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> MSU News
Simplicity is the key to taking the perfect holiday photo
November 26, 2002 -- Carol Schmidt
In the next few weeks, thousands of Montana families will dress the kids in their best and seek a creative setting, and dust off the family camera in quest of the perfect family holiday photograph.
For many families, this will be one of the most unpleasant family tasks of the year.
However, Nikki Nason, Montana State University's official photographer, said that simplicity is the key to a successful photograph, especially if it involves children or pets.
Nason is not only a professional portrait photographer, she also spent many years processing photos for a large discount department store. She said she learned a lot from family photographs that were flawed by a decision or two. When it comes to a good holiday photograph, less may be more.
"Keep it simple," Nason advises. "The more things that you have to control, the harder it will be to get a good photograph."
Here are some of Nason's tips for a great holiday photograph:
- Kids and pets need a squeaky toy or a noisemaker above the camera. The sound will make them look up with attention.
- Keep the camera steady. This is particularly challenging if the photograph is timed and the photographer will also be in the photo. Professional photographers use tripods to keep their cameras steady. If you don't have one, Nason advises placing the camera on a stable surface, such as a table. A car will work if the photo is being taken outside.
- Use 100-speed film. This is the best all-around film speed, Nason says, especially if you plan to enlarge the photo to give as a gift.
- Have a toy or stuffed animal on hand to divert a youngster who might be making a fuss. It also can serve as an interesting prop for the photo.
- Coordinate clothing colors, if possible, among the persons in the photograph. Nason says bright colors work best. "Holiday colors are especially good." Nason says also be aware of shedding qualities of clothing. For instance, placing a person wearing a fluffy sweater that sheds next to a person wearing velvet can cause unexpected problems.
- If you choose to take your photo outside, don't place your subjects facing the sun. That will guarantee squints. A well-lit, shady place is the best. If you shoot indoors, steady the camera.
- Avoid red eyes, which are caused by the flash bouncing off the eyes of the subject. Nason recommends using the red eye reduction on your camera if you have it. If not, there are pens that can be bought at photography stores and specialty departments that will eliminate red eyes from photographs.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Nason said she's seen many a snapshot that "would have been great, but the person taking the photograph wasn't aware of the background," she said. Power lines, branches and poles in the background have spoiled many a holiday photograph. Nason said one of the worst examples she has seen was when a family member stood in front of a mounted deer in the photograph, rendering him to have antlers in the final image. Also, avoid exotic locations. Kids and pets find them distracting.
- Bring your film in early to be developed. Nason recommends bringing your film in for processing early in the middle of the week for maximum turn-around of processing.
- Be prepared and quick. Nason said the longer the session lasts, the more restless and cranky subjects can become. Have a plan, be ready and take your photos quickly.
- Many photo processors are now processing paper snapshots taken with digital cameras. Digital cameras are also now simplified so that any one can use them. Nason urges that photographers read instructions and set the camera for optimum resolution if planning to print the photo. Photos posted on the Web do not require as high of a resolution. Digital photos otherwise require the same guidelines as traditional photos.
Contact: Nikki Nason (406) 994-5918
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