Holidays are a great time for family photos, whether to share online or send in greeting cards.

A good photo can become a cherished keepsake, but how do you take better pictures?

Michael Borowski, a photography professor at Virginia Tech, offers six simple tips to help you capture beautiful memories—at the holidays or any time of year.

1. Use the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds makes photos more interesting.

Imagine your camera screen divided into a three-by-three grid. Instead of putting your subject in the middle square, place them along one of the grid’s lines, either to the side or near the top or bottom.

This creates a more dynamic photo.

For balance, look for something on the opposite side of the frame, like a tree or lamp, to fill the space. Perfect symmetry works too—so experiment!

2. Pay Attention to Lighting

Photography is all about light. Good lighting makes a huge difference.

If you’re outside, the best time to take photos is during the “golden hour,” just before sunset.

If it’s midday, avoid harsh sunlight by photographing in the shade. Always have the light coming from the side or slightly behind you for flattering results. Be careful with backlighting, which can make your subject look too dark.

3. Plan Colors

Think about the colors in your photo.

Matching warm or cool tones—like blue and green or yellow and orange—creates a calm, pleasing look.

On the other hand, pairing opposite colors, like red and green, adds energy and contrast. You can also keep things simple with one bold color against neutral tones. Fewer colors often make photos look more polished.

4. Watch Your Background

Your subject might be the star of the photo, but the background matters too. A plain or textured background helps keep the focus on your subject.

If you’re indoors, tidy up or move distractions out of the way. Outside, look for clean backdrops like walls or greenery. Pay attention to how the background colors and lighting fit with your subject.

5. Move Closer

Many photos look better when you zoom in. Large empty spaces around the subject can make the photo less engaging.

Try taking photos from different distances. Start farther away, then move closer, cropping out unnecessary edges. Turning your camera to shoot vertically instead of horizontally can also improve the composition.

6. Capture Christmas Lights with Style

Want a photo with sparkling Christmas lights in the background? Try creating a “bokeh” effect, where the lights appear soft and blurred.

On phones like an iPhone, use Portrait mode and adjust the f-stop for background blur. Experiment with lighting settings to make your holiday photos glow!

By trying these simple tips, you can make your holiday pictures brighter, more professional, and filled with joy.