Don't waste this year's holiday opportunity! When your family is together, take lots of photos, but make sure they are good ones - photos that you might want to actually print, instead of just hanging out on social media or in your cloud!
So how do you take gorgeous photos you'll want to look at again? Read on for 5 tips that will make you a family photo star. Plus, enter for the chance to win a $100 gift card to Shutterfly so you can frame those photos or make them into the perfect gift for Grandma.
Capture people in their natural state - while the kids are playing, the adults are cooking or everyone is making memories. Remember that your subjects don't need to be looking at the camera.
Pay attention not just to the people you are shooting, but also, what else is in your camera lens. Look at all four corners and walls. Try to get a background that is simple and without clutter.
Avoid spots that are too bright or too dark. Flourescent lighting is the worst. Outside is best, especially on a cloudy day.
This is especially true when using most camera phones, since the zoom is really just a way to crop photos. Fine details are harder to see. At the same time, a tight focus can make the subject blurry.
When your family is relaxed and enjoying themselves, you'll really see personality shine through.
For even more tips, watch SheSpeaks blogger Tabitha Blue of Fresh Mommy Blog show you how to prepare for a professional photo shoot:
What upcoming pictures will you be snapping? Tell us and you'll be entered for the chance to win a $100 gift card to Shutterfly.com.
There are two ways to enter:
Simply comment below and tell us what photos you're looking forward to taking this holiday season.
AND/OR
Tweet about the giveaway!
Click here to Tweet: "Ready 4 family photos, thx to @SheSpeaksUp #PhotoTips! + I entered a Shutterfly gift card giveaway bit.ly/2eUGq5v"
*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive a $100 gift card from Shutterfly.com. Giveaway is open through November 21st, 2016 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Can't wait for family togetherness
Shutterfly helps me make my photos look great!
I'm looking forward to taking family action moments of our celebrations!
I love taking pictures of the changing of seasons, nature type photos!
I started taking pictures of our holiday food a few years ago (after seeing my uncle do it). It's fun to remember what we had to eat each year (and also helps in the next year's menu planning!). This year, there will also be many pictures of our new dog at the holidays, as well as my daughter as she grows up.
Can't wait to take family pictures this coming holiday season for the first time as a family of five with our newborn twins. Love to make sweet family memories and take great pictures so we can always look back to those pictures!
For the first time in many years family from far and close by will be all together. Can't wait to take those great family photos
I'm looking forward to taking photos of my great nieces and nephews having fun and lots of pictures of my mom and dad.
Photos of our grandson!!! I have always loved taking photo's and taking photos of our grandson Parker, my new obsession!!
Family pictures especially those that are not posed and expected.
I am looking forward to getting a photo of my new baby niece.
The kids all dressed up!
I'm looking forward to photos of my nephew's first holidays.
Christmas photos with the family
I'm excited to document all the yummy food made with love with my family members!