Christmas family pictures: a family wears christmas jumper.

Family photos for Christmas: tips & creative Christmas
photo shoot ideas

A lot of families want a charming family photo at Christmas as a present, Christmas card or memento. However, how do you get the perfect shot? What is the best camera angle? How do I keep my children occupied during a family photo shoot? Suggestion: In this article, get inspired by our creative photo ideas and we will also tell you what you should keep in mind when doing a Christmas photo shoot with children. This way, your Christmas family photos will become marvellous memories.

Christmas outfits for a family photo shoot: a family in mini-me style.

Creative ideas for your Christmas shoot
Christmas family photos: general guidelines
Taking photos of children: what to keep in mind

Creative ideas for family Christmas photos

When planning a Christmas photo shoot, you may ask yourself what a suitable motif could be. Before shooting, think about what your family photo should look like: should it be festive yet elegant, look warm and cosy or should it be rather silly? You can choose your outfits according to what kind of Christmas photo you want to take:

Christmas photo shoot idea 1: Christmas photos mini-me-style

Try a mini-me-look for a whimsical take on your Christmas shoot. Matching family outfits are a cute idea and quite a fashion statement. You are showing the world that you belong together and that you are an unbeatable team. Use this motif to snap a particularly sweet and congenial Christmas picture.

Christmas photo shoot idea 2: pyjama party Christmas photo

Try a festive pyjama party shoot for a really cute and cosy look. Christmas pyjamas with festive designs like reindeer, fir trees or snowflakes truly accentuate this look. You can coordinate your pyjamas for an even cuter and coherent overall appearance.

’All you need for your Christmas pyjama party’

Christmas pyjamas for the whole family

Pyjama sets for big & small

Matching Christmas socks

Christmas photo shoot idea 3: an elegant family photo

Make sure your outfits are Christmassy if you would like to capture a classic Christmas portrait. For example, an elegant dress or a fine trouser suit are good choices for women. Another way to create a stylish Christmas look, is by pairing a skirt with a cosy cashmere jumper. Men can steal the show by wearing an elegant shirt and trousers or with a checkered suit – a true classic. Similarly, you can create an enchanting look for your children with festive fashion: for example, chiffon dresses or a pretty skirt paired with a jumper are great for girls. Boys can wear a suit or a smart shirt with jeans.

To achieve a harmonious overall impression on your Christmas pictures, you can colour coordinate your outfits with one another. For example, red, green and white are classic Christmas colours and they will go well with the Christmas decor.

Tip: a popular example of an elegant motif is a family portrait in front of a beautifully lit Christmas tree. Make sure that tall people stand behind anybody who is smaller.

’All you need for your elegant family photo’

Christmas photo shoot idea 4: casual Christmas photo

If you prefer a casual look for your Christmas outfits, you can throw on a comfy Norwegian jumper or pair a blouse/shirt with a pair of jeans. A knitted dress is also a great choice for women and girls alike. This is a great idea for taking photos of your loved ones at Christmas time and it’s a terrific way to get authentic Christmas shots.

Tip: Comfy Christmas outfits are a great choice when snapping pictures while decorating the Christmas tree, baking biscuits or unwrapping presents.

’All you need for your casual family photo’

His & hers warm jumpers

Warm winter shirts

Women’s knitted dresses

Boy’s jumpers

Girl’s knitted dresses

Christmas photo shoot idea 5: silly family photos

Do you want to take a silly Christmas photo that will make your friends and family smile? What about an ugly Christmas jumper photo? They are a real eye catcher on photos and will certainly make your photo shoot a lot of fun. Alternatively, you can use Christmas accessories like festive knitted hats or faux reindeer antlers for your family photo.

Discover our range of ugly Christmas jumpers

Christmas photo shoot idea 6: outdoor family photo

Taking family photos outside at Christmas time will get everyone into the Christmas spirit. However, you will need your winter jacketsas it can get really cold wearing just a blouse, shirt or jumper outside. Kitted out with warm puffer jackets, woollen coats or parkas, you can easily brave the cold. Colourful accessories like knitted hats, gloves and scarves keep you nice and warm and look great on a festive family photo.

All you need for your outdoor family photo

His and hers winter jackets

Children’s winter jackets

Winter hats & caps

Winter scarves

Plus size winter jackets

Creative Christmas family photos: a family taking a silly selfie at their dining table.

Helpful hints & tips for taking family photos at Christmas

It can be challenging to take a good family photo at Christmas. To make things less stressful for you, we have compiled a list of useful tips on how to shoot Christmas photos with your loved ones. With these tips, you are sure to get that perfect Christmas shot that captures the magical atmosphere of your Christmas celebration.

Timing: timing your shoot well is essential if you wish to capture your family in good spirits. The best time for this is when they are still cheerful and motivated – such as before a meal or handing out presents.
Backdrop: the backdrop of a family photo plays an important role and should harmonise with the overall theme. A decorated Christmas tree, a fireplace with colourful Christmas stockings or a string of fairy lights are popular background elements for a family Christmas photo.
Lighting: daylight is your best friend if you want to take photos outside. It gives your photo a natural look and illuminates the scene evenly. If you want to take photos indoors, then you can use the available daylight coming from your windows.
Perspective: the right perspective plays an important role in getting the perfect Christmas picture. For example, portraits are a popular choice to for taking a photo of the whole family at Christmas. You can use a tripod to make sure the picture is not blurry. Positioning your camera (or smartphone) on a tripod at eye level or slightly higher is a particularly flattering angle.

Tip: More often than not, spontaneous snap shots make the best pictures. So, always keep your camera or smartphone at hand to capture those special moments at Christmas.

Do you want to delve deeper into photography techniques? Then you can find helpful information in our guide on: Photography for beginners.

Christmas photo shoot: a father photographing his wife and daughter whilst baking Christmas biscuits.

Photographing children: things to keep in mind

When taking photos of children, remember to put yourself at their eye level. A photo at eye level looks more natural and puts the child in centre spot. Keep in mind, children have the most fun if they are kept entertained whilst being photographed. For example, a stuffed animal works for small children and telling jokes will help to keep older children entertained. This makes them forget about the camera and will help to make sure they have a natural smile on the photos.

If you want to do a photo shoot with your baby at Christmas, then preparation is key. Plan enough time and consider possible motifs beforehand. You can lay out a suitable outfit or prepare a backdrop ahead of time. The star of the show should also be ready: your baby should be well-rested and fed. Now, mindful of your baby, you can begin your Christmas photo shoot.

Conclusion: make your family Christmas photo shoot a success

It can be a challenge to get an optimal family photo at Christmas. The right timing and good preparation are the key to success. Plan in advance a suitable background, what perspective you want and your Christmas outfits. This will help guide your family and you can get your photos done quickly. You can often capture the most beautiful moments with spontaneous snap shots, so keep your camera at the ready.

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