How to take your own Christmas Family Photos

Tips from Ipswich Family Photographer:

How to make your DIY Christmas family photos look fabulous

Couple wearing matching christmas pajamas and santa hats cuddling by the Christmas tree an an in home family session

Ah, the magical chaos of Christmas with the family! It’s that time of year when everyone’s under one roof, creating a mix of unforgettable moments—some planned, some pleasantly unexpected. With all the laughter and joyful madness, snapping the perfect Christmas family photo can feel like catching a snowflake in a blizzard. But fear not! I’ve got a sackful of tips to help your photos sparkle like tinsel on a tree. Let’s turn those ordinary snapshots into cherished memories frozen in time!

These tips can be used whether you have a DSLR camera, or a smartphone camera.

TIP #1Don’t Always Pose the family

Gathering the whole gang in front of the twinkling tree and shouting “CHEESE” might feel a bit staged. More often than not, it leads to those awkward grins and strange looks that don’t quite capture your family’s true spirit. Instead, aim for those candid, heartwarming moments where everyone’s engaged, sharing laughter, and being themselves. Those are the snapshots that truly reflect your family’s joy and connection.


Sure, it’s nice to have a couple of classic “everyone-look-at-the-camera” shots. They’re like the cherry on top! But not every snap needs to be a portrait session. Let the natural magic unfold, and your Christmas family photos will shine even brighter.

Be a storyteller!

Snap away during those real, candid moments—little Timmy tangled in tinsel, Grandad’s epic nap session after too much eggnog, or the chaotic joy of everyone clinking glasses, toasting to a brighter year ahead. Those photos tell the real story of your Christmas better than any stiff, awkward poses ever could.”

Christmas family photos

TIP #2 – Let the light in

Brightening up those family moments is crucial for picture-perfect memories! Light is key when you’re snapping those precious Christmas family photos. Remember, “photography” is all about that brilliant dance of light and shadows!

Before the festive chaos kicks in, scout your house for the best lighting spots. Take a few trial shots to gauge the light situation. If things are feeling a bit dim, open up those windows and let it flood in—Hello natural light!
Voilà, instant magic!

Psst, here’s a pro tip: try avoiding that smartphone flash. It’s notorious for making faces look washed out and adding red-eye effects. Not the jolly look we’re aiming for!

But hey, if the light’s doing a sunbeam tango with your lens, don’t panic! Shift yourself around or get creative with a sheer curtain to soften the glow. Remember, it’s all about finding that sweet spot where everyone shines without turning into radiant snowmen!

Christmas family photos

TIP #3 – Consider the background

Ever noticed how the background tends to photobomb the star of your Christmas family photos? It’s like the holiday chaos just sneaks its way into every frame! But fear not, I’ve got some tips to keep those festive photos looking fabulously clutter-free.

Think of it like setting the stage for your family’s big photo moment. You want the spotlight on them, not on the mountain of wrapping paper or rogue toys. So, here’s the deal: minimize the background noise!

Get creative with your angles—get low for a sneaky peek without wrapping paper chaos or go high to focus on those tiny hands unwrapping dreams. That way, you can skip the accidental appearances of clutter and focus on those priceless moments. And hey, if all else fails, let the furniture do the hiding! Who knew a well-placed table, couch, or a strategic bench could be the unsung heroes of your holiday pics?

Christmas family photos

TIP #4 – Composition

Okay, so we’ve all been there, standing upright, camera poised, and our subject smack dab in the center of the frame. Nothing wrong with that—let’s call it the classic ‘cheese’ position!

But, if you’re keen on turning those Christmas family photos into something really eye-catching, it’s time to get artsy. Enter: composition. Yup, it’s how you set up your shot!

Embrace your inner artist!

When snapping pics of the kiddos, why not stoop down to their level? Or try out some aerial acrobatics—shoot from above or below for a fresh perspective. Oh, and here’s a cool trick: the rule of thirds. Imagine your screen divided into three equal parts and aim to place your main peeps along those third lines, not smack in the center. It’s like creating visual magic! Trust me, it’ll make your pics pop and keep those holiday memories extra sparkly. Check out more on the rule of thirds here!

Christmas family photos
These tips are like little secrets to unlock the best moments! Experiment with them in the run-up to the big day and watch your memories blossom beautifully. I’m genuinely excited to see your holiday snaps! Share your cherished moments on my Facebook page if you fancy spreading the joy. Let’s turn those merry moments into unforgettable captures!
If you would love to have an experienced photographer capture some pre-Christmas family photos for you, then sign up for my newsletter and be the first to know about my discounted Christmas mini sessions.

Newsletter signup

Be the first to hear about our special offers, and discounted mini sessions!

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas, and New year.

4 thoughts on “How to take your own Christmas Family Photos

  1. Sharyn Iacuzio

    Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always helpful to read through articles from other authors and use a little something from their websites.

Comments are closed.