Now, the holidays are just around the corner so I wanted to give you a checklist for holiday family photos.  Hey after all Santa keeps a list… you probably should too.

• Charge the batteries
• Clear space on your memory card
• Compose Creatively (be sure your subject is off-center & don’t be afraid to zoom in close)
• Take lots of photos, especially when photographing a group of people.
• Capture the action… photograph early and often when the kids are opening gifts.
• Test photographing in low light situations
• Photos make great gifts (pictures are the perfect last minute gift idea and are often the most cherished gift of all)
• If giving a camera as a gift, be sure to charge the batteries and include a memory card.  This way the camera can be enjoyed right away.
• Better yet, practice photographing in the exact location
• Just in case it’s a white Christmas… be sure to use your cameras exposure compensation to add 1 to 2 stops.  This will keep your camera’s light meter from being fooled into underexposing your photos.

The holidays are the perfect chance to capture great family photos.  In fact, I’d bet more photographs are captured the last 9 days of the year than any other 9 day period throughout the year.  So be sure to plan ahead and use your checklist to ensure that you capture the wonderful moments the holidays bring.