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.
I'm looking forward to candid shots of my family at Christmas time.
Hoping to have some good ones of the pets, they are dark in color so very difficult to get. Also want to make sure to get some pictures of older family members that I might not have opportunity to again. The picture I've regretted were the ones we didn't take or were lost that we didn't have multiples of or someone was not in the frame that was a vital to the core of that moment.
I am verry excited and cant wait to take family photos next month 😍
All of my kids will be here for Christmas this year. I'd love to get a good pic of all of them dressed in their holiday best
Im looking forwards to taking pics of the whole family together since we havent had a gotten together since my uncle passed away
Family photos of course! 😄 Of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years eve fun...🎉🎊 Let's not forget the family pets too!🐕🐈I just adore taking photos of our grandsons and all our pets!💞 Thank-you so much for the entry SheSpeaks.com!😊Happy Holidays to all!
Pictures of family and happy kiddos
Taking photos of our son's first Christmas!!
looking forward to taking photos of my children this christmas. i love photography and shutterfly!
Can't wait to take photos of my kids opening xmas presents.
My family does pictures every holiday and we love Shutterfly!!
My Rainbow baby and the up coming Holidays with my two older sons will be the inspiration for all my photo snapping this year!!!
I love to take lots of pictures of the family, of things outside
I am looking forward to taking pictures of family all together enjoying their time.
I'm making scrapbooks for my nieces and nephew, and I'm looking forward to getting holiday photos for those.