Simple as That

Making Everyday Beautiful

Indoor Holiday Photo tips

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So many holiday photo opportunities take place indoors and we all know that photographing in low light can be a little tricky. To capture memorable indoor Christmas photos this year here are a few quick tips.

1. Find as much light as you can – you’d be surprised how much of a difference opening up the curtains, the blinds or a door (if the weather allows) can make on the amount of light available in the space where you’ll be taking photos. When possible shoot photos as close to one of these natural light sources as possible.
2. Change your camera settings – to compensate for less light try increasing your ISO. Read up in your camera manual (because every camera is different) and learn how to do this. When you change your ISO you are adjusting your camera’s sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO the more sensitive it’s going to be which is beneficial when you aren’t working with a lot of light. Just be careful you don’t set it too high because depending on your camera, higher ISO settings also mean an increased chance of grainy photos.
3. Switch to AV (or A) mode – you can also adjust the aperture on your camera to compensate in low light situations. Switch into AV (or A) mode where you can adjust the aperture and the camera will automatically take care of all the rest of the settings for you in order to achieve a properly exposed photo. Change the f-stop to a smaller number. The smaller number = a wider aperture (the size of the opening inside your camera lens) and in turn allows more of what light is available to enter your camera.
4. Let go of high expectations – I personally would rather trade a slightly soft image that is naturally lit for a sharp image using flash 9 times out of 10. I prefer the more natural light. I like the mood it creates and the softness of it compared to a harsh, shadowy photo that can be the result of using flash. If you’re working in low light just keep in mind sometimes it won’t be possible not to use your flash and still get a super sharp photo – and sometimes that’s just fine.
5. If you must use a flash – bouncing the flash off of a wall or other reflective surface. To ‘bounce’ the flash simply point the flash away from your subject towards a reflective object (could be a wall, the ceiling, a mirror, etc.)and the flash will bounce off of the reflective surface and light your subject. The result will be more ambient light created and a photo that doesn’t look quite so shadowy as it would by pointing the flash directly at your subject(s).

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Rebecca

Rebecca

Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.
Rebecca
Rebecca

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Comments

  8. Thanks for the tips Rebecca. I still haven’t taken the plunge to use a better camera. I struggle with getting well-lit photos with my point-and-shoot, but I agree, imperfect is better than bright flash photos!

    Reply

  21. since I am finally done with my shopping, I would say that the one thing that I need to do before christmas makes its appearance is to “relax”. Isn’t that what the holidays are supposed to be about anyway?

    Reply

  33. I still need to buy a couple of gifts for my Mom. I would really love to win your book. I was about to order it last night on Amazon but it wasn’t available 🙁

    Reply

  44. I still need to wrap the moutains of goodies for you 3 toddlers and buy my hubbies pressie – oh dear running out of time…..

    I like “simple at that” on Facebook and look forward to seeing your posts 🙂

    Reply

  46. I need to get my holiday cards out!! I folloe your blog all the time!! I also have your link on FB!! I love to take photos, and would sure love your photo tip book!!

    Reply

  48. I already follow your blog… clearly! But I’ve just become a fan on facebook too.
    Goodness knows I am an amature but I’m trying really hard be take super photos of my kids, they are so precious I need to capture that!

    Reply

  51. I still have several things to do.
    I have one more gift to buy, a ton of gifts to wrap and an entire house to clean…not to mention, groceries to buy and holiday cards to get out.
    I had such good intentions this year too…
    Thanks so much for the chance to win! 🙂

    Reply

  52. i still have to finish painting and building my girls chalkboard easels, make all my families gifts (ornaments), finishing christmas shopping, wrap all the presents, and CLEAN, oh and mail off christmas cards. yikes! i would love your book! i have wanted to be a photographer for years but when babies came along i had to start going to school for other things to bring in more money. i still mess around with it but i have a lot to learn :]

    Reply

  53. I need to finish so many things but the major one would be getting the tools put away from the kitchen reno that my husband just did, it’s almost finished but the drawer fronts are going to have to wait until after the holidays. I’m hoping to have more time to take some pictures over the holidays….

    Reply

  80. I would love to win this book, photography has been a huge hobby of mine, but I must admit some tips on how to make it easier would be fabulous, I am such a rookie! I am new to this site…just found it, it is great! Thanks for the tips and ideas.

    Reply

  81. oh, the one more thing…how do I narrow it down to one. I am just finished wrapping the presents(a first), so one of the things on the list is, I need to go grocery shopping!

    Reply

  98. I am a follower of your blog! (And I love it, by the way. Thanks for all the great ideas! I read my share of blogs, but for some reason, yours actually inspires me to try your ideas instead of just thinking “that sounds like a good idea” and then forgetting about it… Anyway, thanks!)

    Reply

  99. Oh my goodness I have so much to do! Shopping for last minute gifts, wrapping presents, cleaning the house for our annual party, grocery shopping…

    My husband just broke his leg on Saturday and had to have surgery, so I am trying to take care of four munchkins *five if you include the hubby* and get everything done:o)

    Reply

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