The holidays are fast approaching and soon family and friends will be gathering to celebrate the season. The tips today are about recording the memories that fill the holidays.

1. Try using Depth of Field – Instead of just taking the picture in front of a tree, put the subject in the background and then increase the aperture to the lowest setting (about f/5.6 to F/1.4).  Focus on your subject in the background and the tree in the foreground will be twinkling and blurry.
2. Work in the background – Candid shots are more natural and can be amazing.Stand back from the group and record the natural moments.
3. Accessorize -  Clever props are a great way to spice up photos during the holidays.  Think Santa Hats, wrapped presents and even large ornaments.
4. Catch all the Action – Little kids tearing open gifts is a crazy time, shoot pictures like crazy to make sure you get the shots.  To take the stress out of the moment, put your camera into “auto-mode” or better yet “Continuous mode” and just start snapping away.
5. Avoid the flash – When it’s possible, don’t use the flash to help eliminate red eye.  Use the “red-eye reduction” mode on your camera.Some cameras do have automatic red eye correction which is nice.
6. Embrace the darkness – To get a sharp photo of twinkling tree lights or candles, turn off the house lights and turn up the ISO setting on your camera.  An ISO of 800-1600 should do the trick.  You’ll need to hold the camera steady so your photos don’t come out fuzzy.  Either use a tripod and your cameras timer function or try setting your camera down on a solid surface.
7. Stepping outside – To get crisp photos at night, set up your tripod, up the ISO setting and lower your aperture to let in as much light as possible.Remember to set the flash to “Off”.A word to the wise; if it’s extremely cold outdoors.  Cold temps tend to drain the juice out of your batteries rather quickly.Be sure that you charge up your batteries.If you plan on being outdoors for some time, make certain to try and keep your camera warm.  Hold your camera close to your body as this will keep it warm and then pull it out when you are ready to take the photo.
8. Give peace a chance – Be certain to watch for those quiet moment shots as well.Nothing can be more magical than watching a child listening to their grandparent reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.
9. Learn how to use the flash – Sometimes you can’t avoid using the flash.Try to stand about 12 ft from the subjects of your photo so that the flash is bright enough but not so bright that they are blinded by it or overexposed.
10. Capture the preperations – We sometimes forget to record the experience of everything behind the scenes while preparing for the festivities.Be sure to capture family baking, group shopping trips, decorating, and wrapping up gifts.
11. Find a different angle – Try standing off to the side, zoom in, and use the rule of thirds.
12. Get in the picture – If you’re like me and your always behind the camera, hand the camera off to someone else and enjoy the holidays with your family.  Remember your family won’t care how you looked but they will remember you were there, not only in their memories but in the photos as well.

Hopefully some of these hints will help you create better photographs and get more enjoyment from your camera!

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