Family Christmas Photo Ideas To Take This Year
Christmas is a time for love, laughter, and making memories with family. One wonderful way to capture the spirit of the season is through family Christmas photos. Hiring a professional photographer can be costly, but with a bit of creativity and the right tips, you can take stunning holiday photos on your own. Whether you’re using your backyard or a nearby park, here’s a guide to help you create beautiful and memorable family Christmas photos. Keep reading to learn How to Take Your Own Family Christmas Photos – 10 Easy Family Christmas Photo Ideas.
In case you are in a hurry…
✅ This is the program I use to edit our photos to create Christmas photo cards.
Why Take Your Own Christmas Photos?
I’ve been taking photos of our family Christmas for 10+ years using a tripod and my phone. Here are my top reasons to take family Christmas photos yourself:
- Saves Money
- More Candid Photos
- You Have The Control
- Stress-Free Scheduling
- Improves Your Photography Skills
- Creates a Family Tradition
- Add Your Personal Touch
We took this photo in our backyard in Virginia after it snowed. My daughter wrapped up in a blanket that matched my shirt and the dog’s coat. My son and hubby wore matching shirts. The color scheme was gray, black, white, and denim.
Cost-Effective Solution
Hiring a professional photographer can be costly, especially during the holiday season when demand is high. By taking your own family photos, you can save money that can be better spent on gifts, decorations, or other holiday expenses. With just a smartphone or a basic camera, you can capture beautiful images without breaking the bank.
Personal and Authentic Moments
Taking your own photos allows for more candid and genuine moments. You’re free to capture spontaneous laughter, playful interactions, and heartfelt expressions that might be missed in a more structured photo session. These authentic moments often become the most treasured images in your collection.
Creative Freedom
When you’re the photographer, you have complete control over the style and setting of your family photos. Whether you prefer a cozy indoor shoot with a roaring fireplace as the backdrop or an outdoor winter wonderland, you can tailor the session to match your vision and creativity. You can experiment with different poses, props, and lighting to create unique and memorable images.
Flexible Scheduling
The holiday season is a busy time, and coordinating schedules with a professional photographer can be challenging. By taking your own photos, you have the flexibility to choose a day and time that works best for your family. This flexibility allows you to take advantage of ideal weather conditions or special family gatherings to capture your photos.
A Learning Opportunity
Taking your own family photos can be a fun and educational experience. It offers an opportunity to learn more about photography, including composition, lighting, and editing. With numerous online resources and tutorials available, you can improve your skills and enhance the quality of your photos.
A Fun Family Activity
The process of setting up and taking family photos can be an enjoyable activity that brings your family closer together. It encourages teamwork and creativity, as everyone can contribute ideas and help with the setup. Plus, it’s a great way to create lasting memories beyond just the photos themselves.
Customization for Holiday Cards
Taking your own photos allows you to customize them perfectly for holiday cards or personalized gifts. You can take multiple shots and select the ones that best represent your family to share with friends and relatives. This personal touch adds sentiment and uniqueness to your holiday greetings.
We took this photo in a park near our house in Florida. We wore matching buffalo plaid shirts and my daughter used a scarf to coordinate the style. I tied fabric around the dog’s neck to match us as well. The color scheme is red, black, denim, and brown.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Backyard Bliss
Your backyard can be the perfect setting for a cozy and intimate photo session. Embrace the natural elements and seasonal decor to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. String lights, wreaths, and even a small Christmas tree can add a festive touch.
Nearby Park
If you prefer a more open space, a nearby park can offer a beautiful backdrop. Look for areas with evergreen trees, fallen leaves, or snow-covered landscapes, depending on your location. Parks also provide a variety of settings, from rustic benches to scenic paths, perfect for capturing different poses and angles.
We took this photo at a nearby park in Virginia. The color scheme is gray, black, denim and red. My daughter wrapped a fluffy red blanket around herself for a cozy pop of red.
Coordinating Outfits
Choosing a Color Palette
Select a color palette that complements the season. Classic choices include red, green, and white, but don’t shy away from modern palettes like navy and gold or burgundy and cream. Ensure the colors complement each other without being too matchy-matchy.
Layering and Textures
Layering clothing adds depth and interest to your photos. Consider combining different textures, such as knits, velvet, and denim, to create a rich, cozy look. Accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves can add both warmth and style.
Comfort is Key
While style is important, comfort should not be overlooked. Choose outfits that your family feels comfortable in, as this will reflect in the photos. Avoid itchy fabrics or tight clothing that might cause discomfort, especially for children.
We took this picture in our front yard in Florida. We moved the sofa from the backyard to the front to take this photo in front of our fence. I hung a wreath with a big red bow on the fence for added decor and we all wore Santa hats. My daughter and I coordinated outfits while my son and hubby coordinated. The color scheme is white, red, black, and denim.
Setting the Scene
Natural Light
Aim to take your photos during the “golden hour,” which is the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times enhances the natural beauty of your photos and minimizes harsh shadows.
Props and Decorations
Incorporate simple props to add a personal touch to your photos. A cozy blanket, a basket of pinecones, or even a few wrapped presents can create a festive atmosphere. Be mindful not to overcrowd the scene; the focus should remain on your family.
We took this photo at a park near our house in Florida. e used my Jeep as a prop since I made this tire cover, it was perfect for a family photoshoot. We wore matching buffalo plaid shirts and my daughter used a scarf to coordinate the style. I tied fabric around the dog’s neck to match us as well. The color scheme is red, black, denim, and brown.
You would never know that we just pulled off on the side of the road and took this picture!
Positioning and Posing
Experiment with different poses and arrangements. Capture candid moments of laughter and interaction, as well as posed shots. Encourage children to play and parents to engage with them to capture genuine expressions and emotions.
We took this picture in our family room. We had matching Christmas PJ’s, socks, and fake presents that we used as props to have fun in the pictures.
Photography Tips
Camera and Equipment
Whether you’re using a DSLR camera or a smartphone, familiarize yourself with its settings. Use a tripod to ensure stability and experiment with different angles. If using a smartphone, clean the lens for the clearest shots.
Self-Timer and Remote
Utilize the self-timer function or a remote shutter release to capture group shots without the need for someone to be behind the camera. This way, everyone can be part of the photo.
Edit with Care
Once you’ve captured your photos, use photo editing software or apps to enhance them. Adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation can make a significant difference. Be subtle in your edits to maintain the natural feel of the images.
We took this photo in our family room in our Virginia house. My daughter and hubby wore matching Santa pajamas and my son and I wore matching elf pajamas.
Using AI To Create Family Christmas Photos
I tried using AI to see what outfits it came up with our Christmas photos and it was actually quite useful (and funny!). You could also use AI features in Canva to remove the background of your photos and insert them yourself. I’d only recommend this if you are experienced in editing photos so they don’t look too fake, lol.
Where to Have Your Christmas Photo Cards Printed
I have our family Christmas photo cards printed at Staples every year. Staples offers same-day printing of Christmas Cards so if you wait until the last-minute, you can take your pictures, edit them, then send them to Staples to be printed in the same day. I print address labels at home, stamp the cards, and mail them out. My goal is to get them mailed before December 10th.
Conclusion
With a little planning and creativity, you can create stunning family Christmas photos that capture the joy and warmth of the season. Coordinating outfits, choosing the perfect location, and utilizing natural light will help you achieve professional-looking results. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Taking your own family Christmas photos can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It allows you to save money, capture genuine moments, and express your creativity. So, gather your loved ones, get creative, and enjoy the process of creating cherished memories this holiday season. Merry Christmas and happy photographing!
In case you are in a hurry…
✅ This is the program I use to edit our photos to create Christmas photo cards.
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