The holidays can be hectic! Here, read my photography tips for beginners holiday edition. While presence with your loved ones is the most important thing, capturing memories through photos and video clips is also important. Here, my five top tips for the holidays.

1. First off, be present. If carrying around a phone to capture memories leads you to scroll instead, don't do it. Or dust off that old point and shoot! If a phone is your only option, put it in airplane mode or do not disturb mode so you're not distracted by notifications. Being present and creating memories you actually remember is more important.

   

2. Choose three “events” to capture. Maybe gifts, family baking and games are the most important to you. Only commit to capturing a few memories from those times and put away the camera for the rest. Perhaps set a reminder for when those events are set to occur so you remember and then set a timer to keep it short (so you can be present!).

3. If adding one more thing to you plate overwhelms you, delegate. Do you have a child old enough to be in charge of photos? Kids love cameras and will likely capture some perspectives you wouldn't have thought of. Just be sure to set a time limit for them. Scared they'll take too many? That's the joy of digital - delete, delete, delete! Anything that you don't love can easily be gone forever. Remember that point and shoot? Kids will love a lesson on how to use it and will thrive at documenting!

   

4. It's ok to document moments and not get all look-and-smile photos. Sometimes, catching a moment of joy unfolding where no one is looking can become a favorite! Remember it's all digital, so shoot away and go through them later, saving the best ones.

5. Switch to video! Video clips show movement and have precious audio. Clips don't need to be minutes long - a few seconds can suffice! Or, interview your loved ones about their favorite activities, memories or whatever you'd like to ask. You can then use some fun video editing apps such as CapCut or InShot to edit them together into a holiday recap video to share on social media or to just keep for yourself.

Hopefully, these photography tips for beginners holiday edition will help you to have the best holiday capturing yet! Remember the entire goal is first and foremost to be present. Capture the memories but set a time limit to ensure you're enjoying your time with loved ones.

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