We made it! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!🎄

It can also be the most stressful, chaotic, busiest time of year!🤪

But I'm a firm believer that taking photos of your traditions and special holiday moments shouldn't add to your stress!

So here are my 3 Top Tips on How to Photograph your Holidays STRESS FREE:

1. Plan and Prepare 

Creating a shot list can be your secret weapon for stress-free Christmas photography. Jot down the key moments you know you want to capture, from the excitement of unwrapping presents, to the tree decorating, to the kids' Christmas concerts, to the festive family gatherings. This simple planning will keep you organized and help you focus on capturing what matters most.

Getting yourself ready early is another crucial step. Make sure your batteries or phone are charged, your memory cards/phone storage are clear and scope out the best position or location for you and your subject to be. When trying to capture a happy moment, there's nothing worse than making 3 kids wait around to take a picture while you get ready...that happy moment will disappear QUICKLY!

Most importantly, you'll want to anticipate the action rather than chase it. This is where planning in advance helps! For example, if you know you want to capture your child's reaction to seeing the presents from Santa under the tree, have your camera/phone ready and stand by your tree as your kid comes running into the room. If you're running in after them, you're going to miss that initial reaction and expression. Remember: Anticipate, Don't Chase!

2. Candid Moments & Details

Having your shot list is great, but don't forget to also capture the candid moments. Instead of orchestrating or planning every shot, let the magic unfold naturally. Whether it's the laughter of loved ones or the surprise on a child's face, these spontaneous and candid captures, that you never could've planned for, will reflect the true spirit of Christmas.

While focusing on significant moments and traditions, also pay attention to the small details that make Christmas special to your family. Close-ups of ornaments, Christmas pjs, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, or wrapping paper strewn across the floor. These are the details that will help tell the whole story of your holidays.

3. Let go of Perfection

When it comes to making photos, I say this ALL.THE.TIME and it's no different at Christmas: Let Go of Perfection! 

The essence of Christmas lies in the moments shared with loved ones...not in achieving perfection! You don't need to be creating masterpieces or running around looking for the perfect Christmas picture moment for the whole month. Instead, embrace the imperfections, blurry portraits and spontaneous joys!

Make things simple by using your phone, or switch your camera to auto. This allows you to focus more on the moment and less on the technical, and most importantly, less on chasing that allusive perfection. 

Be okay with taking a few shots from your shot list and some candids and details, and then put the camera down. You don't need to make pictures all day everyday to capture your memories. Trust that you captured what you wanted, put the camera away, and then go enjoy in the fun with your family! 

BONUS TIP: Don't forget to hand off the camera to someone else to make sure you're in the images too! You are a part of the memories just as much as everyone else, and you deserve to be in the frame!

Remember, the magic of Christmas is in the genuine smiles, the laughter, the traditions, and the shared experiences. Enjoy the festivities, and may your photos be filled with the spirit of the season.

25 Days

My most favourite personal project is back for it's 10th year! 

Instead of doing the traditional chocolate/gift advent calendars, each day our family does a Christmas activity together and I capture it. And we all absolutely LOVE it! If you’re looking for more inspiration for your holiday photos or would like to start your own 25 Days project, be sure to check out this post, Tips to do Your Own 25 Days.