As you prepare to take photos this holiday season, consider some of these tips to add a little creativity in your shots.
1. Play With Perspective
Look for unique angles and points of view when taking photos to add visual interest. Get low to the ground, shoot from a balcony, try framing through branches or holiday decorations. Experiment with angles people don’t usually see.
2. Capture Candid Moments
Try to take lots of candid shots to get natural expressions and unposed interactions. Capture the delight when opening gifts, laughter over holiday meals, a private glance shared between loved ones. These real moments tell the story of the holidays.
3. Highlight Holiday Atmosphere
Use lighting, textures, and smaller details to showcase the holiday atmosphere. Capture sparkling decorations with lens flares, the flicker of candlelight on faces, the fuzz on a festive sweater. Get up close with food, drinks, flushed cold cheeks.
4. Frame with Foreground
Use holiday decorations or natural features in the foreground to frame backgrounds creatively. Shoot through branches, a garland or lights with loved ones in the distance to add depth and context. Create layers through thoughtful composition.
5. Isolate Color Schemes
Purposefully frame shots to isolate one or two colors for dramatic, graphic shots. Zero in on just red and green elements from a blue background, or capture a nighttime scene using light golds and rich blacks. Stylize with selective color.
The key is to wander around during holiday outings and gatherings with an eye for special moments, details and seasonal ambiance to tell the visual story of season and time spent with loved ones. Moving around allows you to capture a good variety.