Tag: Photoshop

Forget getting everyone together at Christmas for a photo opp and having them all say, “Cheese!” Instead, use words that end in ‑ah. These sounds put the muscles around the mouth to work, creating a genuine smile. Try “yoga,” “mocha” or “banana.”

Now, I’ve got more great tips you can use for your perfect Christmas pics!

Just a few of you?

Focus on capturing candid moments. Take a few selfies, and use your phone’s timer to take a group shot or two.

• Pro tip: For selfies, switch your camera to .5x or .7x magnification for a wider, unique perspective.
• AI tip: Use portrait mode to blur the background and add focus to faces, even for selfies.

Lots of folks?

Give your photo some depth and dimension by having some people standing and others sitting. If someone else can take the photo, have them use Burst mode by holding down the shutter button.

Switching to Burst mode allows you to capture multiple photos in quick succession, increasing your odds of a really great shot. If everyone needs to be in the photo, use your phone’s timer to make sure no one is left out.

Let there be light

Lighting is the most critical factor in whether your pics turn out great, so-so or downright terrible. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid direct overhead light: It highlights bumps, wrinkles and blemishes — not what anyone wants to see!
• No squinting: Have your subject face the light so it illuminates their features. Ask them to look toward the light or sun (just not directly at it).
• Cloudy days are perfect: Soft, diffused light on cloudy days eliminates harsh shadows and squinting. It’s a photographer’s dream.
• Shoot for the “magic hour”: The hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise provide warm, soft lighting that’s perfect for capturing holiday memories.

Spice up your photos

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