These photographs put clear images of the memories of all children, including you and me! Without them, how could we remember the joy of our first Christmas? After the initial nostalgic burst, you start noticing funny details: grandpa looks like he is wearing ornaments on his hat, your cousin really overdid the smiling part and actually, he looks scared, your other cousin just received THE video game...
In all families, funny culinary words are used to make you smile: cheeeeeeeeeeze, spaghettiiiiiiii! This year, I suggest forgetting about these old strategies and focus on authenticity. If your pictures help you remember events, why don't you start improvising? Have you ever noticed that your best memories come from specific actions? Lucy opening Santa's gift, Mark singing Jingle Bells, you, crying, as you receive your first skis... Why do we remember these events? Because they are filled with emotion.
To take better pictures, you must capture loved ones, fun, happiness, and smiles in a location that enhances the moment. Here are my favorite tips to take wonderful family pictures.
Chase happiness
Find happiness where it already is, don't ask anyone to look at the camera. Wait for hugs, kisses, surprises, and tears of joy. Remain hidden and click discreetly. Turn Christmas into a photographic safari.
Entertain your family
When the time comes to take family pictures, entertain your family. Music, games, dances, pulling faces, anything goes to make everyone comfortable. If you want a classic picture, take it at the very beginning. Ask children to behave and to have fun with you (the family clown can help) while focusing on the objective and promise them that they will be allowed to goof around for the next one. Who knows, maybe grandpa will goof around too!
Let them be kids
Children are kings during the holiday season. Let them have fun and laugh. It is not mandatory to look at the objective in order to make a good picture. Stay in front of your child as he opens his gift and at some point, he will stop being self-aware and give you a sincere smile. Once again, remember to chase happiness.
Framing
In photography, perspective is important. Look at your subject but also pay attention to the background. The fireplace, garlands, Nativity scene and framed pictures will be harder to work with. A window, a chair, a wall or a tree will make a better background to focus on the emotion.
So this year, chase emotions! Forget all the cheeeeeeeese and I bet that in ten years, your daughter will ask what really made her laugh so much.
I hope you found some useful information in this article that will help you improve your pictures and enjoy the experience. Tell me about your results, I will be happy to hear from you!
