Below are a list of my 5 things (plus 2) that every parent should capture this Christmas.
1. Decorating the Christmas tree. For these pictures, try a new perspective. Instead of standing behind the kids while they hang the ornaments, try to move to the side, above or even below. Capture the full scene as well as those tiny details. *Bonus points if you cut down your own tree too. Be sure to capture the cutting, and the loading. Great memories for the kids! Be sure to capture their expressions as it is happening even if they aren't helping with the actual even itself. Red, runny noses? Who cares! These aren't going to be your canvas shots but they are the memories that will stay with your kids.
I'm a little late posting my decorating pictures but here they are.
2. The finished tree. Always a favorite and this one is a fun way for me to see year to year how much they have grown. There is someone always sweet and angelic about those silhouettes in front of the glow of the lights.
Always one of my favorite shots. It's just a little different each year but it is so fun to see how they change. Straight out of the camera...no editing. See settings below. Now go try your own!!
f2.8 | 1/30 sec | ISO 3200 |
3. Making Christmas cookies. Always a favorite of ours. Capture from start to finish including the mess! Let them have fun! Again, don't forget those details and capture those little hands while they work. They won't be little forever!
4. Snuggling reading a book. Whether you snuggle up by the fire, on your favorite chair under blanket or even in bed, be sure to capture those sweet snuggly moments. If you kids are too old to be read to, try and catch them readying. If you still think that isn't going to happen, have a family movie night and get everybody snuggled in with pillows and blankets. Those are still memories worth capturing.
5. Christmas morning. I know, I know. This one you won't forget but this year try something new. Get some different perspective and try some new angles. Lay on the ground, shoot from above....anything to mix things up. You never know what you may end up loving. Instead of having them pose with what they just opened, take a picture of them using it or trying it on. Those expressions always beat the "are you done yet, Mom?" face. Also, I'm going to sound like a broken record but DON'T FORGET THE DETAILS!
6. Playing in the Snow. Nobody likes it so you might as well capture some of it's beauty. Make sure to take some pictures building snowmen, having a snowball fight and sledding.
7. Elf on the Shelf. If you have a mischievous elf in your house, capture a few pics of him. The kids will love to look back and talk about their elf and his adventures.
"Buddy" was channeling Miley Cyrus the other night.
I will be posting my family's memories along with some pointers as I go through this season as well. Don't forget about those little moments but also just as important, remember also to put down those cameras and phones for the majority of the time and just live in the moment!!!
Merry Christmas, everyone!