Christmas Morning Tips

So it's been awhile since I've posted anything on here... I am trying to be better about updating things here, but I'm sure everyone knows how everyday life can just get in the way.  With Christmas just a few days away, I thought I would focus on some tips for Christmas morning pictures.  We all try to capture the memories from each year, but sometimes it can be challenging especially with small children.  Last year I felt like I spent most of the morning viewing these moments from behind my camera.  I did get some beautiful shots of my babies....

 please remember these images are copyrighted to Pfann Photography, and any use of these pictures without permission is not permitted.

  please remember these images are copyrighted to Pfann Photography, and any use of these pictures without permission is not permitted.

 please remember these images are copyrighted to Pfann Photography, and any use of these pictures without permission is not permitted.

First tip:
if you are using a DSLR play with your settings the night before.  Get your camera ready, so you can be ready when your little ones come in the room.  Natural expressions are quick, and if you're fiddling with your camera settings you are gonna miss it.

Tip 2:
indoor lighting can be tricky and difficult to capture non blurry images without a flash.  A tripod would be ideal if possible to eliminate the shakiness of a lower shutter speed.

Tip3:
get down at their level if you can otherwise you might end up with a lot of shots with hair in the face or tops of heads.

Tip 4:
if the image seems cluttered try black and white as it will simplify the image some and bring the focus back to your subject.  I have a small livingroom, so we had difficulty keeping my images clean.

Tip 5:
don't spend the entire morning behind the camera, remember you need to make memories with your family also!

This year I will actually be trying a different technique to my christmas pictures thanks to something I read on clickitupanotch.com.  I will be setting my camera up on interval timer and just leaving it on the tripod for the entire morning.  This way I can get some fun interactive shots, but I will actually be witnessing all of this first hand instead of behind my viewfinder.

Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope you all have a blessed holiday full of great moments!