The holiday season brings us together, creating memories we want to cherish forever. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply grabbing your phone to snap a quick shot, taking great photos of family and friends can be easy and fun with a few key tips. Here’s a guide from Artisan Obscura on how to capture beautiful, candid moments as you celebrate with loved ones—whether you’re shooting on a camera or a smartphone!

1. Embrace Natural Light

Nothing beats the soft, flattering quality of natural daylight. If it’s a sunny day, consider taking photos outside to make the most of the natural light. Here are a few tips to maximize that light without the squints:

• Get Outside: Daylight brings out the warmth in skin tones and reduces the harshness that indoor lighting can sometimes add. Just watch where the sun is positioned so everyone isn’t squinting. Positioning people so that the sunlight falls on them from an angle can reduce squinting and adds a gentle glow.

• Take Advantage of Overcast Days: If it's a cloudy day, even better! Overcast skies create even, diffused lighting—no harsh shadows or squinting necessary.

• Stay Close to Windows Indoors: If it’s too cold to step outside, try gathering near a large window. This lets you take advantage of the soft, natural light indoors, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for intimate family portraits. Make sure that people are facing the window and are not in front of it before you take a photo. 

2. Set the Scene

Good photos don’t just capture people—they capture memories. Add to the atmosphere with a few simple adjustments:

• Create a Cozy Background: Indoors, a warm, tidy background adds depth and charm to photos. Clear away clutter and consider setting up near holiday decorations to bring festive elements into the frame.

• Find a Focal Point: Rather than having everyone stand in a straight line, arrange people naturally and incorporate elements from the environment. A mix of people sitting, standing, or leaning against each other makes the shot feel more authentic and intimate.

3. Keep the Camera Steady

A steady camera makes a world of difference in photo clarity, and there are simple ways to stabilize:

• Use a Tripod or Steady Surface: If you’re using a camera, a tripod is ideal for keeping things steady. For phones, propping the phone on a shelf or countertop works well too.

• Engage the Self-Timer: A self-timer lets you jump into the shot without anyone needing to hold the camera, and it ensures the device stays steady while capturing those cherished moments.

4. Capture Candid Moments

• Why: Candid shots capture genuine emotions and interactions, making them feel more authentic and timeless.

• How: Instead of asking everyone to look at the camera, let them go about their activities. Photograph people while they’re laughing, sharing stories, or even cooking together.

• Tip: For a more natural look, avoid using the flash, as it can be distracting and make people feel self-conscious.

5. Adjust for Low Light (Especially for Phone Users)

If you’re taking photos in dimmer light, there are a few tricks to improve photo quality without needing complex settings:

• Use Night Mode on Phones: Many smartphones now come with night modes that reduce graininess and improve clarity in low-light settings.

• Avoid Flash If Possible: Flash can create harsh shadows and unnatural colors. Instead, adjust your position to take advantage of whatever light is available, like a nearby lamp or fireplace.

• Adjust Exposure: On most phones, you can tap the screen to focus and then adjust exposure by sliding up or down to make the scene brighter or darker. This can improve clarity, especially if you’re close to a good light source.

6. Experiment with Angles

Great photos often come down to perspective. Trying different angles can add variety and keep things interesting:

• Try Eye Level and Above: Capturing family members at eye level creates intimacy, but getting slightly above can also be flattering. A small step stool or chair gives a nice angle for larger group shots.

• Zoom In for Details: Zooming in on hands holding cocoa mugs, festive table settings, or ornaments on the tree can help tell a fuller story of the day. Sometimes, the little details bring back the warmest memories.

Enjoy the Moment

Finally, remember to savor the moment! Taking photos of loved ones is about preserving memories, but don’t forget to experience those moments firsthand, too. This idea is beautifully captured in the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Have you seen it?

In one memorable scene, Walter (played by Ben Stiller) treks across mountains to find a renowned photographer, Sean O’Connell (played by Sean Penn), who’s waiting for the perfect moment to photograph a rare snow leopard. As the elusive creature finally appears, Sean does something unexpected—he doesn’t take the photo. When Walter asks why, Sean replies, “Sometimes I don't. If I like a moment… I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it.”

This scene is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to put the camera down and simply be in the moment. As you capture your family and friends this holiday season, try to balance taking photos with being present. Often, it’s these fleeting, unrecorded moments that we remember most fondly.

So snap a few shots, then sit back, relax, and let yourself fully enjoy the warmth and connection around you.