Don't waste this year's holiday opportunity! When your family is together, take lots of photos, but make sure they are good ones - photos that you might want to actually print, instead of just hanging out on social media or in your cloud!
So how do you take gorgeous photos you'll want to look at again? Read on for 5 tips that will make you a family photo star. Plus, enter for the chance to win a $100 gift card to Shutterfly so you can frame those photos or make them into the perfect gift for Grandma.
Capture people in their natural state - while the kids are playing, the adults are cooking or everyone is making memories. Remember that your subjects don't need to be looking at the camera.
Pay attention not just to the people you are shooting, but also, what else is in your camera lens. Look at all four corners and walls. Try to get a background that is simple and without clutter.
Avoid spots that are too bright or too dark. Flourescent lighting is the worst. Outside is best, especially on a cloudy day.
This is especially true when using most camera phones, since the zoom is really just a way to crop photos. Fine details are harder to see. At the same time, a tight focus can make the subject blurry.
When your family is relaxed and enjoying themselves, you'll really see personality shine through.
For even more tips, watch SheSpeaks blogger Tabitha Blue of Fresh Mommy Blog show you how to prepare for a professional photo shoot:
What upcoming pictures will you be snapping? Tell us and you'll be entered for the chance to win a $100 gift card to Shutterfly.com.
There are two ways to enter:
Simply comment below and tell us what photos you're looking forward to taking this holiday season.
AND/OR
Tweet about the giveaway!
Click here to Tweet: "Ready 4 family photos, thx to @SheSpeaksUp #PhotoTips! + I entered a Shutterfly gift card giveaway bit.ly/2eUGq5v"
*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive a $100 gift card from Shutterfly.com. Giveaway is open through November 21st, 2016 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Can't wait to take pictures of my third daughters 1st Christmas. And seeing all three of my girls in matching pajamas by the tree.
Getting everyone together for the first time in years so we want lots of photos
Photos of my new niece. And lots of Christmas lights pics.
I love taking family pictures during the holidays!
I'm looking to take photos that show the kind of loving family I have and the closeness that we share.
I'm looking forward to a photo with my newest niece!
I'm looking forward to seeing my kids enjoy their holiday and have lots of fun! I can't wait for us all to make some great memories!
Love taking candid shots of my family!
I'm looking forward to taking family photos when we get together for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I'm looking forward to taking pictures of the kids when we go to Disney World for Mickey's Holiday Party. I will get some great shots now with these tips.
Christmas & birthdays are the times we take the most photos. At my daughter's house, we need to have the kids sit somewhere besides in front of the window because the exposure on the photos is always awful. :(
I am taking lots of pictures of family and friends when we get together during this holiday season. It's been quite sometimes that we haven't seen each other
There is always the photo of the family around the Christmas tree. I just love the Holidays :)
We do a photo for Christmas Every year and send it out to family and friends
Our annual Thanksgiving picture is what we use for our Christmas cards. Love the tips on capturing a good one