Maddie’s and my love for photography start while documenting our lives and capturing memories. After all, we love capturing emotional moments in life and telling a great story, so should come as no surprise that we would want to capture the excitement of Christmas morning just as we have in the past. We wanted to share some quick pointers on how to take great photos, but also make sure you are in the pictures of your own Christmas memory.

Christmas photos are not only for us, they are for our kids. Granted we don’t have any kids right now but I remember looking back and seeing photos of what our parents were like during their Christmas time. It’s the one time of year we all get together and watch way too many Hallmark movie, make way too much food and pack presents in a box way too big because we think it’s funny. Maybe the last one is just me.

This year Christmas is going to look a little different for everyone, so let’s make sure you get in your photos and capture moments that will last another generation.

What you will need:

• Tripod or another stand, even some books work great, anything steady
• Camera with an interval timer or cheap wireless remote, but really your phone will be perfect.
• Some cute comfy clothes
• A hot breakfast to wake you up, or maybe just a big cup of Joe

Plan it out:

• Find a spot about eye level (Probably while you are sitting down) and a place that’s out of the way to set the camera
• Know your settings if yours using a camera, a higher ISO and Aperture (f/6.3) will probably be needed, keep a fast shutter so during action they don’t come out blurry
• Have those batteries charged
• Plenty of space on those SD cards or your phone
• If your using your phone, use an app like Photo Timer to take photos

How to do it:

• Set your camera or phone up on the tripod with a nice and wide shot making sure your keep the line straight, using a wall corner as a guide
• Turing on all your holiday lights and make the room sparkle
• Pick your best side to face the camera, get there before everyone else picks their spot
• If your camera has an interval timer set it to take a picture every 15 to 30 seconds, if you’re using a wireless remote, have it close by and take some pictures during all the action. Use the app on your phone to set up a timer
• Let your camera keep snaping during all the excitement
• Remember to stay focused on the time with your family and enjoy the photographs of Christmas morning!

This time of year is so magical, and a good time to reflect, settle down, and capture memories that will last generations. Photographing Christmas Morning is something that we all have done, but let’s set it on autopilot this year and enjoy the time with our family because if there is anything we learn this year, we don’t know what the future holds.