By Kelly Benton on | No Comments
Who doesn't LOVE a great Christmas card designed around a fun and festive family photo?
While there is no right or wrong way to take a Christmas picture, sometimes we all need a little help to come up with that perfect idea for a holiday photoshoot.
To keep things simple, I’ve created a handy mix-and-match Christmas picture idea list. These holiday elements can be combined and will work together to help you take a dazzling Christmas photo!
Let's start with location ideas since that’s often the element that takes the most planning. After that, we will let our imaginations run wild!
Taking photos at a Christmas tree farm is super popular for obvious reasons. Just make sure you contact them ahead of time to ask permission to shoot there. If they need a little extra convincing, you could tell the owners you will offer a small discount on the session or products if the clients buy a tree while they are there.
Image by Jessica Foreman of Jess Foreman Photography
The best Christmas photos give off a cozy feeling. What’s more comfortable than hanging out with your family at home? Some location ideas within the home might be in front of the tree, cuddled by the fireplace, or piled in a big bed with lots of pillows. You could even take candid lifestyle photos of your clients baking cookies or wrapping gifts.
Image by Perla Salazar of P.S. Capturing Love Photography
There’s something enjoyable about jumping in the back of an old pickup truck or posing in front of a cute camper. It may not scream “Christmas,” but stage it with some holiday décor from the list below, and you will have a real winner!
Image by Summer Bryant of Summer Nicole Photography
A Christmas tree lot is different from a tree farm because the trees will already be cut. It’s usually tighter quarters, and you will need permission to shoot there, but if you do it right, the images can be absolutely gorgeous! Imagine a tree lot at night with string lights hung overhead. If you need a spot for a mini-session, this could be THE PERFECT LOCATION.
If you are lucky enough to have enough snow in December, consider taking photos in front of a dressed-up snowman. If your clients want this shot, they can build their own, or if the weather is just perfect, build a snowman yourself and offer holiday mini-sessions to multiple clients before it melts.
Of course, the list above isn’t all-inclusive. Christmas pictures can be taken almost anywhere, especially if you bring your own holiday props.
Image by Tammy Porter of The Porters Wife
While not completely necessary, holiday-themed props can add the perfect touch to Christmas photos, especially when there isn't any snow. You don’t need to go overboard – sometimes, just a couple of items can go a long way.
Image by Tammy Porter of The Porters Wife
Here is an excellent list of props to choose from for ANY Christmas photoshoot:
You also may want to chat with your client beforehand to see if they have any special items or traditions you can incorporate into your Christmas shoot.
This is where your client’s input is super important. If they dreamed of a lovely Christmas photo where their family is all dressed up, you wouldn’t want to suggest they come in pajamas.
Most of the time, the location and overall theme of the shoot will dictate what kind of clothes they should wear. But with all things, there’s plenty of wiggle room. There are only a few options here, but it’s an important decision nonetheless.
Image collaboration by Rebecca from BeckStar Imagery and Kelsey from Katch The Moments
Here are a few examples of holiday photoshoot themes, shot lists, and posing you might use with each. I’m describing each of these with a family of four in mind, but these ideas can easily be tweaked for a couple, a larger family, or just kids.
Image by Tammy Porter of The Porters Wife
If you don't have snow to use in your Christmas photos, don't worry! You can easily add snow in post-processing using Lightroom Snow Presets or Snow Actions for Photoshop for a very realistic effect!
I've linked the favorite ones I like to use above!
Image by Tammy Porter of The Porters Wife
There are SO MANY fun ideas for Christmas pictures, and I know these don't even begin to scratch the surface. Please leave a comment below with any ideas YOU think would make for a great photo!
And PLEASE SHARE this tutorial using the social sharing buttons - I really appreciate it!
Kelly Benton lives with her husband and two adorable dachshunds in Northeast Indiana, where she works from home as a Wedding Photographer. When she’s not photographing over people’s love, she’s a wannabe-rockstar triathlete with a penchant for funny movies and craft beer.
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