Christmas Pictures

So, you have a "good camera" and you think you can take photos like the ones above.  Maybe you can.  But it's not easy!  I have been working on this for years and I continue to get better at it all the time.  

First things first, you need to learn how to use your camera.  Confession, I still don't know mine well enough despite having taken several classes.  For whatever reason, when there are classes on DSLR cameras, they are almost always on Nikons, not Canons.  I have a Canon.  So I end up taking a class that doesn't apply to my camera.  I did take one really good class, but that isn't really enough.  I am still in need of more training. It's a process.  

Second, you will need a post production program of some type.  I use more than one.  I use Lightroom and Picmonkey.  They each do different things in an easier way for me.  Both are user friendly.  I have a lot of Presets on Lightroom that I either designed myself or bought or got for free.  I like Picmonkey for the airbrushing and other touch up techniques you can use.  Even the babies need these.  I whiten the eyes, add a little color to the eyes, cheeks, etc.  Maybe you need to get rid of some stray hairs, whatever.  

Now we can talk about the set up for the photos.

This prop is probably the cheapest one I have and it is one of the biggest ones both in size and impact.  I saved a large box from UPS and I got 4 rolls of wrapping paper and 2 packs of tissue paper (but only used 1) from the Dollar Tree.  I put a few pillows inside and there you have it!  Baby in a box!!!

Simply putting the boys in matching outfits sets the stage for a good photo.  The fact that it coordinated with the paper on the box also added to the effect.  

The back drop is one continuous run of white fleece I bought a few years ago.  I think it's about 10 yards.  I clipped it up on my frame that holds my back drops.  The snowflakes are from the Dollar Tree.  

Shooting little ones is a lot like herding cats!  It's organized chaos!!  I kept giving instructions and shooting.  "Hug your brother!"  "Peek over his shoulder!"  Stuff like that.  This was something I didn't see until I started post production.  So sweet!  

These are some plastic candy canes I got at Michael's.  They make a nice graphic addition on the white background.  For this shot I was on a step stool.

I hope these tips help you to get professional looking shots of your little (or big) ones.