3 Simple Tips for Better Family Holiday Photos This Year

 

Every mama knows the importance of capturing your kids’ smiles around the holidays. But, capturing the magic of Christmas that you have envisioned can sometimes seem like a daunting task. (Psst: Nailing that photo of your toddler’s reaction to the Christmas-lit tree). Well, I’m here to help! Whether photographing your kids near your tree in their Christmas jammies or capturing the whole family, I’ve got 3 simple tips for better family holiday photos this year!

family in front of christmas tree

Christmas Outfit Inspiration

One of the most challenging parts of taking photos of your family is choosing outfits. I typically advise clients to choose light pastel earth tones. But, Christmas time is the perfect time to lean into those rich, deep, warm tones. I love dark reds, olive greens, charcoal greys, and dark blues around Christmastime. I still think that having matchy-matchy outfits should be avoided, unless it’s pj’s! Then by all means, dress the whole fam up! Where is your favorite place to purchase Christmas pj’s from?

Find the Right Time of Day for the Lighting You Want

Are you wanting to capture a family photo outdoors? Or would you prefer to gather the family around the Christmas tree inside? The location you choose will determine the perfect time of day to capture your family. If you’re going for an outdoor photo, I would suggest 1-2 hours before sunset. I’ve also written a helpful post for getting gorgeous family photos.

If indoors by the tree, then I would aim for mid-day when your home is well lit. It’s best to make sure that everyone has good lighting on their faces. It may help to turn your flash on, too. The bigger the window, the more light you will have. Set up a tripod and your camera and have fun! Looking for photography gift ideas this year?!

family holiday photo at home

This year, we did our family photos outdoors in Tennessee at my dad’s farm. These were impromptu. We didn’t coordinate. My youngest is wearing his pj pants. And I’m wearing my gym sneakers (cringe!) But I’m ok with that! Done is better than perfect! I had my dad photograph us. Didn’t he do a great job?!

Want Candids? Keep it Fun!

Every family wants to have candids of their family laughing and enjoying the moment. Sometimes it can be hard to think of ways to get those images. But, I have a couple of tips that might help.

First, sit the kids in the middle. They can be on your lap or sitting on the ground. Then, on the count of three, give them some tickles. Make sure your camera is set up and ready to capture the fun!

Next, a family sandwich you can hold your kids on your hip and put them in the middle. Mom and dad are the bread and the kids are the peanut butter + jelly. Kids get a kick out of it :)

Finally, the 1-2-3 swing. It’s always a hit with kids. It can be hard for the camera to focus, so you’ll want to take a few to make sure you got it. You’ll do this one standing and on the count of three swing your child up in the air. Let siblings take turns. This one is better for outdoors.

For a more formal portrait, I usually tell kiddos to look at the camera lens and see if they see spiderman/batman/elsa (whatever they love) and to smile at the characters in the lens. This usually gauges their interest and helps them look at the camera and smile.

Conclusion: 3 Simple Tips for Better Family Holiday Photos this Year!

The holidays are such a special time, and capturing your family’s unique joy and connection is a gift that lasts well beyond the season. With these tips, I hope you feel empowered to snap those magical moments—whether it’s a perfectly lit family photo by the tree or a spontaneous tickle fight that ends in belly laughs. Remember, the most meaningful photos are the ones that capture the love you share, imperfections and all. So grab your camera, embrace the chaos, and make this year’s holiday photos ones you’ll treasure forever! 🎄✨


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And Just Who am I?

I’m a wife and mama of two boys living in Stuart, FL. I am passionate about preserving family legacies by creating classic and timeless family portraits for those who wish time stood still. I created my portrait sessions to show busy mamas that having a perfectly natural-looking family portrait in their home was not only obtainable… but also a joyful experience!


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