How to take a great photo of your Christmas tree
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The short answer
Stand back so the whole tree shows, from the star to the floor. Turn on the tree lights, dim the room lights, hold your phone steady at normal standing height, and tap the tree to focus. Take the photo in the evening, with no bright window behind the tree.
A good tree photo takes under a minute, and it is the picture you will look at every Christmas.
Six tips
- Stand back. Show the whole tree, from the top to the floor, and some of the room around it.
- Clear the floor. Move toys, bags and stray chairs out of the picture. A clear space next to the tree makes the room look calm and big.
- Turn on the tree lights. Evening light with the tree lit looks like Christmas Eve. Turn the room lights down, not off.
- Hold your phone sideways. A wide (landscape) photo shows the tree and the room together.
- Hold still at normal standing height. Tap the tree on your screen to focus before you take the photo. Lean on a door frame if your hands shake.
- Take one with the room empty. Then take one with the family. The empty room is the one you will want next to the tree in future years.
What to avoid
- A bright window or lamp behind the tree
- Flash, which flattens the lights
- Close-ups of the tree only, with no floor
- Strong filters and edits
Questions
How do I make the tree lights sparkle in a photo?
Turn the room lights down and keep the tree lights on. Hold the phone very still, or lean it on something. Night mode on a newer phone also helps.
Do I need a special camera?
No. Any phone camera works.
What time of day is best for a Christmas tree photo?
Early evening, just after dark. The tree lights glow and there is still a little light in the room.