Holiday Photoshoot – Simple Tips for a Festive Family Photoshoot

It’s December 22, and the holiday countdown is in full swing! If you haven’t squeezed in your family photoshoot yet, don’t worry—you’ve still got time to capture some festive memories before Christmas. Whether you’re sending out last-minute holiday cards or just want some fun snaps for Instagram, a DIY holiday photoshoot doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tips and a little creativity, you’ll have frame-worthy pictures in no time.

Let’s dive into some easy tips for nailing a holiday-themed family photoshoot that’s festive, fun, and (most importantly) stress-free!

1. Choose a Festive Location

The backdrop sets the tone for your photos, so pick a spot that feels cozy and seasonal. You don’t need a fancy studio—your home or a local outdoor spot works perfectly!

Ideas for Backdrops:

• In Front of the Christmas Tree: Decorate it with warm lights and ornaments, and let the twinkle do the magic.

• Outdoors: Think snowy woods, a park with evergreen trees, or even your front porch with holiday decorations. We have a tree farm very close to our house. One year Heidi and I posed our kids in front of the trees.

• By the Fireplace: Cozy up in front of a roaring fire with stockings hanging above.

• DIY Backdrop: Hang a string of fairy lights or a garland against a plain wall for a clean, festive vibe.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re outdoors, try timing your shoot during golden hour (an hour after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering light.

2. Coordinate Your Outfits (But Don’t Go Overboard!)

Matching outfits are cute, but you don’t want to look like Christmas pajamas exploded all over your family. Instead, aim for coordinated colors or themes that work together.

Outfit Ideas:

• Classic Holiday Colors: Red, green, white, or gold always pop in photos.

• Cozy Layers: Sweaters, scarves, and boots give off a warm winter vibe.

• Plaid or Flannel: Perfect for a rustic or outdoorsy feel.

• Neutral Tones: Creams, greys, and soft pastels look elegant and timeless.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overly busy patterns or large logos—they can distract from the photo.

3. Keep It Natural

The best family photos are the ones that feel genuine, not stiff or overly posed. Aim for fun, candid moments instead of forcing everyone to smile perfectly at the camera.

How to Encourage Natural Shots:

• Play a game or tell jokes to get everyone laughing.

• Have the kids decorate cookies or toss fake snow for action shots.

• Let little ones hold props like ornaments or candy canes—they’ll stay entertained and look adorable.

• Capture candid moments of the family interacting rather than everyone staring at the camera.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using a timer or a tripod, set up the shot and tell a story or give simple instructions to keep everyone engaged.

4. Add Fun Props

Props add a festive touch to your photos and give everyone something to do with their hands (no awkward arm-hanging here!).

Prop Ideas:

• Wrapped presents or gift boxes

• String lights or sparklers for a glowing effect

• Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or elf ears

• A chalkboard with a holiday message like “Merry Christmas 2023”

• Hot cocoa mugs with marshmallows (bonus points for whipped cream!)

💡 Pro Tip: Use lightweight props so kids can hold them easily—and keep a few spares in case something breaks or goes missing mid-shoot.

5. Get the Kids Involved

If you’ve got kids in the mix, let them take the lead sometimes. They’ll be way more cooperative if they feel like they’re part of the process.

Kid-Friendly Ideas:

• Let them pick a silly pose or face to do for one photo.

• Create a “photo scavenger hunt” where they find holiday props to use.

• Reward them with a treat after (hello, candy canes!).

💡 Pro Tip: Keep it short and sweet. Most kids have a 15–20 minute attention span, so aim to capture the best shots early on.

6. Lighting Is Key

Good lighting can make or break a photoshoot, and luckily, it doesn’t have to be complicated!

Lighting Tips:

• Natural Light: If you’re shooting indoors, position your family near a window for soft, natural light.

• Twinkle Lights: Use string lights for a warm, magical glow.

• Ring Light: If it’s dark or overcast, a ring light can add brightness without harsh shadows.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid using your camera’s flash—it can create harsh shadows. Instead, work with soft, diffused light for a cozy look.

7. Use a Tripod or Remote

If you’re doing the photoshoot yourself, a tripod is your best friend. It lets you set up the shot, step into the frame, and avoid the whole “propping your phone on a stack of books” struggle.

How to Set It Up:

• Use a tripod with a phone or camera mount.

• Set a timer, or use a Bluetooth remote to snap photos without running back and forth.

• Take multiple shots in a row so you can pick the best ones later.

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a tripod, use a sturdy surface like a table or fence post to stabilize your camera.

8. Don’t Stress About Perfection

The holidays are all about joy and togetherness—not creating a picture-perfect family portrait. Sometimes the candid, messy moments end up being the most treasured. If your toddler makes a silly face or your dog refuses to sit still, embrace it!

Final Touches:

• Use a simple editing app like Lightroom Mobile or VSCO to brighten your photos or adjust colors.

• Add a festive filter or text overlay if you’re sharing on social media.

• Print your favorites for a holiday card or frame them for next year’s decorations.

💡 Pro Tip: If things aren’t working out, take a break and try again later. A happy, relaxed family makes for the best photos!

Capture the Magic

A festive family photoshoot is less about getting every detail right and more about capturing the love and laughter of the season. With these tips, you’re sure to end up with photos you’ll treasure for years to come—and maybe even a new holiday tradition.

What are your favorite holiday photo ideas? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear your creative tips! Happy snapping, and Merry Christmas! 📸🎄✨