Some helpful tips for phone images you will love over the holidays

Some helpful tips to make sure you have phone images you love over the holidays (and always) from a Mama first, photographer second.

1. Face Natural Light 

It makes a huge difference for selfies! My favorite is a window with the blinds up because it diffuses the light. Seek out that soft natural light for a glow! Or, if you are taking pictures in low light, this inexpensive (under $10!) light box is so great and offers flattering light. It’s by far my favorite small portable light box!

2. Experiment with Selfie Angles

Try a head tilt for flattering angles and not just in a “find your good side” way. If you have features you’re self conscious about try adjusting by slightly tilting your chin down or raising your arm for a better angle. Can you tell I have teenage girls in my house? Feel like you have a prominent jaw? Try tilting your head towards the camera or if you prefer one side of your face then try turning your head a bit to favor that side. The best way to know what you like is to practice these movements alone on your own phone camera until they feel natural. You’ll be amazed at how such small adjustments can make such a big difference in your photos.

3. Body Angles

First let me say we are beautiful the way we are! I spend so much time encouraging my clients to honor their body right now. That being said, we all have insecurities and there is no shame in wanting to work angles and body positions to make us feel great. I spend so much time as a Brand Storyteller doing just that for my clients.  

Here’s something you may not know: leaning away from the camera is actually working against you. Remember, the phone cameras have a natural distortion and the parts of your body that are closer to the lens will appear larger. So, when you lean back or away from the camera you may be unknowingly making your midsection look bigger. Instead, try standing straight or even leaning slightly forward towards the lens. It might feel counterintuitive, but trust me, this simple adjustment can completely change how your body looks in photos. Also, try tilting the entire phone in different ways to elongate your body. If you flip the phone upside down and put it on the ground angled upward, everyone will have long legs (just make sure it looks real!).

4. Group Photos

This is simple and obvious but have taller people in the back so the people in front don’t have to look awkward with a dramatic lean. And for those in the back? Make sure no one is a “floating head”. Also, please stop facing the sun and squinting! You will get blown-out highlights and modern phone cameras actually handle backlighting well, so try positioning the sun more behind your group if possible and then focusing on the front row of people. Nice open shade works great to avoid weird light casts or some people being washed out and some people not having enough light. If you have two or more rows of people, avoid portrait mode as the people in the back will be blurry. 

Sometimes it helps to have a little extra “support” in taking group photos. I recently got this gimbal and have enjoyed using that for photos. I also love setting up a tripod like this one while we open gifts and save the clips for later use. You can just set it to record and forget about it or even use time lapse.

5. Don’t Forget About Easy Edits

We have all deleted pictures because there was a weird thing in the background or a small thing we could fix easily. Many editing apps are great at smoothing out bra bulges, removing a zit or bruise, fixing flyaway hair, etc. I love Snapseed and Lightroom mobile which even has AI generative fill that can remove a garbage can from the background in one click! 

6. No excuses- GET IN THE PICTURES!

Utilize these tips to look and feel your best and don’t let your insecurities cause you to miss out! We all have insecurities, so let me get on my soapbox for a second… 

Dear friend, get in the pictures! Your kids do not care that you have not gotten your hair done or have gained 10 pounds. They and YOU will want to look back on pictures and you are a huge part of the story. Don’t let insecurities rob you of being in the photo memories. After all, the one holiday thing left is the PICTURES! As women we need to celebrate ourselves and stop letting insecurities rob us. Too often we are so critical of ourselves. Remember to celebrate your right now and get in the pictures. You don’t even have to post them. The images can just be for you and your family.

7. Last reminder to you (and me) is to print your memories!

Don’t let pictures just sit on your phone! It matters to have images surrounding you in your home. Get family pictures once a year with me AND create your own images. Frame them, pin to a corkboard, or even just updated images on the fridge. Your photos – including selfies – deserve to be a part of your home! And yes, I do have framed selfies around our home because we love the memories!

Advent traditions.

Every year our family follows through Advent and it’s one of our favorite traditions. We’re frequently asked about it so this year I’ve added it to the blog (along with a new tradition!) for those interested. I would love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions, too! Have a blessed holiday season friends!