Stake Your Claim:  If you’ve ever watched a wedding photographer at work, you’ll realize there is often a very specific plan in place, and this includes knowing which photos will happen in which locations.  Even if your entire family will remain in one place for the day, decide which setting(s) will be most appropriate for photography.

For example, you may decide to take photos in front of the family fireplace or near the Christmas tree.  Are there items that need to be removed that would prove distracting in the background? Will you need to set up chairs, and if so, who will sit where?  Feel free to grab a pen and jot down a few ideas.  This forethought will greatly assist you in getting those fantastic photos because your subjects realize that you have a plan and will get the job done efficiently. Little ones will more likely cooperate as well because the process will flow quickly.  You don’t need to be a drill sergeant, but being deliberate and having a vision will help tremendously.

Elevate Your Status:  When it comes to shooting large groups, it helps to be creative.  One inside trick used by professional photographers involves a chair.  Grab one and stand on it!  You’ll be able to accommodate larger groups and create a portrait that’s more visually interesting using this technique.  The novelty of this approach may also keep your subjects captivated long enough to ensure everyone is smiling when the shutter snaps!

Take a Tripod… Here’s a chance to pick up a present for yourself!  A tripod is one of the most valuable and affordable accessories you can have in your photo toolkit.  A tripod will instantly improve your photographs by stabilizing your camera and eliminating ‘camera shake.’  In addition, having your camera attached to a tripod allows you to better focus on getting smiles from your subjects as your attentions won’t be so divided between balancing the camera and posing your subjects.
You can learn more about the quality tripods we offer here:  http://tinyurl.com/68l85t

…And a Remote Trigger:  Make the most of your tripod by adding a remote trigger, which will free your hands and allow you to interact with your subjects while shooting.  Imagine how much easier it will be to recognize those perfect moments with a remote trigger in hand; your focus can remain on your subjects, and you’ll be in perfect position to record that one image when all eyes are open and on you!  Here are some we recommend:  http://tinyurl.com/55kxa5

Perfect Timing:  Make sure you understand how to use the timer on your digital camera.  Toss your camera’s manual in your bag and review it before setting up your photo shoot. If you can’t find your manual, don’t worry.  Just do an online search for your camera model and add the words ‘delay timer’ to the search.  You should be able to retrieve instructions to use immediately.
Take a couple of test shots to make sure you’re comfortable with the process.  Delayed timers are actually quite simple to use in most cameras.

So much effort and love have gone into getting your family together during this very special holiday.  By taking a few minutes to prepare, you’ll ensure that your photographs reflect that very sentiment and serve as a continued reminder long after you ring in the New Year.

I marvel at how much straightening and organizing I need to do at the precise moment I sit down to tackle a tough task. I’ve been on a mission to teach my grade school daughter the importance of tackling the most pressing issue of the day first.  So, if she’s dreading cleaning her room or finishing a particular homework project, I tell her to do it now so she’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the fact that the task is now complete.

Let’s just say that Mom’s still a work in progress where this lesson is concerned.

One such project that people tend to avoid is organizing their digital pictures for a scrapbook. It seems like such an overwhelming task that few have the intestinal fortitude to start at all.  I’m here to tell you that you CAN do this, and not only can you do it, you might even like it!  And the best part? Once you’ve completed the task (in far less time than you thought possible), you can order several copies for loved ones and check off multiple shopping ‘to-do’ items off your holiday list.

Decide on a Theme:  Some people fret that creating a scrapbook requires ‘going back to the very beginning’ and organizing all your pictures on a chronological level.  While this works for some, others find the process far too constraining (and exhausting).  You don’t have to cover an entire year if that’s too much of a challenge.  Maybe you just want to highlight your favorite pictures from the last few years and note the stories behind why those pictures are so special.  Take ten minutes to skim through the pictures you have on the computer.  Which ones would you like to include and why? Once you’ve made a few notes, a general theme or format will present itself.  Now that you know where you’re going, you’re on the fast-track to having that beautiful book in your hands.

Software Shortcuts:  There are so many great software programs available today that will help you ‘tag’ your favorite images so you can quickly find the images you care about the most.  If you don’t want to use a software program or fret it may take too much time to find the right one, consider asking your trusted photo retailer which ones would be worth considering.  Another alternative would be to create a separate folder on your computer hard drive, name it ‘Favorite Photos,’ and then copy your top picks to that folder.

Get it on Your Calendar:  Wouldn’t it be great to have this project completed by December 1st? Yes, it’s possible!  Put this order date on your calendar.  You can then work backward and pick two time slots to dedicate to picking and organizing your favorite photos.

Let Your Photo Shop Do the Hard Work for You: Your local photo retailer can give you great advice regarding which scrapbook options are available and how long they take—which isn’t long at all these days!  Treat yourself to a visit to the shop to discuss your scrapbook ideas.  Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through the process and show you just how easy it is to create this amazingly personal and cherished present.