Christmas Tree / Portrait Shot tips

[mamarazzi_squared]

I would like to get a nice shot of my boys in front of the tree in their Santa hats and would appreciate any tips on the best settings to use (shutter speed, flash / no flash, aperture, etc). I have a Canon 30D - no external flash.

I don't mind using a tripod but my boys are very little so a long exposure it basically out of the question because they won't be able to stay still!

Thanks for the tips!

[fstops]

anne- here is a sample. i used existing light (there is a bay window to the right of them). background was shot seperately then put together with photoshop.

[Jeng7475]

Awesome picture.. there.. I love using the lighting available thru windows. .it works great to!!

[fstops]

anne- try this
set camera to av mode
open lens max
turn flash on manually (push the little button to pop the flash open)
shoot
this techniques will maintaine the mood of your existing light such as christmas lights interior lights etc. but it will also allow you to freeze the boys.

jennifer-thank you