We were intrigued to go see and review Elf – A Christmas Arena Spectacular in the OVO Hydro. Not knowing quite what to expect, we arrived a little early, got our chips & cheese, irn bru & sprite, and settled in for a show that felt like an old friend.
8 Podcasts We’d Recommend To A Friend
We get it, we’re mamas, and we miss being able to sit down with both hands free to read a book too. Thank goodness for podcasts and audio books, the ultimate hands free content! Here we’ve rounded up some of our current favourites – all podcasts we’d recommend to a friend (that’s you!).
WHAT’S COMING TO NETFLIX IN JANUARY 2022
As you have probably gathered by now, we are huge fans of streaming services & Netflix is constantly providing us with brand new content – including firm favourites we know & love and brand new exclusive content. We have put together a selection of all the best things coming to Netflix in January 2022.
Queer Eye Season 6 – January 1st
We are SO glad this is back! The FAB 5 are back on our screens doing what they do best and we all know it’s going to be emotional. If you haven’t watched Queer Eye before, you need to rectify that right now. It is so wholesome, hilarious & fun!
Cheer Season 2 – January 12th
Another reality show but this one is BRUTAL. Think Dance Moms but cheerleaders. We never gave much thought into how hardcore cheerleading is as it’s not really a thing in the UK but for America – it’s a huge deal and this series really shows that!
Brazen – January 13th
This film is a Netflix exclusive following a mystery writer who needs help when it comes to solving her sister’s murder. We love an easy watch & this sounds like just that!
After Life Season 3 – January 14th
The show is a dark comedy drama which follows the life of a man named Tony (played by Ricky Gervais) in the immediate aftermath of losing his wife to cancer. It’s equal parts hilarious & oh so heart breaking. Definitely one to watch.
Too Hot To Handle Season 3 – January 17th
Ahhhh reality tv at it’s finest and this is one of our favourites. It’s super fun, cringe & binge worthy! It’s also hell-a sexy, think of it as Love Island back when it was fun & also a much more interesting concept.
Annabelle Comes Home – January 17th
If you are a horror film all year round kinda’ person – Netflix has some great ones! Being added this month is a favourite from the Annabelle/Conjuring series. The Annabelle films are about a haunted doll that scares the shit out of everybody. ENJOY.
In From The Cold – January 28th
An American single mum must juggle family life and unique shape shifting skills when she is exposed as a ex-Russian spy. This show is said to be exciting & suspenseful.
PHOTOS YOU HAVE TO TAKE THIS CHRISTMAS
Christmas is the most magical time of year and capturing those special moments is something we at TMC love to do. Sharing our memories to social media is something of the norm these days, to we wanted to make a checklist of photos you have to take this Christmas. Whether it be creative images, memory shots or just festive fine details, they’ll all be perfect for the grid.
With this list, you’ll be ready to take advantage of festive props and backgrounds, as well as capturing your loved ones’ excitement and preserve precious moments of family togetherness.
You could even consider referring back to this blog post for our TMC Christmas hashtag challenge!
Picking out your Christmas tree
Picking out a Christmas tree is so much fun and something your kids will look forward to every year, as well as something they’ll look back on and remember when they’re older. Your tree is usually the focal point of your decorations, so why not document it! Whether you’re at a Christmas tree farm or a local garden centre, grab your phone or camera and capture the joy of finding the perfect tree!
Your favourite decoration
We all get a little nostalgic when pulling out the Christmas ornaments, why not take a detailed shot of your favourite decoration? You could be creative with angles, lighting and that pretty Christmas light bokeh in the background.
Decorating the tree together
Get the whole household involved and capture the laughs. It’s such an easy way to capture your family doing something festive together. Those natural, candid shots of the kids stringing the lights and carefully placing each ornament are sure to bring back happy memories for years to come. Top tip: get in close to capture each person’s expression!
Mistletoe
Whether you capture the family harvesting of fresh mistletoe or a sweet little kiss beneath it, it’s got to be worth getting that shot!
Presents & Wrapping Details
If you take the time and effort to wrap your family presents, you should definitely document that! Again, experiment with angles and lighting to make a more interesting picture. You could even take the photos of the present about to be wrapped
Flat lays
It goes without saying; a festive flat lay always gets some love on the gram. You can use anything and everything to fit the vibe (or prompt) for your shot. Herse a little list of things to include:
- Christmas decorations
- Fairy lights
- Holly or other Christmas foliage
- Books
- Mugs with your favourite hot beverage
- Christmas sweet treats – think candy canes, chocolate coins, Santa lollies, biscuits, etc.
- Wrapping materials – ribbons, bows, glitter, present toppers
- Knitwear / blankets
- Candles
- Stockings
- Presents
Christmas is all about spending time with those you love most. So capture those excited faces whenever and wherever you can. Whether it’s unwrapping presents, seeing Santa for the first time, those thank you hugs, taking part in Christmas bakes and crafts, the world is your oyster. Be creative, play around with your angles and editing and just have fun!
Below we’ve done a festive photo checklist of more wonderful ideas; you could print it off or save it to your phone so you always have to hand. Also don’t forget, a lot of these ideas can be used not only for your memory making or Instagram feed, but also to take part in our Christmas hashtag challenge.
25 Movies To Stream This Christmas
There’s something about settling down with your family over Christmas to watch a festive movie that can warm the cockles of any Grinch’s heart. Here we’ve compiled a list of 25 movies to stream this Christmas, some old and new Christmas films that should be on your ‘to be watched’ list this year! As we know that you watch so much of your children’s movies over the Christmas period, this list caters to adults only!
1. The Holiday (2006)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
The Holiday is a feel-good Christmas film starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law (humminahummina) and Jack Black – the fantastic four of the Christmas movie world. The plot follows Kate & Cameron as they swap homes for the holiday, with Cameron hopping on a plane to a sleepy English cottage and Kate whisking herself away to a sleek, modern home in Cali. It has romance, friendship, laughter and warmth – what more could you want this holiday season?
2. Elf (2003)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Elf is a hilarious comedy where Will Ferrel, aka Buddy The Elf, realises that he is in fact a human and so travels from his home at the North Pole to NYC in search for his father. This film is full of laughter and chaos, you’re bound to spend the evening giggling with your family if you choose to snuggle up with this!
3. Last Christmas (2019)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Emilia Clarke is the gorgeous Kate in this romantic comedy about a girl who is one bad decision away from becoming a pigeon’s permanent toilet until she falls head-over-heels for Tom.
4. Love Actually (2003)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV (It will also be hitting Netflix very soon for the Christmas season, so keep your eyes peeled!)
What’s it about?
This absolute CLASSIC of a Christmas movie will have you sobbing into your hot chocolate as you follow 8 couples over the festive period. With a young Rick Grimes and the late Alan Rickman, you really can’t go wrong.
5. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime
What’s it about?
There’s nothing like a black-and-white movie in front of a roaring fire to really get you in the festive spirit. This film follows George Bailey, a man who wishes he’d never been born, and the angel Clarence who shows him just what life would have been like if he hadn’t
6. Holidate (2020)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix
What’s it about?
Emma Roberts dating Luke Bracey with “no strings attached” over the holidays – what’s not to love?! This movie is light-hearted, fun and the ultimate romcom to watch when the littles are in bed!
7. Love Hard (2021)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix
What’s it about?
If you’re a fan of Catfish and The Vampire Diaries, you’ll love this! After meeting ‘the one’ on a dating app, Elena *ahem, sorry, Natalie* flies 3000 miles to realised she’s been catfished. Happy Christmas!
8. Let It Snow (2019)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix
What’s it about?
A group of high school seniors are bought together by a snowstorm that hits on Christmas Eve. By Christmas morning, nothing will be the same (Dunn Dunn Dunn…. but in all seriousness, this movie is cool, light-hearted and fun!)
9. Office Christmas Party (2016)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
I have only two words to tell you about this movie. Jennifer. Aniston. Are you sold yet?
10. Nativity! (2010)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Ok, so the kids can watch this one! Martin Freeman (aka Paul) is a primary school teacher who is asked to produce the years nativity play, only to get himself into hilariously hot water once he tries to better his opponent by telling them a Hollywood producer will be turning it into a movie.
11. Die Hard (1988)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Is it a Christmas movie? You decide! Watch Bruce Willis crawl around in a little white vest rescuing a group of hostages at a Christmas party. This epic action movie is a must watch this season!
12. Krampus (2015)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
If you’re looking for something with a different vibe, why not jump into this Christmas vs Halloween mashup and scare yourself silly with Krampus? Based on German folklore, Krampus is the anti-Santi who comes and pays awful visits to children who aren’t on the nice list.
13. Scrooged (1988)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
In this ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaptation, Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, a TV executive who is haunted by 3 spirits on Christmas Eve in a bid to make him see that he needs to change his ways.
14. The Santa Clause(1994)
Where can I stream it?
Disney +, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
On Christmas Eve, Scott and his son rescue Father Christmas from the roof. No big deal right? Wrong… Scott’s now inadvertently put himself forward as the next Santa! Watch as he tries to keep this from his ex-wife and family in this hilarious holiday classic!
15. Four Christmases (2008)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmscsQsUtCE
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Brad (Vaughn) and Katie’s (Witherspoon) Christmas plans are ruined when they’re made to stay at all four of their divorced parents families over the holidays. It’s a recipe for disaster!
16. Happiest Season (2020)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
What’s it about?
Bella has ditched Edward for the gorgeous Harper, whom she plans to propose to over the Christmas holidays. Cue drama, shock and comedy when she learns that Harper has not yet come out to her parents in this perfect Christmas romcom.
17. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play
What’s it about?
While Clark Grisworld plans to have the best Christmas ever, the universe has other plans. This movie is a hilarious must watch as Clark inadvertently causes every good Christmas related event into a terrible one!
18. Fred Claus (2007)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Vince Vaughn is featuring in our list again, this time as Fred Claus! Follow the story of Fred, Santa’s older brother, who lands in jail and is only bailed out on the condition that he joins the family business at the North Pole!
19. The Family Stone (2005)
Where can I stream it?
Disney +, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
If you love Sex In The City, you’ll love Sarah Jessica Parker in this Xmas romcom about an uptight business woman (SJP) visiting her outgoing, eccentric in-laws to be. Guaranteed to get a few good giggles and keep you entertained!
20. Love The Coopers (2015)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Snuggle up with a hot chocolate and enjoy this light-hearted Christmas comedy about the highs and lows of family life as Sam & Charlotte work to give their family the perfect Christmas.
21. Bad Santa (2003)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
Time to settle down and enjoy a bit of Santa Claus – with a twist. This hilarious dark comedy stars Billie Bob Thornton as Willie, aka the worst mall Santa of all.
22. Christmas With The Kranks (2004)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
The Kranks are known in their neighbourhood for having the best Christmasses ever. Glitzy Christmas Eve parties, amazing decorations, the whole shebang. And just for once, they are planning on flying off on a quiet Christmas holiday and are absolutely NOT celebrating Christmas. That is until their daughter tells them 12 hours before that she’s coming home – enjoy the mad rush as Jamie-Lee Curtis and Tim Allen try to make the last minute Christmas to remember.
23. The Night Before (2015)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
Join Seth Rogan, Joseph Gordan-Levitt and Anthony Mackie on their annual Christmas reunion. As they’ve grown into adulthood, it’s time to end that tradition with one last giant blow out.
24. Joyeux Noel (2005)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
This is definitely a little more emotionally heavy than the other films that we’ve suggested, but Joyeux Noel definitely deserves a place on the list. It tells the true story of the momentary ceasefire in the WW1 trenches on Christmas Day 1914. This one will definitely have you grabbing for the tissues, so make sure you have plenty.
25. Get Santa (2014)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
After being arrested for trying to ‘steal some reindeer’, Santa enlists the help of a Father and Son to help him get back to the North Pole in time for Christmas. An absolute classic plot line for a Christmas movie at this time of year. It also stars Jim Broadbent, so it’s a win win!
SCARY MOVIES TO STREAM ON NETFLIX THIS HALLOWEEN
If you are anything like us, you equal parts love & hate horror films. We love them, but hate being scared. Does it make sense? To us, yes LOL. That being said, there is nothing better than getting snuggled up once the kids are in bed, grabbing your favourite snacks, putting on your horror favourite and hiding your face behind a cushion for the next 90+ minutes. We thought we would compile a list of the scary movies to stream, so they are all in one easy to find place if you ever need a recommendation.
SCARY MOVIES TO STREAM
1. THERE’S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE
Based on the novel by Stephanie Perkins, the graduating class at Osborne High is being targeted by a masked assailant, intent on exposing the darkest secret of each victim, and only a group of misfit outsiders can stop the killings.
2. THE HAUNTING IN CONNETICUT
After a family is forced to relocate for their son’s health, they begin experiencing supernatural behaviour in their new home, and uncover a sinister history.
3. SINISTER
Washed-up true crime writer Ellison Oswalt finds a box of super 8 home movies in his new home that suggest the murder that he is currently researching is the work of a serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.
4. THE CONJURING
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. There is quite a few in this series/franchise and they are all worth a watch!
5. SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK
On Halloween 1968, Stella and her two friends meet a mysterious drifter, Ramón, and uncover a sinister notebook of stories.
6. CANDYMAN
The Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a sceptic grad student researching the monster’s myth.
7. THE STRANGERS
A young couple staying in an isolated vacation home are terrorized by three unknown assailants.
8. THE DESCENT
A caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.
9. PET SEMATARY
Based on the novel by Stephen King, Dr. Louis Creed and his wife, Rachel, relocate from Boston to rural Maine with their two young children. The couple soon discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home.
10. IN THE TALL GRASS
After hearing a young boy’s cry for help, a sister and brother venture into a vast field of tall grass in Kansas but soon discover there may be no way out…and that something evil lurks within.
11. HALLOWEEN
Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.
12. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS
Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin, where they get more than they bargained for, discovering the truth behind the cabin in the woods.
13. HEREDITARY
A grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.
We hope you find some new films to watch this Halloween! We’ve made sure to include some newbies and oldies but goldies!
TV SHOWS TO WATCH THIS AUTUMN
If you are anything like us, then you love devouring a tv series! Personally I am a huge fan of both bingeing the crap out of a fully released show and also the anticipation of having to wait a week for the next episode to be aired (Vigil i’m looking at you!). Stuck on what to watch next? We thought we’d do you a solid and share our top tv shows to watch this autumn! We have both returning and brand spanking new series to share; ranging from thrillers to fantasy. A little something for everyone!
SEX EDUCATION SEASON 3
Where Can I Watch? Netflix. Release Date? 17th September.
We absolutely fell in love with season one & two of this show, due to the incredible characters, incredible sex positive attitude and Gillian Anderson, hello. Asa Butterfield who plays main character Otis, revealed in an interview from January 2021 that the next series will not start where the second series left off, which ended on a seriousss cliff hanger! The main gang will all be back (YAY) along with three incredible new cast members. If you haven’t already, we highly recommend you head to Netflix and watch season 1 & 2 now!
STRICTLY COME DANCING
Where Can I Watch? BBC One. Release Date? 18th September.
I don’t think we need to tell you what this is about.. but Strictly is back! It is one of my favourite things to watch and if I could take part in any “reality” tv show, it would 10000% be Strictly. The 2021 celebrity line up looks amazing and I can’t wait to see the dances!
HOLLINGTON DRIVE
Where Can I Watch? ITV. Release Date? September (no official date yet)
Hollington Drive is a new four-part thriller series that will be arriving on ITV very soon. The highly-anticipated series will feature familiar faces from Line of Duty and The Haunting of Bly Manor. We follow Theresa and her sister Helen, who often spend time together and in the opening scene, their families are enjoying a barbecue in the sun. Theresa’s 10-year-old son, Ben asks to go to the park with his cousin Eva, and the adults are not too sure. As expected the children don’t return home and Theresa goes to investigate.
Although they’re luckily found in the park, they are at the edge of some woodland and look to be arguing. Things take a more sinister turn later in the evening when distraught neighbour Jean arrives on their doorstep looking for her 10-year-old son Alex, who has gone missing, and Theresa begins to feel that her earlier sense of doom was accurate.
GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF
Where Can I Watch? Channel 4 at 8pm. Release Date? 21st September.
Another absolute classic! Bake Off is just wholesome television and it is the perfect show when accompanied by a delicious sweet treat. We have a brand new line up of 12 bakers (over the course of each week, the participants are eliminated until just three remain in the final), however we will still be joined by Paul & Prue as judges and Matt Lucas & Noel Fielding will be back as hosts (I will secretly miss Sandi Toksvig, I loved her!).
YOU SEASON 3
Where Can I Watch? Netflix. Release Date? October 15th.
Is there such a thing as an endearing serial killer? Yes, yes there is and his name is Joe LOL. Caroline Kepnes, who wrote the book Hidden Bodies that You is based on, released the third book in the You series. Kepnes is also working on the fourth book in the series, does that mean season 4 could happen? If you haven’t seen You then we follow serial killer Joe as he navigates life, relationships and you know, murder. Season 2 ends on a slight cliff hanger with Joe’s life taking a dramatic turn that we will see unfold in season 3…
HELP
Where Can I Watch? Channel 4 at 9pm. Release Date? 17th September.
Help follows the relationship between a young care home worker and a patient. Starring Jodie Comer & Stephen Graham, two of my favourite actors! Graham plays a patient with Young Onset Alzheimer’s. Set during the coronavirus pandemic, we see how COVID throws everything Sarah (Comer) has achieved with Tony (Graham) and others in her care in into disarray, and she and her colleagues fight to protect them.
THE ACCIDENT
Where Can I Watch? 4OD & Netflix. Release Date? September 20th.
A close-knit community in a small Welsh town is hopeful of a better future when a large construction project is planned in the area. But when a terrible explosion rips through the site, killing many, including children, the accident devastates the community. The immediate loss of loved ones is heart breaking, but the community also feels its sense of hope vanish in the aftermath.
MIDNIGHT MASS
Where Can I Watch? Netflix. Release Date? September 24th.
Midnight Mass is an upcoming American supernatural horror series created and directed by Mike Flanagan. The series is centred around an isolated island community that experiences supernatural events after the arrival of a mysterious priest.
WHEEL OF TIME
Where Can I Watch? Amazon Prime. Release Date? November 19th.
A epic high fantasy series based on Robert Jordan’s book series ” The Wheel Of Time”. The series of novels began in 1990; following Jordan’s death in 2007, fantasy author Brandon Sanderson used notes left by Jordan to complete the series. For decades now, Hollywood has been after the source material, which sprawls across 15 massive books. The adaptation promises an action-packed fantasy adventure led by an eclectic and powerful cast of characters.
HAWKEYE
Where Can I Watch? Disney +. Release Date? November 24th.
I couldn’t NOT mention a brand new Marvel series could I?! Especially as Hawkeye is one of my favourite Avengers. Disney + are bringing us a brand new miniseries and I can’t wait! Avenger Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). Hawkeye will bring Clint face-to-face with a younger female archer, played by Hailee Steinfeld. New episodes will drop every Wednesday!
There you have it! A whole bunch of tv shows to watch this autumn! Is there anything that takes your fancy? Anything in particular you’ve been looking forward to? Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with what we are watching & loving.
TOP TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS OF YOUR CHILDREN
BY HELEN SCHRYVER (GUEST WRITER)
Everything’s a bit rubbish at the moment isn’t it? I can’t wait until I can get back to work with my camera again, capturing glorious everyday family life in my clients’ homes. I know I’m not the only mum trying to juggle home schooling with running a business or working from home too!
Having said that, these are as they say ‘unprecedented times’ .. that I guess we might want to remember in years to come! If you fancy a change from making banana bread why not grab your camera (or phone) and document this weird old time – if nothing else, the photos will be pretty interesting for your kids to look back on when they’re older.
To get you started, here are five top tips for taking photos of your children.
1). Get down low
My number one tip for instantly improving your photographs of younger kids is to get down on their level. Rather than shooting down on them from above, crouch down so you’re at an equal height and snap away. The same applies for babies too (yep, that often means lying down on your tummy!).
2). Don’t say “cheese”..
Ask a child around age 3 and up to “say cheese” and they’ll likely produce an especially fake and well.. “cheesy” grin reserved especially for when they’re asked to smile on cue! Aim for natural smiles and laughs – try capturing them running towards you for a hug, being tickled, or enjoying an ice-cream.
I also love capturing a child’s serious side. Here’s a particularly sulky pic of my daughter Olivia. I love this photo of her!
3). Shoot them just as they are
Forget the hassle of sprucing your kids up for family photos and capture them wild, free and even a little bit scruffy! It’s lovely to embrace the ‘realness’ of your family, just as you are. One of my favourite pics of my daughter is of her sporting her ‘post-beach’ look. Tangled hair, sand stained knickers and bare legs complete with grubby knees. Love.
4). When shooting indoors, use natural light where possible.
The flashes on mobile phones (and even the pop-up ones on expensive cameras) produce light so unflattering you’re honestly better off without them!
Indoors, try capturing photos near a large window whilst it’s still light outside for the best results. Worry less about what the surroundings look like, and more about the quality of light. Turn off that flash!
5). Get outdoors
Outside, you have plenty of options. A cloudy day gives a nice even light that’s easy to work with.
If it’s a sunny day, try holding out until an hour or so before sunset (termed ‘the golden hour’ for good reason) then snap away – you’ll have stunning golden sunlight that’s super pretty, and it’s less ‘squinty’ for your subjects than midday sun too!
Download 5 more bonus tips in my FREE guide here!
Top 10 Tips For Taking Photos of Your Kids In Lockdown
Do let me know how you get on with taking photos of your kids! I’d love for you to share your images with me on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @schryverphoto.
Good luck!
Helen x
P.S. Parents (particularly mums, myself included!) are usually guilty of spending all their time behind the camera and none in front of it. I know, you hate having your photo taken.. but don’t you cherish those old snaps of you as a child with your mum and dad? When they’re older, your children will love to look back on old photographs of you – you’re perfect in their eyes . Consider hiring a professional photographer – like me! – to capture all those perfectly real family moments.
My photo sessions are good fun! It’s just you as a family, hanging out and doing whatever you love (baking, playing games, wrestling, watching Disney films..), with me and my camera there with you to capture the magic.
We hope you enjoyed these top tips for taking photos of your children & thank you Helen for this amazing post! It is going to be so helpful to so many people!
YOU CAN FIND HELEN ON;
www.schryverphoto.com
helen@schryverphoto.com
https://instagram.com/schryverphoto
https://facebook.com/schryverphotography
HOW TO TAKE BETTER PHOTOS WITH YOUR PHONE
BY CAITYLIS ZEALAND
Want to know how to take better photos with your phone?! Did you know 95% of our Instagram and blog images are taken on our phones?! It’s just SO quick and easy and even though I have a very expensive camera that I paid a lot of money for (well, actually my student loan did, thank you government) I would much rather take my images with my phone these days.
There’s a lot of reasons behind that.
One being that especially for Instagram you don’t NEED a higher quality photograph than that from a phone. Your Instagram images are rarely ever blown up big. They are a small square or 4X5 image on a smartphone or tablet, and as long as you have great lighting and a steady hand those photos will always be good enough for the gram.
So if you’re like us and want to get better at using your phone to capture your images for your blog/insta, or perhaps you just want to know how to take better photos with it, then here are our best tips!
Turn on Grid Mode
This has to be my number 1 MUST. Not only does it give you a 3X3 grid which will help you massively with composition, it also gives you a little + in the middle when you are taking images above. PERFECT for flat lays. You just need to line up your yellow + with the central one and you will get a spot on over the head image. No more looking back over photos thinking they’ve been taken at funny angles.
To do this on an iPhone, go into your settings, scroll down to ‘camera’ and turn on ‘grid’.
Natural Lighting
If I learnt one thing from studying photography it’s that ambient lighting will ALWAYS be better than artificial. Photographing in a nicely lit room will not only make your photos a better quality but will make them easier to edit too. I’m not saying don’t use artificial lighting, because sometimes that can help. But your best thing is to open up your curtains and blinds wide and try photograph close to a window.
Use a Phone Tripod and Remote
I only recently got myself one of and boy has it changed how I photograph. You definitely need one of these if you take a lot of photographs of yourself. No more balancing your phone on a pile of books, setting self-timer for 10 seconds and waiting impatiently. Now your phone will sit comfortably and straight and you can hold the tiny Bluetooth remote and just keep constantly snapping. You’ll soon learn how to hold the remote so it’s not seen in images too. Though sometimes I forget and have to quickly edit it out on Lightroom. You can find the tripod and remote we have here (link).
Shoot Action Shots with Live Photos ON
This setting is a godsend with a crazy toddler. Once you’ve taken your image, click edit and then on the left ‘live photo’ icon. This will give 12 frames before and after you clicked the shutter, select one and click ‘Make Key Photo’. Meaning if someone has closed their eyes, moved their arms you can easily see if there is a suitable more focused less blurred image!
Use the Back Camera
The main camera on the back of your phone is of SO much higher quality than that of your selfie camera. I rarely use the selfie camera unless I’m just taking selfies for fun and NOT for Instagram/Blog. If you’re wanting to take a selfie to post then either use the tripod method above, or sit in front of a mirror, have the back camera pointing at you, and use the mirror to see what you look like.
I also use a little standing mirror when using my phone tripod! This way I can always see what I’m taking and how its framed instead of constantly having to go look at the previous image and see what needs changing.
Don’t Use Flash
As I said, it’s all about natural lighting. Artificial can be okay and work in your favour but the built-in flash on your phone is not going to improve the lighting situation.
Please Don’t Zoom
If you want to be closer up either stand closer OR crop the image after. Phone cameras aren’t built for zooming. It decreases the image quality massively. The lenses on these phones are nothing like a real camera lens, your lens isn’t actually zooming in, the phone is just stretching what it already see.
So many times I’ve gone to take a photo and thought “why is it all misty?” usually because I’ve gotten some kind of substance (food) over my lens. I find this happens a lot too with using beauty products or hair spray. Give your lens a nice little wipe over with something clean and dry and you will notice a huge difference in image quality.
Let me know if these tips have helped you at all! I’d love to see if they’ve improved your photos at all. If you try these out and post to Instagram be sure to tag me (@caitylis) so I can see! I’d love to see your images!
FIVE TV SHOWS TO WATCH RIGHT NOW
WRITTEN BY RACHAEL BLAKEY
Lockdown 3.0 is amongst us and now more than ever, we need some form of escapism, because lets face it.. the local corner shop isn’t gonna cut it. We have put together a list of 5 tv shows show you should watch right now, and where you can find them.
Whether you prefer a gripping thriller or a comforting period drama, there is something here for everyone.
We hope you enjoy them as much as us!
FIVE TV SHOWS:
THE CIRCLE USA : NETFLIX
This reality tv show had people gripped when it launched on channel 4 and now Netflix have uploaded the USA version. If you haven’t heard of The Circle, it is a game based around social media, contestants all live in the same apartment building but don’t meet and people basically have to catfish their way to the prize money. Bizarre concept, but it works!
THIS IS US : AMAZON PRIME
I feel like most people have seen this but if not, you need to. We are currently 5 seasons in and it is AMAZING. I only started watching it maybe a year ago and I binge watched the first four seasons in a matter of weeks. We follow the lives of two parents & their three children over various time periods. I can’t say much more because you need to go in not knowing much, it works out better this way. Trust us. What we will say is that it is, heart-warming, hilarious & heart SHATTERING. You’ll sob every few episodes. Easily. YOU’RE WELCOME.
BRIDGERTON : NETFLIX
Everyone & their horny nan is talking about this series and rightly so. It is an American period drama that is basically Netflix’s answer to Downton Abbey but with a sprinkling of sex… which makes for the perfect tv show if you ask us. We follow Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage market.
I know, marriage market. The horror. However Regé-Jean Page makes it almost appealing..
LINE OF DUTY : BBC iPLAYER
One of the best crime drama tv shows to exist, in our humble opinion. This London based series is based around the AC-12 unit who investive corruption WITHIN the police force. It is such a clever series with twists & turns! The sixth season is launching early this year (around February/March time is what we’ve heard on the grapevine….) so you have five incredible series to binge.
SELLING SUNSET : NETFLIX
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the world of the INSANELY rich, this is the show for you. American reality show following a real estate firm in Los Angeles that only cater to the crazy rich. Think multi-million dollar mansions. It is cringe & scripted beyond belief. But oh so good.
Have you watched any of these? If not, does anything take your fancy?