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.
Pets: Pets are also members of the family. They can certainly be included in the family photos described above, but images of your pet(s) alone with presents (theirs or others!), can be adorable. Try to get down to eye level with your pets also.
Gifts: Whether as a cluster under the tree when they are still wrapped or while being opened by family members, presents are a colourful addition to a holiday photo collection. Some gifts may be so special or unique that they warrant a photo after they have been opened.
Decorations: During this festive time of year, the home is filled with holiday decorations. The Christmas tree typically plays a starring role. The tree may be included with family photos but consider taking a photo of the tree by itself. The ornaments on the tree will also provide photo opportunities. One can capture a group of ornaments, or one can single out an ornament that has a special meaning, such as a baby’s first Christmas ornament. The home may also have unique decorations in other locations, such as the fireplace, windows, doors, hallways, or stairs.
Fotogalerii
Food: Everyone looks forward to the holiday meal, so why not include a photo or two of the dining table before everyone starts to eat. And photos of guests at the table can be a supplement to the above-mentioned family group photos. Some dishes may deserve a close-up, such as something that was homemade, including the desserts. And why not take some photos of the chef(s) who prepared the delicious meal?
Exterior: For families who decorate the home’s exterior, photos either during the daytime or at night can provide a nice memory. For example, there may be a beautiful display of lights. Are there decorations outside the home, such as wreaths or planters with seasonal adornments? And consider photos of the weather: for example, was it a white Christmas that year, or not?
Some final thoughts: Please take lots of photos, especially of people. If only a single photo is taken, invariably some eyes will be closed or looking away into the distance. Combine the use of flash (to provide clear photos) with some photos taken with the ambient lighting (to capture the mood). Make sure to label the photos, at least with the date, if this is not done automatically by the camera. And be sure to share the photos with all who were present, because images left in the camera will not bring joy to anyone.
[EE: On that note, you may want to consider photo book printing services (such as Pikto, based in Toronto) so that you can have your photos in your hands, but also not take up lots of space with prints.]
And as a final and personal plea, though some of the ideas above may seem “ho-hum” and not worth the effort, one never knows what the next year’s holiday season will bring. I can vouch from personal experience that photos not taken over the decades can never be seen again. Regrettably, those uncaptured images will only be vaguely recalled as hazy, lost memories.
Written and photographed by Peeter Põldre
