Shooting Christmas OOTDs? Here Are 5 Tips M’sians Can Try To Take IG-Worthy Photos Like a Pro!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Presents, festive decorations, and feasts aside, many of us are also looking forward to taking aesthetic photos of our Christmas OOTDs, right? 

If modelling and photography are not your thing, don’t worry, we have compiled some useful tips for you to capture Instagram-worthy photos like a pro! Keep on reading and let us know if you find these tips helpful:

1. Wear Christmas-themed outfits

By “Christmas-themed”, we don’t mean shirts with prints of Santa Claus and snowmen. We’re referring to the colour palette! It is important to make sure that your outfit complements the backdrop—a hot pink dress will look out of place against Christmas decorations. 

For more atmospheric Christmas photos, stick to colours like red, brown, green, and white. Instead of merely wearing solid colours, add a little twist to your OOTD by incorporating some patterns, like a red plaid skirt or a green tartan scarf! 

2. Make use of some composition techniques

Composition is one of the most important aspects of photography. It provides a structure or layout that enhances the storytelling ability of each photo. In other words, good composition is crucial in attracting more attention from viewers!

Here are just some of the most common composition techniques: 

• Rule of thirds: divide the image into thirds horizontally and vertically, and place the subject at the intersection points of each line or along one of the lines. 

• Framing: surround the subject with something in the scene and block other parts of the image. 

• Leading lines: use lines (can be straight, curved, or even diagonal) in an image to draw attention to the subject.  

3. Don’t know how to pose? Interact with the props or decor!

Have you ever tried posing for a picture only to find out that you look unnatural and awkward? If you have, know that you’re not alone! Instead of merely smiling and showing a peace sign, try interacting with the props around you for more candid-looking photos! 

Wondering how you can interact with Christmas decorations and props? Here are a few ways: 

• Place ornaments on a Christmas tree
• Dress your pet up for Christmas and play with it 
• Set up and decorate a Christmas dinner table 

4. Time to sharpen your bokeh photography skills!

Thanks to all the fairy lights and candles, Christmas is the perfect time for you to enhance your bokeh photography skills! With the right camera settings, background lights will become out of focus, appearing all dreamy and magical, which is super aesthetic!

To achieve a beautiful bokeh effect, use a wide aperture (small f-number) to ensure a shallow depth of field. Besides letting the light sources blur into circles, you can also customize the shape of the bokeh lights by making a cutout mask for your camera lens!

5. Avoid over-editing your photos 

Most images could use some editing here and there to become more appealing. However, at the extreme end of the spectrum, over-edited photos often appear unrealistic and unnatural, which is nowhere near aesthetic. 

Therefore, it is best to keep your editing relatively subtle and always ensure that the edited image still looks realistic and natural. Below are some of the edits you should avoid: 

• Using multiple heavy filters or an abundance of visual effects (e.g. snowing, sparkly filters)    
• Over-sharpening and applying too much clarity 
• Adding too much contrast or oversaturating colours 

Aside from the tips above, another crucial thing to take note of when attempting to take Insta-worthy photos is location, location, location! An aesthetic backdrop is everything when snapping OOTDs.

If you’re not sure where to go, check out Sunway Carnival Mall and their whimsical forest featuring an enchanted garden, the sacred realm of the illuminated fairy forest!

Yes, you read that right! This year, Christmas at Sunway Carnival Mall is set in a whimsical forest that has larger-than-life flowers and trees, colourful insects and plants, as well as a Pretty Pointy—a gorgeous mushroom that guards the forest! 

Besides, there will also be TONS of exciting activities AND mystery gifts for visitors of all ages! Here’s what you can expect:  

• Redeem free gifts and points as you shop
  • Furry Friends Hoodie Blanket
    • Non-members: Spend RM500 in TWO same-day receipts to redeem
    • HSBC Cardholders or Sunway Pals Members: Spend RM400 in TWO same-day receipts to redeem

• • Magical Forest in a Jar
    • Non-members: Spend RM800 in TWO same-day receipts to redeem
    • HSBC Cardholders or Sunway Pals Members: Spend RM700 in TWO same-day receipts to redeem

• • Enjoy extra 200 Pals Points on top of the ongoing redemption while stocks last! 

• Be sure to visit these Instagrammable spots!

Swing your worries away beneath the magical flower gate.

Unveil your fairy wings beneath a ceiling of hanging flowers.

Uncover the glimmering mystery inside the mystical Christmas tree.

• Don’t miss out on fun Christmas Activities:
  • Arts & Crafts Sessions
    • Dates: 3rd-4th, 10th-11th, 17th-18th, 24th-25th December
    • Time: 3pm
  • Santa Claus Meet & Greet
    • Dates: 3rd-4th, 10th-11th, 17th-18th, 24th-25th December
    • Time: 6pm
  • Fairy Dance
    • Dates: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th December
    • Time: 8pm
  • Christmas Live Band Performance
    • Dates: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th December
    • Time: 8pm

• Win a mystery gift by playing the Christmas AR Game @ Décor! 

• • This is your golden opportunity to make your Christmas wish come true! Here’s how you can play “Make a Wish & Catch Your Luck!”: 
  • Make A Wish:
    1. Scan the QR code. 
    2. Key in your details and select “Make a Wish”. 
    3. After writing your wish, your message will appear on the wishing pond.
  • Catch Your Luck:
    1. Tap on all the fishes & fairies within 60 seconds (beware of the frogs)! 
    2.  Screenshot your score to redeem your mystery gift at the Concierge (2nd Floor).
    3. That’s it! Good luck and we hope you bring home your mystery gift! 

Are you ready to shoot your Christmas OOTD and have LOTS of fun at Sunway Carnival Mall? Share your Christmas plans with us in the comment section below! 

For more information regarding the Christmas celebration in Sunway Carnival Mall, visit their official website! Don’t forget to follow Sunway Carnival Mall on Facebook and Instagram!