Fortunately, none of these ideas require any special camera gear. Everything can be accomplished with a smartphone (remember to clean the lens!), a point-and-shoot, or any other camera. Consider using the following as an “ideas guide.”
Family: The holidays provide an opportunity for family gatherings. In addition to taking photos of individuals opening gifts, consider trying to capture a photo of everyone together. Almost all smartphones and cameras have a timer setting that allows the photographer to be in the photo. Even without a tripod, any secure surface will be able to hold the camera or smartphone for a group photo. Smaller groupings of family members, such as all of the children together, may also be valuable. For children, it’s especially important to get down to eye level, to avoid the “looking down on them” perspective. And beyond posed photos, spontaneous and candid action will always be fun to capture, such as the radiant joy of a child’s face when the gift is something special.
