3 Tips for Photographing the Holidays

Making Memories
Most of my clients are moms, but even if you aren’t, you will likely be spending time with family this holiday season. Because I am a photographer, I wanted to give tips to help you take your holiday photos to the next level. No, I am not talking about posing every photo to make your family look sexy. Grandma may not appreciate that! But there are a few things you can do to make those already very special photos even more special! Whether or not you’re a professional photographer, here are some holiday photography tips to take your photos to the next level!
No Professional Equipment Necessary
One holiday photography tip is to not stress if you don’t have a fancy camera. Most of my family photos on this post I took with my film camera, not my fancy studio camera. There’s no need for a professional camera– a point and shoot, a consumer DSLR, or even a phone can look great if you follow these tips below. And really, it doesn’t matter what kind of camera you use because what matters most are those memories with your loved ones. Here are my favorite photography tips below that you can use right away this holiday season!
Get On My Level
Get a different perspective and get yourself and your camera down to your kid’s level. It makes for a more interesting view of the world and more flattering photos. Changing the level of your camera also shows more of the scene in your photo rather than just the floor.
Seize the Moment
Try to photograph and capture those fleeting moments– Grandma talking to the kids, Grandpa conversing with your husband or laughing with the family, and the kids enjoying some cookies. Soak it all in and get it all on your camera. Snap after snap.
Trying to capture all of these memories on film hits close to home for me. My Grampy passed away in February of 2017 so last Christmas was the last one I ever got to enjoy with him. The photos we took from last year during the holidays are the most important photos I have. You never know when this holiday could be the last so be sure to capture the moments! Now please excuse me while I take a break to cry.
I miss him so much and I’m so thankful for the memories and those photos I have of him.
This, my friends, is why photography is so special and important.
Let There Be Light!
Find the light. This is my mantra in life! (and photography). Good light will always make for better photos. It can be from the christmas tree lights, the window light on Christmas morning, the light by the table on thanksgiving, the lamp beside your grandad’s rocking chair. Light is light. Use it!
Enjoy it!
I hope you all have a great holiday season and enjoy the memories and as well as your photographs. While you’re busy capturing the moment, don’t forget to live in the moment and take time to enjoy great conversations and food! For more tips, check out this article and for advice on what to do with your digital files (if you used a digital camera), check out my recent blogpost.
If you’re still trying to find the perfect gift for your special someone, or a special gift for yourself, look no further than a boudoir shoot with Boudoir by Tracy Lynn and email me today at hello@boudoirbytracylynn.com!

Tracy Lynn is a boudoir photographer for brides-to-be in the St. Louis area, and a mentor + coach for photographers looking to level up their businesses with better systems and processes.