The holidays are loaded with opportunities to get candid shots of special significance to you and those close to you. This year, make a special effort to capture the spirit of your unique holiday celebrations. The year-end holidays traditionally provide us with meaningful subjects, decorative background, and interesting lighting conditions; all ingredients for spectacular candid shots and spontaneous portrait sessions.

Candid Shots
For good candid shots be unobtrusive. Let the action unfold naturally. Catch a genuine look of surprise or pleasing smile as they happen. Find a good position where you can wait for the right moment, then raise the camera and get a quick shot. Put the camera aside until you are forgotten, then do it again. Don't try to stop the action while you take a picture. Your subjects will be happier for not being interrupted and your photographs will be more genuine. Leave the 'say cheese' smiles for someone else.

Informal Group Portraits
Don't miss the opportunity for informal group portraits. This is often the only time of year when an entire family can be assembled for a group shot. Don't be shy in organizing the group shots.

Those who grumble and resist now, will undoubtedly be asking you for copies later. People have a tendency to close their eyes when they smile. Take several duplicate shots to make sure that you get at least one good one.

Pay particular attention to special groupings of people. Consider the significance to a grandparent in a photograph of all their grandchildren together.

Watch the background and use seasonal decoration to your advantage. For instance, center your subjects in front of a decorated fireplace or window. 'Center' is the key word here, half a fireplace or part of a window will cause your photos to look off balance.

Remember people who are not present by taking some shots that will be of interest to them. Later in the year you will have something special to slip into a letter or card.

Available Light
Candles, colored lights, and fireplaces are light sources that will add interest to your photographs. Try a timed exposure or combine flash with existing light for interesting effects. You might get a shot you can use on personalized greeting cards next year. Don't be afraid to experiment. Bracket the exposure if possible to increase your chances of success. It is always fun to see how these sots turn out. If it doesn't work, no harm done and you might learn something from the experience.