With only a few days until Christmas, I’m sure you’re finishing up shopping, finalizing dinner plans, running around town and such. I thought I’d put together a little list of important items for successful photos on the special day. The last thing you want is to be unprepared when the frenzy of kids and presents happens.

• Clear your memory card. Just do a Format from the camera menu.
• Charge your batteries, for the camera and flash. Be ready with a spare set too, just in case.
• Do a pre-flight check of your camera. Check all the settings for AF, ISO and image size and such.
• Clean your lens. Remove any fingerprints, dog nose prints, etc.
• Plan where you’ll stand for shooting photos. And remember to get down to the kids level for their shots.

I’m going to use the Creative Lighting System on my D70 and have 2 flashes bounced off the ceiling. this should light up the whole room with soft light and I can shoot from anywhere I want.

You may want to plan a few shots also. A family photo in front of the tree before the present opening. Maybe a shot outside in the snow, if you live in the chillier parts of the country.

Here’s hoping you have a Merry Christmas and that all your pictures are keepers.