We tend to spend more time indoors during the holiday season especially when the weather changes. Families get together more often and it is the perfect time to get everyone together for that ‘Family Portrait’. A few tips to get better shots indoors:
1. Use a faster ISO setting
Indoor lighting is somewhat dim so you will want to set your camera on a faster ISO. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive your camera is to light. ISO 400 works in a well lit room or a room with some widow light. At night, you may want to bump up the ISO. A tripod will help keep images sharp by eliminating camera shake.
2. Adjust the white balance is you are using a digital camera
Most people don’t use this feature on their cameras and tend to keep the settings on Auto White Balance. With the incandescent lights used inside, you may get a yellow or orange cast and auto white balance doesn’t always correct these warmer tones. Check your camera manual and change the while balance setting to incandescent or indoor lighting. The skin tones will come out trues to life and you will have more choices when selecting an image for your holiday card. If you really want to explore White Balance, try experimenting with the ‘K’ (Kelvin) setting on your camera starting with 4500K. If your camera does not offer this option then play around with the settings that you do have until you get the proper skin tones. Don’t forget to make note of what worked for you.
3. Experiment with the flash off
Take images both ways-with and without flash. While flash can fill in important details, it can also create harsh glares and shadows. Take advantage of natural light when you can. If you do use a flash, try softening the harsh shadows by diffusing the light by placing a tissue or thin white paper over the flash.
It is always best to hire a professional for your family portraits and events but for your everyday shots of friends and family don’t be afraid to experiment.
Have a great holiday season……..Joanna
