The holiday season presents an endless number of fun photo opportunities: family 'round the dinner table, gathered by the tree or simply having fun outside. From Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year's Day, on occasions like these photos will help you relive the season later on.

Here are some tips for taking better holiday photos!
1. Use wide angle setting when photographing the entire family gathered at the dinner table, in front of the tree or fireplace.
2. Switch to a moderate telephoto setting to capture individual faces and expressions of love and joy.
3. Don't forget the flash! The flash will illuminate your subjects better indoors and when used outdoors fill in the shadows.
4. For a more dramatic effect turn off the flash and use the natural light streaming in through windows or skylights.

Group photos are considered formal photographs. But don't forget to shoot candid pictures of loved ones enjoying holiday activities. Many times the unposed photos capture the true personality of the subject. Watch for the expression on a child's face when s/he first sees all the gifts under the tree; grab shots with dad and mom playing with the kids in the snow; catch the kids hugging and kissing grandma and grandpa. These are images that often become family favorites.

It's a common mistake to take too-busy photos. Learn to simplify your compositions. It's tempting to shoot pictures of your entire living room with the holiday decorations, but your photos will look a more cluttered than what you remember. Move in closer and isolate a few of the most interesting details when looking through the lens. Even when shooting photos of the kids try to zoom in and use just part of the holiday backdrops.

What about nighttime holiday scenes? Dusk is best (when the sky still has some color and isn't completely black) when trying to capture holiday lights and window displays. You'll want to use a faster film, like ISO 800-1600 and no flash. A tripod or very steady hands mean sharper images.

Now, grab the camera-load some film and give yourself precious memories that will live on long after the holiday magic is gone!

Better yet...How about a professional family portrait by gail ann~

Home for the holidays special! Internet special...
Digital sessions $65
Gail Ann will prepare a movie presentation for you to take home and view on your computer.
Then you can visit the website where you'll find your family images posted for easy ordering!
Enlargement for family and friends are extra.

206-371-0585 or email at:gailannphoto@comcast.net

Member Seattle Professional Photographers Association.