I bet you're planning to take plenty of family photos this Christmas. Will you take the same old washed-out pictures? Will your kids once more look like little devils with their red eyes? Or do you want to knock the family's socks off?

OK. No one is going to lose their socks over Christmas photos, but you can still take wonderful Yule pictures. Spend a little time with your camera's manual and these tips. You might actually impress your friends and family.

TAKE PHOTOS OUTSIDE

Indoor lighting can trick your camera. Low-light photos appear overly warm and yellowish. Flash washes out subjects and causes a cold, bluish tint.

So, take your photos outside when possible. Morning or late afternoon light is the most flattering. Then, use the camera's flash to eliminate shadows on subjects' faces.

To capture Christmas lights, shoot in the evening before it gets dark. This will help you properly expose your photographs. You'll see both the lights and your subject clearly.

A polarizing filter will eliminate glare from eyeglasses. Or, ask your subjects to remove their glasses.

FILL THE FRAME

Distracting backgrounds are the bane of many photographs, so fill the frame with your subject. This draws viewers' eyes to the subject.

Of course, you'll want to capture some of the background, so use background (or foreground) elements to frame your subject.

TAKE CANDID PHOTOS

Use continuous (or burst) mode to capture the kids opening gifts. That way, you won't miss a single candid moment.

If possible, use a tripod and set the camera to take pictures periodically. Some newer cameras incorporate intervalometer functions for taking shots at timed intervals. Otherwise, you'll need an intervalometer. Remotes for advanced cameras sometimes include intervalometers. Expect to pay upward of $100.

KEEP PORTRAITS SIMPLE

Talk to your subjects while you photograph them. This will help them relax. Your photographs will reveal your subject's personality.

Don't be afraid to get on the ground and shoot kids at eye level. You'll get natural shots with a better perspective of facial expressions.

Leave a camera on a tripod and photograph guests as they arrive. Guests can also take self-portraits throughout the day. Keep the background simple yet festive.

BEFORE, AFTER SHOTS

Take plenty of pictures throughout the day, as this increases your chance of getting good ones. And take pictures before and after the celebrations. These shots will add to your memories.

Finally, don't spend too much time behind the camera. Take time to enjoy the holiday!