So, it’s my last tip for you and I think it’s a fun one: don’t forget the details.  In addition to all the pictures of family this year, try taking some photos of the little things, too.  Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity: 

• Little hands wrapping presents or decorating the tree
• A plate of decorated cookies
• The glowing lights of the candles
• A display of garland, or other holiday decorations
• Your very large stack of holiday cards
• A fancy hair style or outfit on your child (or pet!)

There are so many little things that can make for very fun, original photos.  See how creative you can get!  And don’t forget, this is your last opportunity to share your own holiday tip for a chance to win that $25 Mpix gift card, so please leave those comments below!  I’ll announce the winner tomorrow…

This picture isn’t a holiday one, as I have yet to take any holiday detail shots myself (it’s on my list)!  But it gives you an idea of the concept…

Part of taking photos in the dark, dreary days of December is the challenge of finding enough light for your scene.  You have several options, and each can be useful, depending on the situation and what you want your final image to look like.  You can even combine several of them to provide additional light.

Option 1:  Use natural light.  To do this, look for big windows and position your subjects nearby, with their faces at about a 45 degree angle to the light.

Option 2: Use a low light setting on your camera.  If you don’t have one, check your ISO setting and set it at a higher number to let more light in.  Just be aware that a higher ISO can cause more graininess in your image, which isn’t always a bad thing, just a different look.

Option 3: Use fill flash to add some extra light to your subjects.  What you should try to avoid, if you can help it,  is relying only on flash which can cause red eye,  flat, unnatural light on your subject and a dark background.  To add just a bit of flash, learn how to adjust the flash compensation on your camera — turning it down will provide you with a bit more light, but not too much.

On this photo, I went with option 1, as you can tell from the large window next to her.    I could have also used option 3 in addition, which would have lightened up the other side of her face as well, but I like the shadows there.

Here’s a fun, personalized way to make thank you notes this year: take photos of each recipient and gift right after they are opened (or while they are being opened, for an action shot).  Then, when it’s time to do the notes, glue a print of the photo to a blank card and write your own message.  I actually haven’t tried this yet, but had the intention of doing it and took the pictures last year.  Maybe this year I’ll have better follow through. 

Okay, I know this may seem like an obvious one, but sometimes in the rush of things, we forget to bring a camera to document our holiday traditions or events.  These are great opportunities to get annual family (or just kid) pictures at the same place every year — how fun to be able to look back later and remember the special things you did together, year after year.  Or, if you’re a bit non-traditional like my family, you try a new holiday event every year!  Make it a goal to find something new to do as a family and then document it!  Either way, it’s a perfect opportunity to just be together as a family without worrying about all the shopping, baking, wrapping, mailing, etc. that you need to do.  And the photos you take will help you to remember the warm, fuzzy feeling, and not the stress, of the holiday season.

This pic is from one of our past trips to downtown Seattle to ride the carousel, which we plan on repeating tomorrow!  Does that make it a tradition, now?  Share your favorite holiday tradition or event in the comments below for a chance to win a $25 Mpix gift certificate!