Tips for An Easy Family Christmas Photo Shoot

little boy and girl smiling with little boy holding a present.  Both are dressed in Christmas clothing

 

Tips and reminders for a smooth family Christmas photo shoot!

All together now, ♫ "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" ♫

And while we all love Christmas around here, with it comes the stress of ALL. THE. THINGS and the struggle is real.

We can't help you untangle the mess of Christmas lights thrown in the attic after last Christmas, but we can make sure your kids are dressed to the nines during the Holiday season and help you coordinate your family photoshoot outfits.

Family Photoshoot Checklist

little girl in pink dress with a red bow in her hair and tied on her dress - Tips for An Easy Family Christmas Photo Shoot

Serena Bow Dress

We've got a few tips and tricks up our sleeve for a successful photoshoot (or at least an attempt at one)! Wrangling the family to capture the elusive 'perfect Christmas Card Photo' can be challenging, especially with young children. Hopefully, some of these can help!

First off, there is no perfect Christmas card photo. The magic is in the memories you and your family make during such a festive season. One day, you'll look back on capturing family moments, so GO EASY ON YOURSELF! Seriously!

Choose a Great Location

adorable little girl in a blue snowman dress

Snow Globe Collar Dress

No matter where you live - cold and snowy or dry and warm - think of a place that's convenient for your family and has good light. Chances are, your house or yard is the perfect backdrop. Some other options are:

  • Snowy parks
  • Christmas Tree Farms or lots
  • Festive decorations in your city's downtown area

Hire a Photographer or DIY

little girl in a gingerbread man dress - Tips for An Easy Family Christmas Photo Shoot
Gingerbread Dress

Decide early on if you're going to hire a professional photographer. Try and book as early as possible since their timeslots fill up quickly.

Nowadays, our phones have excellent cameras built right in. You can just as quickly set up a tripod, set a timer and take family photos yourself.

Choosing the Day and Time for Photos

red mary jane shoes

Red T-Strap Mary Janes

Go ahead and schedule the best time to get the photos. If you're shooting outside, be sure to get the timing right with the outside light.

If your kids are younger, be sure to choose a time when all the kids are happy (after naps, post naps, etc)

Must Have Shots

little boy in red pants and a santa shirt walking in the grass

St. Nick Pocket Shirt, Red Shrimp Pants

If you want any props for your photos, be sure to have those readily available. Some photographers will have extra things like that already—things like wrapped gifts, candy canes, stockings, reindeer antlers, Santa hats, etc.

If you've hired a photographer, they'll be able to guide you through the posing process and know what works to ensure great photos. Some shots you can consider taking are:

  • The usual - everyone facing and smiling at the camera
  • Laughter - capture genuine moments of joy
  • Focus on your kids - Children posing together, decorating the tree or unwrapping gifts
  • Generational photo - Grandparents, parents and kids
  • Matching Family Pajamas is always a great idea, too!

Family Christmas Picture Outfits

different sizes of red bows - Tips for An Easy Family Christmas Photo Shoot

Red Birdie Hair Bow, Red Bitty Bow, Red Biggie Bow

The most important thing is that you're comfortable with whatever you wear! It's a good idea to have clothes that look good color-wise together.

Some great colors for Christmas and holiday photos are reds and greens, winter whites or festive gold and silver.

Our family matching collections make it super easy to dress the kids with a more matching vibe.  Another option is a family photo with matching Christmas pajamas!  Who doesn't love that?  Be sure to check out our other blog post The Best Family Matching Christmas Pajamas This Season to learn more.

Pin Me 📌 Tips for An Easy Family Christmas Photo Shoot

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions. We're here to help you with all your Christmas outfits, from church and parties to playdates and bedtime.

Most importantly, cherish these moments and enjoy yourself during the holiday season. After all, it's the most wonderful time of the year!

brother and sister in Christmas outfits holding hands and laughing pinterest pin

Red Cord Millie Jumper, Red Cord James Bubble

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