Trimming the tree, opening a special gift, gathering with loved ones… Do not miss these 5 tips for taking great holiday photos from Nikon Canada because the holidays are absolutely packed with great photo-taking opportunities. These are the pictures we return to decades later, but the moments themselves happen in a blink of an eye, so it’s important to capture them as best as you can — and just a few simple changes in your approach can make a big difference in the quality of your photos! Here are a few tips to help you successfully capture your most precious memories this holiday season.
Adjust your Nikon D-SLR’s ISO for better low-light shots.
The holidays are a prime time for snapping candid moments and family portraits — so do what you can to avoid flat, underexposed shots. Raising the ISO on your camera is a simple way to capture clear, stunning photographs. Most holiday photos are taken indoors in low light, which can translate into blurry, under-exposed shots. ISO measures the sensitivity of your camera’s image sensor to light. The lower the number, the less sensitivity there is to the light; the higher the number, the more sensitive your camera will be. Take a few test shots before the holidays are in full swing so you can familiarize yourself with the setting, and be set to capture smiles and wonder as they happen!
Choose a subject and get up close.
It’s tempting to stand back and try to capture an entire holiday scene, but the results can be busy and chaotic. Instead, choose a focal point for each photo, such as a child’s face as she opens a present, and get in as close as possible. When taking pictures of kids and pets, getting down to their level can transform a photo and make it more dynamic and intimate. Consider using a camera equipped with a swivel monitor that can tilt, flip and turn to just about any position so you can feel comfortable shooting from different angles. Perfect for selfies too!
Get the perfect group shot.
Gathering the little ones in one place and keeping them still is tough. And, the more people you have posing for a photo, the more likely it is that you’ll catch someone with their eyes closed or in mid-sentence. Make life easier by shooting at a high-frames-per-second (fps) rate to capture as many shots as possible, ensuring your subjects get back to holiday revelry ASAP.
Let the kids tell their own holiday stories.
The holiday season is especially exciting for the little ones — let the magic of the season be seen through their eyes. Give yourself a break and let the kids take the photographer reigns for a bit. You may be surprised by the moments they capture! A durable, easy-to-use point-and-shoot is your best bet (you may not want to hand your HD-SLR over to just anyone!). Consider providing them with a shockproof and waterproof camera like the Nikon COOLPIX S33 as a worry-free, kid-friendly option that will preserve their memories for years to come and add a unique perspective to your holiday album.
Get creative with your camera.
If you own an HD-SLR, you know its large sensor and manual controls can help anyone take professional-quality photos. The holidays are an opportunity to develop your skills by trying different lenses on your camera body. The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is an affordable lens that captures portraits with stunning sharpness and beautiful background blur (bokeh). The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a lightweight telephoto lens ideal for zooming into the action during toboggan runs or ice skating. Back inside for hot chocolate, it’s equally adept at shooting portraits. Experimenting with lenses unlocks an HD-SLR’s full potential, and will help you take memorable photos you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Awe that’s sweet. I like letting my kids take pictures over the holidays – sometimes they really turn out great- and it’s extra special since they took the pic themselves!
These tips are very helpful. I need to remember to change my ISO settings for better low-light shots.
thanks so much for the awesome tips. I just learned about ISO. I have been testing it out but still getting the hang of it, but changing it totally works.
These are all great tips! My hubby usually does our photos in this house and he does most of these tips.
These are some great tips! I always have trouble in the dim light.
I’ve been wanting a DSLR forever! It’s at the tippy-top of my Christmas wishlist!
Thanks for sharing these tips – especially for group shots. Group shots are the hardest for me to take!
Love these tips. We’re going to be doing our own holiday family photos later this week so this helps.
These are great tips for taking holiday photos. I am learning how to use my new camera.
Yes. I have an Nikon DSLR and I want some accessories for Christmas- like one of the lens you mentioned or a bounce flash.
These are great tips. I’d love to try out some different lenses on my camera.
These are awesome tips. I take pictures using my smartphone, but I’m saving up for a new camera.
Another great tip is using natural light as much as possible… Its a wonder how soft sunlight and natural shadows adds to a pic.
Thanks so much for the awesome tips.