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It’s that time of year! To start planning your Christmas photoshoots, that is.
Christmas photos are at the top of so many people’s to-do lists, but it’s difficult to constantly come up with ideas that feel fresh and new. Perhaps you’re tired of the same old front-porch pose or you’re hoping to finally find a setting that shows the world what your family is really like. We totally get it.
Whether you take holiday photos every year or this is your first time attempting a Christmas picture to put on your card, these ideas should help you come up with the outfits, setting, and poses that are perfect for you.
1. New baby? Make them your focus
Is there anything sweeter than a new baby in Christmas clothes? And we’re using the word “clothes” loosely because an infant in a Santa hat and snowflake swaddle is a thing of beauty, too.
If you just welcomed a little one into your family, have your Christmas card photo double as a birth announcement and give friends and family an updated pic of your munchkin. Birth Announcement Christmas Cards are professionally designed with your special delivery in mind, and there are even pregnancy-themed Christmas cards if you have yet to tell your wider circle about your impending arrival.
As for poses, the most popular option seems to be putting the baby in some kind of festive container.
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Plunk your little one into a wheelbarrow and surround them in cotton fluff so it looks like they’re in a snow drift
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Put them in a Santa bag with a bow on their head and presents peeking out of the bag
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Wrap a large cardboard box with wrapping paper on all sides but the top, where you’ll tuck the flaps into the box, then place your toddler inside
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Have them sit in a Christmas basket or other rustic receptacle, then surround the basket in evergreen garland wrapped in Christmas lights and tinsel
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Wiggle them into an oversized stocking with their hands and head poking out of the top
2. Head to a Christmas tree farm
Outdoorsy photos are fun and stress-free because all you have to do is don your favorite outerwear and Mother Nature takes care of the backdrop. There are plenty of places to have a photoshoot outdoors too, but a Christmas tree farm has the right amount of seasonal charm.
Here are a couple tips to help pave the way:
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Call ahead to area tree farms to see who’s okay with a photoshoot — some may not want a professional photographer on premises during regular hours because it disturbs other patrons, some may charge you for the privilege, and some may have their own photographers already in place, and it will save a lot of time knowing these things before you solidify your plans
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You can coordinate your outerwear so everyone matches, but it’s okay to go with your normal jackets and just add one unifying element such as identical scarves or hats
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Take a moment to wander around the farm and scout locations, keeping an eye out for a spot that offers trees and other natural elements as well as extra Christmassy items like a banner, lights, or decorative ribbons
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Unless the tree farm offers photo packages, don’t count on any seating — it’s best to come prepared with a thick blanket (put a tarp underneath to protect from snow and soil)
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Embrace sparkle! A dress with sequined trim or scarf with metallic threading can really spice up an otherwise au naturel outdoor shoot
3. Bring on the faux snow!
Living in a warm-weather area is great until Christmas time when you realize it won’t be a winter wonderland for your upcoming photoshoot after all. Even snow-prone areas sometimes fail to come through with the goods, which is why it’s so important to consider ordering some faux snow.
Faux snow can be scattered on the ground, sprinkled over your head and shoulders for that “just caught in a flurry” look or made to fall from above the camera’s range so it seems like it’s actually snowing as you get your pictures taken. It’s such a simple way to make a shoot more magical.
4. Winter activities
Weather permitting, take your clan outside for some action shots. You can go sledding or ice skating, build a snowman, have a bonfire, go camping (or set up a tent and campfire and pretend like you are), make snow angels, make maple candy, have a snowball fight, have an outdoor tea/cocoa party, go hiking, hop on a sleigh ride, or hang out at a ski resort.
We like this idea for active families who want a Christmas card photo that truly reflects their everyday life. If you and your significant other love to exercise and spend time outdoors, your photo should represent those things most important to you.
5. Matching PJs
Every year, stores across the country come out with their own versions of matching family pajama sets. From the cool to the quirky, these sets embrace every aspect of the holiday season. And they’re darn cute, too.
Dress your family up in matching pajamas that reflect your personalities. Some sets feature licensed images from movies, TV shows, and video games. Classic sets feature traditional patterns like buffalo plaid and snowflakes. Some have funny sayings. Others are sweet and sentimental.
You can make up your own family tradition around the pajamas that extends beyond your Christmas photos. Maybe photo day is the day you distribute your family’s jammies, but they can also be worn on Christmas Eve so they’re in photos on Christmas morning or you can wear them with jackets as a fun way to coordinate looks when you go Christmas tree shopping.
6. Planes, trains, and automobiles
Okay, so you probably won’t be arranging for a photoshoot on a plane, but trains and automobiles are definitely in play.
Start by searching your city for Christmas train events or vintage rail cars that may be on display either solo or at a museum. Certain events like a train ride with Santa might only work for an impromptu, amateur shoot, but you can make that work by pairing up with another family and taking each other’s photos during the ride. Stationary trains don’t need much dressing up. Just get permission to take pics, outfit your family however you desire, and get the photos during your visit.
As for automobiles, an image of your family perched on the open tailgate of a vintage truck will look wonderful uploaded to a rustic Christmas card template. For an extra dose of cuteness, strap a miniature Christmas tree (a fake one will do) to the top of your little one’s kiddie car and pose the family around that. Super adorable.
7. Breakfast in bed
Snuggle up together in your bed (Christmas blankets and quilt toppers optional) and create your coziest Christmas photos to date. Holiday PJs are the perfect attire for this shoot, and you can add in fun elements like a breakfast tray with hot cocoa and waffles or a stack of books like you’re reading Christmas classics before bedtime.
Be creative and experiment with poses. Christmas photo cards with multiple photo slots practically beg for a series of whimsical images. You can include a fairly strait-laced shot of everyone cuddled up in bed, a shot of all your feet peeking out from under the covers, and one of you and your spouse tickling your kiddo or giving your pet belly rubs. Photo cards with differing looks and energy make wonderful keepsakes, both for you and anyone lucky enough to receive a copy in the mail.
8. Sit in front of the fireplace
A roaring fire + a Christmas tree or flocked garland = instant holiday magic. You can accentuate the nostalgic, holiday-ready sophistication of the fireplace setting by adding some complementary décor. Stack a few presents on either side, hang your stockings, and decorate the mantel with Christmas knickknacks, snow globes, and Christmas Cards.
As for posing, you can adopt a classic couple or family pose, sit your pets on your laps, use props like a copy of The Night Before Christmas, or incorporate s’mores supplies to stage an action shot brimming with holiday cheer.
9. Beach vibes
Living in an area that doesn’t get a lot of snow and stays warm through the holidays isn’t a drawback. It’s an opportunity to stage a photoshoot that speaks to your family’s everyday experience.
Christmas-themed beach shoots can be a blast:
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Wear swimsuits or other warm-weather apparel but finish off the look with Santa hats and a plaid scarf
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Write “Merry Christmas” in the sand and pose behind the message
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Use things you find on the beach for props, such as seashells and driftwood
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Make a snowman using wet sand and decorate accordingly
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Pose on or under the boardwalk
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Bring a miniature Christmas tree (you can find small potted ones at plant nurseries)
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Pose facing away from the camera and toward the ocean
10. Aim for photos that include movement
So many Christmas card photos are posed, with all the participants sitting and smiling directly at the camera. Those takes are classic for a reason and there’s nothing wrong with sticking to tradition, but if you’re looking for an easy way to switch things up, we’ve got one word for you: movement.
Get dressed in your holiday finest and have a dance party or silly sing-along to Christmas carols. Build a snowman. Go sledding. Wrap presents. Decorate your Christmas tree. Make Christmas cookies or construct a gingerbread house. And while you’re doing the activity of your choice, have your photographer snap plenty of pics. You’ll be surprised how special these natural, in-the-moment images are once captured on film.
This approach is especially smart if you have small kiddos that find it difficult to sit still while posing for a photo. All they have to do is be their normally energetic selves and the photographer will do the rest.
11. Gather plenty of props
If you’re getting your photos taken by a professional in their own studio, the photographer should have a backdrop and props already chosen and set up. They may even have multiple scenes for you to select from, so call ahead if you’re interested in a particular look. But if you’re taking photos at home, with or without the help of a pro, it’s likely up to you to provide props.
Here are some ideas of things you can find around the house or at your local dollar store, craft store, or resale spot. You don’t need to collect everything on this list, but try to have several different options so you can play with various looks and a mixture of textures, heights, and colors during the shoot.
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Sled
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Poinsettias, fir boughs, and other holiday botanicals/garland
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Buckets of Christmas ornaments, especially those colorful balls
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Christmas blankets, quilts, pillows, and other soft things to sit on
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Silly accessories such as Rudolph noses, Santa hats, reindeer antler headbands, light-up necklaces, or elf ears
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Activities to distract and engage the kids, such as Christmas coloring books, craft supplies, board games, cookie decorating supplies, etc.
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Treats for your pets to reward them for keeping on task
It doesn’t take a professional photographer to come up with memorable images, and you don’t have to be a graphic designer to create a custom Christmas card you’ll be proud to show off. Our pro-designed templates make it easy for you to find a design you adore and make edits with a few quick clicks. Check out our full line of Christmas Cards, including traditional holiday photo cards, Christmas Card Magnets, Christmas Postcards, and Christmas Metal Ornaments.
