Why Portrait Mode Is My New Holiday Tradition

No one enjoys a group shot. I managed to make it work, of course!

I fondly remember my Opa setting up his film camera on a tripod at every family gathering. He would set the timer on the camera and run into the family shot. He always had the silliest pose and expression because he rushed to get into the picture. And you know what, he looked the best! The rest of us all looked wooden and awkward. A few weeks ago, I was updating one of my regular client's portraits, and of course, there was the dreaded group shot; once I started editing, I noticed something. The best photos I took of the team were when they were talking in a meeting. It got me thinking about family occasions, how we photograph them, and how we need to document them differently. That's why this year, I've decided to ditch the awkward poses and forced smiles in favour of a more authentic and visually appealing portrait mode on my iPhone.

The vibe in the meeting room was so much more jubilant.

Save yourself some running and time because unless you own a selfie tripod with a Bluetooth remote, it's hard to take that group shoot without one! Here is why you should join me in breaking free from the traditional family photo routine and diving into the creative world of portrait mode to document your festive celebrations.

1: Unscripted Moments Are the Real Magic

Who wants to see photos of everyone standing like statues, pretending to enjoy the holiday cheer? Not me. Most people tend to freeze up when they are asked to pose for a family group shot. And no one is ever in the right mood for it. That's why portrait mode is my new best friend. It lets me capture those genuine, unscripted moments that define the day—like the laughter during gift exchanges, the surprised expressions, and the joy of being together. Forget about posing and smiling on cue; portrait mode effortlessly freezes these candid moments in time, making my Christmas memories feel more alive and real. 

2: Bokeh: Turning Chaos into Art

Let's talk about that magical bokeh effect portrait mode brings. It's not just about blurring the background; it's about turning chaos into art. The way it delicately blurs the surroundings adds a touch of elegance to the photos. Imagine your family room transformed into a dreamy scene with the Christmas tree lights creating a mesmerising backdrop. Portrait mode's bokeh adds an artistic flair, making even the most ordinary settings look like something out of a holiday fairy tale.

3: Empowering Everyone to Be a Photographer

In my family, designating someone as the official photographer always ends up with half the family missing from the photos. This year, with portrait mode, everyone is handed the creative reins. The simplicity and intuitiveness of the feature mean even my tech-challenged relatives can snap amazing shots. It's like turning my entire family into a team of photographers, each capturing the day from their unique perspective. The result? A diverse and rich collection of memories that truly reflect the spirit of our Christmas celebration.

So, why stick to the same old routine when you can inject a dose of creativity into your Christmas memories? Portrait mode isn't just a camera feature; it's a game-changer for documenting the holidays. This Christmas, let's say goodbye to the awkward and hello to the authentic. Embrace the unscripted, get lost in the bokeh magic, and empower everyone to be a photographer. Trust me; your Christmas memories will thank you for it. Happy snapping and cheers to a Christmas album as unique as your family!

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Happy Holidays! See you in 2024! Love Katie