It goes without saying that many of you feel overwhelmed these days with too many choices regarding photography. Decisions were easier when we all owned just one piece of equipment that took our photographs, we sent the roll of film away, picked the prints up and that was it. Now, there are apps, and a million photos (versus 24 that came on the roll of film), and phones taking photos and cameras taking photos. And then - what do we do with them after. It can be just too much. Even for me.

So, my hope here is to simplify this for you. To help you feel less overwhelmed and decide that taking the photographs of you and your family is important and worth putting just a few practices in place to make it happen.

1. PICK ONE CAMERA AND STICK WITH IT

Seriously. Don’t overthink this. You don’t need to rush out and buy the latest mirrorless canon or a DSLR. If you have one, and love to use it, great! But don’t let this simple decision stop you. Decide to use the camera on your phone if that is what is EASY for you.

2. TAKE POSED AND CANDID IMAGES

Over the years when I have been taking my personal family photos, I have always gravitated towards the storytelling, candid shots. And maybe you have only taken the posed ones. But try to remember to take a few of each. And you don’t need to be behind your camera all day, just a few minutes here and there throughout the day to create images that will one day bring back memories.

3. NATURAL LIGHT

I know this is a tough one this time of year! Anyone else missing the long lingering summer sun!?!? However, the darker days are a great excuse to hibernate at home a little more than usual and I am in complete support of that too ;). When taking your photos try to have your subjects FACING window light, with the photographers back turned towards the window. Especially with a phone camera, as backlight is one area they have a hard time with. The soft natural even light of the window will be the most flattering light for your subjects.

4. CLEAN YOUR LENS

This should have been my first tip! It is so simple but trust me friends - is the most important.

5. TURN OFF YOUR FLASH (AND OVERHEAD LIGHTS)

To capture the true glow of your Christmas tree this will be key. And might take some practice depending on what type of camera you are using. In so far as overhead lights - obviously this will be a little difficult with so many hours of darkness, however when it is daylight try to avoid this as the different colour temperatures will effect your image, as well as creating not so flattering shadows on your subjects.

6. CHANGE PERSPECITIVES

This is one of the easiest tips that will make one of the biggest differences in your images. Moved around. Move your camera. Take from above and down low. Create some breathing room in your photographs by placing your subject in the bottom third of the frame.

7. FAVOURITE APPS

Obviously this won’t apply to you if you are not using your camera phone, but I wanted to share with you some of my favourites for taking and editing images. ProCamera, VSCO, Snapseed. I keep it pretty simple in this regards. Mostly I use the main camera on my phone, import to VSCO, have one filter that is my go to all the time and save to my camera roll. Again, don’t over think this. The ProCamera app will allow you to set to manual focus and exposure, which if that is something you really want to have, I would recommend it. They have a few good tutorials on their website regarding how to operate it.

8. LEAN TOWARDS THE CAMERA

This is more of a posing tip - but who doesn’t want a few of those! Always try to remember that whatever or whoever is closest to the camera will appear the largest. So, turn 45 degrees to the camera, shift your weight onto your back foot, bring your shoulder closest to the camera down and lean in a little. That’s not too much to remember is it ;)!

9. SET THE TIMER AND GET IN THE SHOT!

For the majority of us moms, the end of the days or weeks or months go by and we haven’t existed in any of the photographs. I beg you to either hand over the camera to someone so you can get in the frame, or turn on the timer and take a few group photographs.

10. NOW WHAT DO I DO WITH THESE ?!?

Please all promise me you will print your images! I would love to see you all share after the holidays your photos in albums. One super easy option for printing is Chatbooks (found in the app store). You can literally do everything right off of your phone and the album is delivered to your home. It also syncs with your Instagram feed and will mail you a book of all of your IG posts after 60 photos have been shared. Or you can upload images directly off your phone to the app and order your book. Super easy and so worth it!

AS ALWAYS, if you have any questions for me, don’t hesitate to send me an email. I truly believe that photography can be a beautiful way to practice what and who we are grateful for, and help us see the world around us in bright new ways.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS MY FRIENDS!