Christmas is a joyous, happy and wonderful time of year for most people. It’s a day we want to remember, so why not capture that joy with a festive snap? Though you could snap away on your smartphone or instant camera, nothing beats taking a photograph that you can treasure forever. You look back on these photographs year after year, so quality is key. You will need a home studio to do this and creating one might be easier than you think. Below, we have looked at the key things needed for a home studio this Christmas.

What You Need for a Home Photography Studio

  • High-Quality Camera - Of course, one of the most important parts of creating a home studio for the best festive snaps is to have a high-quality camera. Though you can certainly capture impressive photographs on a ‘cheap and cheerful’ camera, having high-quality camera equipment makes life a little easier. Many digital cameras do the hard work by auto-adjusting the settings to ensure your photograph comes out well.

Image source: Canon EOS 2000D & Lens kit from CameraWorld

  • Flashguns and Lighting - Lighting is one of the most important factors in capturing a good festive image. It doesn’t only determine the brightness of the image itself, but it can completely change the mood and atmosphere of the shot. For a festive shot, lighting can be used to create a Christmassy mood that is light, bright and fun. Of course, using natural lighting or simple lights already in your home isn't always possible. Sometimes, you need additional flashguns and lighting to find a good lighting balance.

Image source: Buy the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT from CameraWorld

  • Tripods, Monopods and Camera Stands - If you have ever hoped to capture the dream photograph only to be disappointed by the end result, you will know how important a tripod or monopod is. Having a camera stand helps you to set up the perfect shot; you can place the camera on the stand and then have time to arrange everything accordingly. It also means you don’t have to stand holding the camera while trying to find the perfect angle. A tripod or monopod also allows you to place the camera in the ideal position, as you won’t be limited by finding somewhere to balance it.

Image source: Benro TablePod Tripod Kit (cameraworld.co.uk)

  • Wireless Timer - If you are hoping to be in the photographs yourself, then you will need a camera timer. There is a range of camera timers to choose from, ranging from cheap and cheerful timers to ones that are a little more impressive. You can set up the shot and have time to get in place before capturing your festive snap. A camera timer is also a helpful way to reduce the camera shake when taking photographs in low light or using a long lens. The delay gives you time to steady the camera, reducing the chance of a blurry image.

Image source: Canon BR-E1 Remote Controller from CameraWorld

Of course, many other camera accessories are designed to make your home studio as professional as possible. Still, it’s also possible to snap festive shots with nothing more than a digital camera. Creating a home studio is all about photographing in a way that is quick, straightforward and effective. For some people, this means using expensive and high-quality equipment. For others, it means keeping things simple.

Tips for Taking Flawless Festive Snaps at Home

Once you have created a home studio, it’s time to capture those special Christmas moments. Here are some of our top tips for ensuring that your festive snaps are flawless this year.

  • Use Texture - When taking festive snaps this Christmas, think about the background. Many people make the mistake of opting for a plain background, assuming that this will make everyone focus on the subjects. However, this could make your image a little lacklustre, and it might look too similar to other photographs. If you choose a textured background, you instantly create interest and intrigue in the image. It adds context, colour, uniqueness and detail to your snap. You can have a lot of fun with photographs taken for Christmas, so play around with different backgrounds and textures.
  • Use Different Angles - Though you might be tempted to keep things simple by capturing subjects straight on, using different angles gives you more options. If you are hoping to capture the perfect Christmas photograph of the family, using different angles means having a range of options rather than taking multiple photos that are all very similar. Plus, some angles are more flattering than others, and you should always try to capture your subjects looking their best. You could mix things up by capturing your subjects from further away and getting a bit of background into the frame. You could also include the Christmas tree, decorations or presents.
  • Have Fun - Christmas is a fun and festive time of the year, which should be captured in your photographs. Encourage everyone to have a good time, laugh and smile. You should enjoy photographing them, and they should enjoy being photographed. This will convey the joy of the season and showcase everyone in a positive and jovial light. Though standard portraits tend to involve everyone sitting still and in a somewhat formal setting, this isn’t what Christmas is all about. You could all wear Christmas jumpers or festive accessories or even start snapping when everyone is pulling a cracker. Your festive snaps should be as fun as the day itself.

Camera Accessories at CameraWorld

At CameraWorld, we have everything you need for your home studio. From digital camera accessories to flashguns and lighting, we are a ‘one-stop shop’ for all your photography needs. To find out more about our products for creating a home studio, browse our impressive range. Alternatively, get in touch and speak to the CameraWorld team.