by Barbara A Harris

Created on: June 23, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2009

Holidays are the perfect time to make memories with friends and family. Amateur photography flourishes at times like these and we all want to have fun when capturing those memories. Here are few things to remember when venturing out into the world of the photographer.

Lighting is the single most important factor in your pictures. Too much and your subjects will appear washed out, too little and they will be lost in the shadows.

Different lenses zoom and wide angle will allow you to capture different aspects of your event. Wide-angle for larger groups, a telephoto or zoom lens for intimate portrait work.

Be spontaneous. Too much posing can wear out your subjects, especially children. Capture the moment; who is in the kitchen preparing the meal? Set up the time delay to catch the gathering at the table. Take some action shots of the football game after dinner or grandma reading to the grandchildren.

Family reunions proliferate around the holidays. Be kind to the older people in your circle; try holding the camera upside down when taking those portrait shots. This will position the flash below the subject and will reduce those lines and wrinkles that make the older generation run from the camera!

For those posed pictures, consider a tripod, which stabilizes the camera. Combine it with a timer and it also gives you the freedom to come out from behind the camera and join in the fun!

Keep moving. A picture of Aunt Mildred's right side might be more flattering than one of her left! Experiment with different angles, it will bring out the best in people. Consider sitting on the ground with your little subjects so you are taking shots that are from their perspective.

Make sure that you take a couple of each pose or moment; someone will surely have their eyes closed on the first try!

Don't forget the surroundings. The table setting, the church before the service, the decorations each of these elements completes the story your pictures will tell.

When selecting which pictures to print, think about the person and the situation. Does the picture you are selecting bring out the best of both? It may be funny to post Aunt Emily in a wet tee shirt, but will Aunt Emily think so when she sees it?

Unless you have a photo quality printer at home and editing software, consider letting a commercial company print your pictures. They have retouching services and can bring out the best while minimizing the mistakes you may have made.

Consider uploading your pictures to a website such as Snapfish, Flickr, Shutterfly or Webshots. Each one has options for creating albums, sharing and printing photos. Several will even help you to create a hardcover book on high quality paper and your choice of binding options.

Above all, have fun. Relax and experiment before the big event so you are not trying to figure out the camera the day you need it.

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