The holidays are here, and there’s no better time to take family photos! Everyone’s together, dressed up (or at least trying to be), – it’s the perfect recipe for taking your own family photos! Whether you’re taking them in your living room, out in the yard, or at Grandma’s house, you can absolutely take pictures you’ll love forever. And no, they don’t need to be perfect. I promise … 10-20 years from now, you want care. You’ll just be happy that you took them.

So here are 5 quick tips to help you capture those holiday memories:

1. Find the Good Light

Lighting makes all the difference. If you’re outdoors, try for morning or late afternoon for that soft, golden glow. If you’re indoors, get near a window to take advantage of natural light. And if you’re tempted to turn on those overhead lights—don’t! Unless you’re going for the raccoon look

Pro tip: Keep the light in front of you or to the side. Backlighting can be tricky and most auto cameras or phones won’t properly expose you (you’ll be too dark and the background might be too bright).

2. Get Close — Closer

I’m not talking about the camera here (unless or like that .5 iPhone look – which they are kind of funny). But I’m talking about the family here (humans and furbabies). Squeeze together – think big hugs, shoulder squeezes or just let the kids (humans or furbabies) climb all over you. Why? Because you want you family to look like you love each other and I know that you do. So get as close as possible!

3. Keep It Fun, Not Formal

Formal is fine for a few, but sometimes those goofy candids get the best smiles. Tell a joke, start a tickle fight, or make goofy faces. Let everyone’s personality shine. Trust me—natural moments always beat forced smiles.

4. Props or No Props

Your space and props can tell your family’s story. Take pictures by the Christmas tree, on the front porch, or in matching holiday PJs. You don’t need anything fancy—just use what’s around you to make it fun and festive. And don’t think you NEED to have props, sometimes simple is the best.

5. Take Way More Photos Than You Think You Need

Never fails – someone will blink, sneeze, or make a funny face – it’s inevitable. That’s why it’s always better to take a ton of photos. You’ll end up with more options and plenty of hilarious outtakes to laugh about later too. Plus the real natural smiles tend to come at the end anyhow.

Pro tip: Use burst mode on your phone or camera to catch all the action!

The holidays are about celebrating your messy, wonderful, one-of-a-kind family. So don’t stress about getting it “right.” Just have fun, be yourselves, and let those memories shine. I can’t wait to see your outtakes – I’ll be posting mine too!

BONUS TIP!

One more thing – PRINT WHAT YOU LOVE! Okay maybe not a tip, but a plea. Digital photos are great, but printed photos? They’re forever! Long after your phone gets upgraded (or dies a slow death), your printed photos will still be there, holding all those precious memories. Frame them, stick them on the fridge, or create an album you can flip through on lazy afternoon.

Trust me—there’s just something magical about holding your favorite memories in your hands. So, please, for the love of memories, print what you love!