How to Take the Perfect Holiday Photos on Your iPhone

With the holidays fast approaching, you're likely finalizing your plans and grabbing the final items on your list. If part of your plan is to take the perfect family holiday photo, we're here to help you out.

If there's a will, there's a way to get that perfect selfie in front of the tree or an Insta-worthy family moment this holiday. These simple tips and tricks will take your holiday photo taking to the next level.

We've all done the thing where we snapped a quick pic of the family in front of the tree or of the kiddos opening their presents. Usually these turn out pretty...well, average. Let's change that.

Stop taking the same old selfies that you'll never do anything with and instead capture some special moments that will be Insta-worthy to look back on. It could even make the perfect framed photo in the living room without the big, professional price tag.

PHONE PICS THAT POP: Simple Secrets to get Stunning Shots

How to take photos of kids opening presents

Put a phone/light with the light on Facedown in an open present.
Have your kid reach in the box like they are grabbing their gift.
Put your phone on Portrait Mode.
Pull down the sun dial to adjust light and make it dark.
Snap a pic of them looking in the box!
Go to the pic you just took and click the "f" symbol in the top left to adjust how blurry the background is.

Now you've got a magical moment. See how it's done in action below⬇️

How to take photos of Christmas lights

Put your camera on 2x zoom
Turn off Live Mode
Set Exposure to -2
Click and hold the screen where the lights are, and drag down the sun dial to where you can only see the lights.
Snap a pic!

You should have a clear image of just the lights. See how it's done below⬇️.

How to take the perfect picture in front of the Christmas tree

There are a couple of fun ways to do this one. For a full length pic, try this:

Stand back and lower the camera
Tilt the camera up and tilt to wide angle
Pose, snap a pic, and adjust lighting/filter to your preference

For a close-up tree photo, try this:

Prop your phone up and turn off the lights (except for the tree lights).
Put phone in Portrait Mode at 2x zoom.
Change the Natural Light to -1
Set your timer and strike a pose (or just have someone take it for you)

You'll get a creative shot showing a special moment by the tree. See how it's done below⬇️.

These are just a few tricks to get you the perfect holiday pics. Have some fun tips of your own? Let us know in the comments. Happy holidays!

Remember the toy that made you light up when you opened it as a kid? Take a scroll through these familiar favorite, and see the toy that was popular the year you were born.

LOOK: The top holiday toys from the year you were born

Looking back on trends from 1924 through 2023, Stacker gathered a list of toys that came out each holiday season that captivated the public zeitgeist.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

Speaking of gifts, people went crazy for these once upon a time.