I love photos! I grew up with a photographic memory and as I age, the memories that I remember the most where the ones that there is a still picture of it. I mentioned this on my Instagram account the other day, but I have been learning more and more about the Enneagram. There's a lot to it, but one thing that I learned is that as an Enneagram #5, I have a hard time living in the moment. "Duh!" I said. I already knew that but knowing that it connects to how I remember moments and how that connects with photography blew my mind. I have always felt like there’s a time and place for posed portraits, but the candid, “real” photos are my favorite. It is a way to keep the "honesty and truth" about our daily lives in perspective so much better. It also allows me to remember the day-to-day as I struggle to stay in the moment and remember the important little things in life. So as we head into the holiday festivities next week, I wanted to share some tips on eliminating the cheese factor and getting some authentic, candid photos?
Photograph everyday situations.
There are tons of “regular” things that happen in our everyday lives even around the holidays: daycare pickup, grocery shopping, walking around a shopping mall, bedtime routines, playing in the living room, and more. These moments may seem ordinary, but these are the candid moments that ought to be documented! Your chances for authentic, candid photos are much higher when it’s not an official photo shoot. The holidays are a perfect time to capture the moments from baking cookies to watching Christmas movies or a nighttime routine in holiday PJs.
Make it a point to pull out your camera and take pictures of the type of things you do everyday during this season. I always tell myself that I want to remember the small moments just as much as the big ones!
Use the camera you have while you're on the go.
Although it would be great if we could carry around a super nice camera everywhere you go, use what you have with you! Especially during this busy season, it is not always feasible as a mom to manage a camera bag with a diaper bag, multiple children, and a stroller while in the cold!
So if you have a good camera on your smart phone, use it! The nice thing is you probably always have it in your pocket, everywhere you go. If you’re feeling brave, or have help with the children or going to a big "event" like cutting down the Christmas tree or seeing Santa, then absolutely bring your big camera.. but feel free to resort to your smartphone on other days.
Keep your fancy camera out at home.
This is something we live by. Our larger DSLR camera lives in our main living spaces. Home is the best place to take candid pictures during the holidays – everyone is comfortable and relaxed. It’s a great opportunity to take candid pictures that are more creative than just a snapshot with your phone. Dusty and I share the camera back and forth a ton to ensure that there are
The trick is that when that beautiful moment happens, you have to be ready to shoot right then. If your larger camera is stashed away in a camera bag deep in the corners of your closet, and needs a new memory card and its battery charged.. Well, you’re never going to use it for candid photos then, are you? Your camera should be kept somewhere at home that it easily available. Make sure it’s safe and not within the reach of a spilled soppy cup (life happens), but that you can get to it quickly. Yes, your camera phone can work in a pinch, but if you want to learn to use your big camera, you’re going to have to make yourself use it as much as possible!
Find Your Kiddos Personality!
Candid photos should embrace the unique personality of your child. That might mean you get some silly faces or tongues sticking out, but those are just fine if they are true to your child’s unique personality! I love when I can grab my iPhone out just quick enough to capture Ollie's quirkiness and little moments that allows him to shine through!
When it comes to the holidays, I want to remember all of the moments from the excitement of the presents to the puffy cheeks filled with food. To me, it is not all about the stiff awkward smiles that you are bribing your kids with candy behind the scenes. If you’re hoping for some natural smiles, try making them laugh or we play peekaboo with our youngest, Lillie.
Thank you, Snap Happy Mom, for sponsoring this post, Tips for Taking Candid Photos This Christmas. I was selected for this opportunity by Snap Happy Mom; the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Many of these links are affiliate, which means that if you buy a product after clicking through from here, I get a small referral commission.
Know your camera enough to get the shot.
Lastly, the key to good candid photos is being able to capture that amazing moment when it happens. I have been holding onto these three Cheat Sheet packets from Snap Happy Mom lately and are planning on keep them close all holiday season long! Snap Happy Mom makes three different types of cheat sheets that includes tips and tricks for learning how to use my DSLR, tips for utilizing my iPhone's camera, and photography tips for moms!
Learning about the differences in my two cameras (DSLR vs. iPhone) has been so helpful so I'm not fiddling with my chosen camera instead of shooting. My favorite cheat sheet has been the photography tips for moms. It walks me through tips around composition to help keep my photos more pleasing and professional looking, lighting, a how to guide, and tips for working specifically with kids.
If you are looking to up your photography skills this holiday season, definitely check out Snap Happy Mom for yourself or favorite shutter bug. These easy-to-grab cheat sheets would make perfect stocking stuffers as well. Use the coupon code is "BAHORICH" and receive a flat $5 off per order. All orders ship free to the US! In addition, order 2 decks for the special pricing of $50, or 3 for $75, and then use the coupon code on top of that! You should absolutely mention this awesome discount to your people!
You can do it! Hopefully these tips have helped you learn how to take candid photos during these holidays in the next few weeks. The candid photos that show your everyday life throughout the holiday season and beyond will be pictures you cherish. You have the opportunity to record what your life really looks like, without cheesy poses or forced smiles. And you can do it!
