Tips for capturing a picture-perfect holiday photo

• Use a plain background
  A plain background shows off the subject you are photographing. Look through the camera view finder and study the area surrounding your subject. Make sure no poles appear to grow from your subject's head and that no cars seem to dangle from their ears.


• Move in close
  Take a step or two closer to your subject and zoom in. Up close, you can reveal details, like a sprinkle of freckles or an arched eyebrow. Don't get too close or your pictures will be blurry.


• Lock the focus
  Often for visually pleasing pictures, moving your subject off-center works well. Most auto-focus cameras focus on whatever is in the center of the picture so you will need to lock the focus for a sharp picture. First lock the focus with your subject centered, then recompose the shot so your subject off-center.


• Be a picture director
  Become a picture director, not just a passive picture-taker and watch your pictures dramatically improve. Pick the location: "Everybody go outside to the backyard." Adds props: "Girls, put on your pink sunglasses." Arranges people: "Now move in close, and lean toward the camera." Picture awards.

Source: www.kodakgallery.com