How to take great photos on Christmas morning

One of the best parts of Christmas morning is watching your kids — or grandkids — open their gifts. It’s a magical moment to experience but also to preserve. Here are some great tips for capturing those special moments this Christmas.

Be prepared
Get your camera or phone ready beforehand. On Christmas eve, take a moment to make sure that the battery is charged and that you have enough memory available for new photos. Get the room you’ll be spending Christmas morning in ready too. Make sure you’re happy with the decor and that the lighting is suitable for taking pictures. As a rule, try to have as much natural light as possible.

Be in the right place
The little ones will probably be down on the floor as they open their gifts. You might want to follow suit. To get the best photo of that awe-struck or beaming face, make sure the camera lens is level to it.

Bonus tip: if you want to best capture the dramatic moment when your kids first enter the room and see the gifts under the tree, position yourself beside it so that you can photograph their faces.

Tell a story
The moment when your kid sees their new toy might be the climax, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Get pictures of them curiously weighing a wrapped box, trying on the sweater they discover inside and hugging grandma to thank her for the gift. Not only are these photos wonderful on their own, but they also tell a great story when placed side by side.