Christmas Photos That Make You Smile

Hello.

My thanks to Sheila, Heather and Sarah for having me back.

I am a scrapbooker.

That was one of my first big creative endeavors.

I love the creative outlet and the joy the albums bring my family.

Taking photos during the holidays is not always an easy task.

There is always so much going on in all the photos, sometimes we forget to even pick up the camera, and then there is the whole bad lighting situation.

I am going to give you some ideas on what types of photos to take. Offer a few tips on when to take them and how to embrace the photos you do capture even if they are not perfect.

Make sure you capture photos of the some of the traditions and fun leading up to Christmas.

Every year I try to take photos of some of my decorations.

It's always fun to look back through the scrapbooks and see how my decorating has changed over the years. Sometimes the photos even come in handy when I want to recreate a vignette.

When taking photos in the house. I always do this during the day and at a time when that particular room is filled with light. I try to get by without using the lights or my flash.

I also like to capture the kids getting ready for the season.

Again, shot in the day with natural light flowing in through the window.

No need for flash here.

Christmas Eve is always held at our house with my side of the family.

It's dark outside by the time everyone arrives so there will be no natural light. Bummer.

I still opt for no flash because my camera has very high ISO numbers.

I understand that many cannot do this, so use your flash.

This is where we embrace what we can't control.

Make sure you catch some candids of the festivities...

as well as posed shots...

Some of these are a little blurry because of low light, or too warm because my white balance was off, but that's ok. I still love them anyway.

They show our family having fun and that is what my scrapbooks are about.

Christmas morning is so much easier for photos.

Make sure you reset any settings you may have changed from the night before and you are ready to go again.

I always try and capture our tree with all the presents before we dive in.

Again, I try and capture some candid and posed moments.

And make sure you have a family member grab the camera and take some of you.

You are a part of the family too.

And don't forget to get a photo of the room after presents are opened.

You know, right after the tornado goes through.

Wow, look at that mess. And I didn't even know it at the time, but I caught my daughter and her boyfriend hugging in the background. Extra special photo now.

So there you have it. My tips for taking photos that will make you smile and make your scrapbooks shine.

Merry Christmas to all of you.