Tips For Capturing Christmas Morning

I am like a broken record, but seriously how is it Christmas already!
​I have been slacking terribly on blogging, but with Christmas upon us I thought I would share my tips for capturing Christmas morning. I tend to only shoot a few key photos on Christmas morning and then I put my camera away.
I hate being stuck behind the camera missing all the fun.

1. Prepare a few days before:  Prior to Christmas, make sure you take note where you are going to take your Christmas morning photos. Is there clutter? Do you need to move furniture out of the way? Is the room well lit. Make a list of shots you want to get.  Also, the night before, make sure your camera is ready to go. Don't forget to make sure you have extra batteries! 


​2. Check your settings:  Adjust your White Balance BEFORE you start shooting. This is where step one can come into play: you can practice a few mornings before to make sure you will get it right. All cameras are different,but you can often find your White Balance in the settings. Typically indoors Incandescent and Tungsten work well. Also, remember to adjust the ISO to let in as much light as possible and make sure your shutter speed is at LEAST 1/125.


3. Use natural light:  Open up all the blinds and curtains, so you can use that natural light as much as possible. Turn your pop up flash off if ​possible.

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Create a Story:  The story for your kids might begin the night before with cookies for Santa. Position yourself so that you can capture them coming around the corner to see the presents under the tree. Document family, expressions, and what Christmas morning means to your family.

​5. Get down: Get on a child’s level to capture the morning from their perspective, especially when opening gifts.

6. Capture the details: Don’t forget the little things like ornaments, discarded wrapping paper, lights on a tree, and little hands opening gifts.
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7. Put your camera away  : After you have captured the photos you need (thanks to preparation and that shot list), put down your camera and enjoy your family. Merry Christmas!!!

In the next few weeks I will be using my downtime to post some of my favorite photos from the sessions at the end of the year. I tend to like and wait until all the Christmas cards and photo gifts have gone out, so I don't spoil any surprises ;)

Don't forget to mail me your Christmas card to be entered into the drawing for a free session in 2016!!!!

Wishing  you all a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.