Holiday Photo Check List {free printable}

The problem with most photos taken during the holidays or other special celebrations is that they don’t capture the special feeling of the season or event. Here is a photo checklist, along with five tips to help you photograph your holiday season.

Don't be afraid to get up close. Almost every digital camera has a Magnify or Macro button that lets you get close and create a much more interesting photo.

There's nothing wrong with pictures that are posed, but you can create variety by taking candid shots of family and at social gatherings. Capture people while they’re engaged in conversation or as they’re opening a gift. Keep your camera batteries charged up and your camera nearby so you can catch spontaneous moments.

Try to tell a story. Don’t just photograph the opening of the gifts. Photograph the process of selecting the gifts, wrapping them, and the mess that is left over after they are opened. This process is called photojournalism and has been growing in popularity in photography over the years.

If you are shooting indoors during the day, make your portraits with your subjects standing near a window or door instead of relying on the flash. The flash can cause red eye and give your subject a harsh appearance.

Looking at rows of people staring at the camera and smiling at you head-on can be a bit boring. If you want to take a photo of your family or friends, simply changing the angle and looking at a familiar scene from a new perspective can give it a brand new look.

Download HERE