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You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take a decent photo, whether it’s for your Instagram page, business website or Christmas card. Or, if you want to create a meaningful gift, consider using personal photos to make custom calendars and photo books.
These days, you don’t even need a fancy camera to take a high-quality shot – all you need is your smartphone. Regardless of what type of equipment you’re working with, everyone can learn how to take the perfect photo using these pro-tips.
- Plan the perfect time to shoot.
- Think about composition.
- Don’t stress about smiles.
- Shoot like a pro on the go.
- Fun Christmas photo ideas.
Plan the perfect time to shoot.
Shoot outdoors if possible – natural light is easier to work with than artificial lighting equipment. Try to shoot your photos during one of nature’s ‘golden hours’, either an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset. You’ll find that by taking photos at these times, the shadows are longer and less harsh due to the lower angle of the light. The warmer tones created by this low light make dawn or dusk popular times of day to shoot portraits as the soft light is more flattering and won’t make people squint their eyes. But if you can only shoot during harsh sunlight hours, look for a shady spot.
Of course, it’s not always possible to shoot outside. If you’re capturing photos indoors, never pose in front of a window; make sure the light source isn’t behind the subject. If your smartphone or camera has a flash, use it – bounce it off the ceiling or walls to create a softer light. If you don’t have a flash, take advantage of any natural light you can muster by moving near a window.
Another indoor lighting trick is to have the light source come from the side – this can add some drama to your photo.
Think about composition.
Composition refers to the placement of subjects in a photo – it’s a good idea to visualise the final design before you start shooting. Think about how you’re planning to use the photo and how you want your subjects to fill the frame. If you’re shooting a photo for a Christmas card, pick a card design you like beforehand so you can compose your shots accordingly and shoot with your final design in mind.
Remember to always keep the rule of thirds in mind – mentally divide your photo in three and place your subject on one of the dividing lines. For example, if the selected card has text on the right, you can place your subject on the left side of the frame to make sure there’s plenty of space to add your message later.
VistaPrint Tip
If you plan to overlay your photo with text, make sure your background is either dark or light with very little contrast. This will make the text stand out against your image.
Don’t stress about a smile.
Trying to crack a smile under pressure can be a challenge, especially when your subject is shy. Tell a joke or choose a familiar shooting location to make your subjects feel comfortable – this will help them relax and minimise awkward posing.
And never underestimate the candid moments either as these can look more natural – especially if you’re struggling to get a great shot of young children. Photographer Remy Van Donk suggests capturing genuine, natural moments instead of staging every shot. “During great and funny moments, shoot a lot of images and pick the ones you like most later. These are the photos you’ll want to see later, when your children are all grown up, rather than standard family portraits.”
Serious shots with the subject looking at the camera can be powerful and are more appropriate for professional portraits – perfect for your LinkedIn profile or ‘About’ page.
Shoot like a pro on the go.
You don’t need an expensive SLR camera to start taking great Christmas card pictures. If you’re using a smartphone, you can still leverage some expert tips to make sure you capture the best shot possible. Remy adds that most iPhone cameras are powerful and cope exceptionally well with poor light conditions. “Learn how to use it – it’s better than a DSLR camera (unless you invest in a £2,000 lens).”
Follow these steps before you start shooting:
- Clean your lens before you begin shooting. (Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning tips specific to your device!) This will help to achieve a crystal-clear photo.
- If you’re deciding between a colour or a black and white photo, always shoot in colour first. You can always change to a different filter later.
- Get close to your subject. The more you zoom in from afar, the lower the quality. So step right up and shoot… but give yourself a little extra space if you need to crop later.
Fun Christmas photo ideas.
Now that you know how to shoot the perfect photo, it’s time to take the pic. Try these fun Christmas photo ideas that will bring the whole family together.
For more candid shots, you can show your family baking Christmas treats or playing at the beach. This makes for laughter-filled shots and fun memories. Or bring the camera on the road and take pics while you and your family pick out your perfect tree.
Make your shots even more exciting with coordinated looks. Matching pyjamas, tees and hats ensure the whole family can bring out the Christmas cheer.
Feeling a bit camera-shy? Photos with props like candy canes and ornaments can make fun Christmas photos for cards and gifts. Add your furry friends to the scene and you’ve got a cute pet photo that everyone will enjoy!
More tips from Remy, a professional photographer.
- Go low. Don’t shoot children from an overhead view. Instead, sit or lie down on the ground to capture them at an appropriate angle.
- Separate your subjects from noisy and busy backgrounds. Move them closer to the camera to create professional-looking images.
- Use simple backgrounds. A simple wall, a window or an out-of-focus Christmas tree help to create great compositions.
