Home for the holidays is the best place to be. On top of that, photographing your family's memories will be forever keepsakes. Read on for 12 Days of Christmas; tips for capturing your family and home during the holidays. All photos by family and senior photographer, April Hurst Photography.
Do you love all things Christmas and photography? Then this one is for you; its 12 Days of Christmas photos to try at home for the holidays.
Day 1: Remember them Little
They say the days are long and the years are short. "They" are right. Our kids grow all too quickly, and we want to look back and remember how little they were. This Christmas, try a shot where you focus on tiny hands, toes, or noses. It's the sweetest memory to capture, and it's an easy set up. Pull a chair away from the Christmas tree to give that beautiful bokeh. I hid my little guy's face with a vintage Frosty book and propped his feet over the side of the chair so the focus truly was his toes.
Day 2: Be a Storyteller during the Holidays
Your home for the holidays has so many stories to tell so let them unfold for your camera. Instead of asking for posed photos, peek in on the memories in your house. This scene is a simple one; I was looking on from the kitchen as my boy played a video game. I captured not just what he was doing, but the scene in our living room too.
Day 3: Use Bokeh
It's all about bokeh? What is bokeh you ask? It's that soft and smooth blur your photographer loves to use. It's gorgeous all the time, and it's especially pretty with your Christmas tree lights. Bokeh is why our phones now have portrait mode, so turn it on and try it in front of the tree. If you're using your "big" camera, pull your subjects as far from the tree as you can in order to get the best bokeh. Need a little extra? Add it in your edit.
Day 4: Try A Unique Perspective
Do your kids love to lay under the tree and look up at the beautiful lights or snuggle with a book and read beneath the branches? Try a different perspective and shoot through the branches. You'll get that beautiful bokeh once again, and you'll see your tree and your kids in a unique way.
Day 5: Capture Your Home
Beauty is all around. Your home for the holidays is full of warmth, light, and maybe even a little sparkle. Take it all in and photograph some of your favorite holiday decorations. Maybe it's your table or favorite ornaments, perhaps it's the nativity set or a family heirloom. Take time to enjoy the season. By the way, see that extra layer of bokeh around my dining table? That was added with fairy lights when shot. Just hold them in front of your camera and play with the angle, so fun!
Day 6: Photograph the Elf
Oh my, Elf on the Shelf! We sure had some fun at my house. My kids are too big for the elves now, so our two sit in the Christmas tree keeping watch. But seriously, photograph those elves and share the fun things they do. Your friends will love you for it; I remember looking for quick and easy elf ideas myself. A favorite at our house was a special north pole delivery of elf milk.
Day 7: Snow
What's more perfect than a Christmas Tree Farm with snow? The only problem--we certainly can't plan snow in southwest Missouri. So if snow is something you really love, ask your favorite photographer to add a little when editing. You can try it yourself on those photos you take, add a fun snow filter! There's nothing better than a white Christmas.
Day 8: Try it Black & White
So what's your favorite, color or black and white photography? I find that so many clients prefer color, and truthfully, I usually do too. However, there are just some photos that beg for black and white. These two shots were at our family Christmas party, and my little niece is precious in both. But I love the contrast and mood of the black and white.
Day 9: Christmas Includes Pets
Pets! Need I say more? They're members of our families so get them in your photos, Christmas included. Pro tip, your kids will be more willing to pose and have fun when you include those furry family members so use it to your advantage. Doggy kisses for the win.
Day 10: Make Your Own Snow
Snow, snow, snow! Sometimes we get a beautiful snow, and sometimes we just don't. That being said, try this creative shot. Use some spray snow on a window to create your own winter scene. Photograph your child looking through the window. This one feels timeless and vintage to me.
Day 11: Take a Front Porch Photo
You really can't beat a beautiful front porch picture. A couple of tips to get the best photo--use the porch when it's shaded and step out from the door a bit. For a varied shot, open that door wide and stand the family or kids directly in the door frame. It looks like you're greeting us at the door, and it's oh so welcoming! Simply put, beautiful.
Day 12: Print Your Photos
This one couldn't be simpler, but it's definitely a great reminder. Print those pictures! It's true, we live in a digital world but get those photos in print so you can display them in your home and share them with your family. I love a beautiful gallery wall as a display, and my most recent craze is albums. I can have all my beautiful memories available for our family to enjoy.
I truly hope you enjoy your home and family this Christmas and holiday season. Photographing your family and home during the holiday season will create forever memories. Merry Christmas from my little family to yours!
Comments