You know what they say, there are two types of people in this world: the people who buy their Christmas presents in July, and the people who are crazed on Christmas Eve. Regardless of which camp you belong to, the objective truth about family Christmas photo shoots is that they’re best done before Christmas. Sorry to be that person, but ‘tis the season to get planning!
Here’s the thing: the internet is flooded with stacks of awkward and embarrassing family Christmas shoots gone wrong. If we have to see another adult in a onesie, God help us. There’s only so much you can blame on the eggnog. Thankfully, there are a million tasteful and playful ways to capture the joy of the season in your festive sessions. If you’re eager to get into the spirit but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.
Keep scrolling for 10 hot tips to sleigh your Christmas shoots this year!
1. Christmas lights
Use a string of Christmas lights to add little sparkles of the fantastical to your images. We mean, it’s Christmas! Why not add all the extra sparkle you can get.
PROMPT IDEA: Close your eyes and give each other Eskimo kisses.
2. Red and evergreen
Description: Shooting against a forested backdrop, ask your subjects to don their most festive reds and winter warmies, creating a seasonal palette for your images.
PROMPT IDEA: Pick out the ULTIMATE Christmas tree here!
3. Annual baking traditions
Gingerbread men or candy cane frosted cookies make the sweetest backdrop for family gatherings in the kitchen.
PROMPT IDEA: Can you make it snow!
4. Christmas tree fun
Dim the lights and let the special moments of wrapping garlands around the tree shine through (splash in lots of Christmas tickles for good measure)
PROMPT IDEA: Tickle who’s been the naughtiest this year!
5. Christmas morning in pajamas
This nostalgia-inducing scene is one of the great hallmarks of Christmas. Get everyone donning their matchy, matchy pajamas, and make it an annual tradition as the kiddies grow.
PROMPT IDEA: Line up in order from youngest to oldest, now loudest to quietest, etc
6. Mistletoe
Get the kids giggling or the parents pashing under the iconic plant that encourages kisses to all those who pass beneath it.
PROMPT IDEA: Go in for a super slow kiss, hold it, hold it, hold it - what are you waiting for, kiss her already!
7. Hanging stockings
If your family is anything like ours, this scene is chaos. Even after having designated spots for everyone’s stockings, there was often some kind of scrummage, vying for the spot that was most likely to capture all of Santa’s Christmas wares. Capture the kids hanging their stockings out for santa.
PROMPT IDEA: What do you want most from Santa this year?
8. Tropical Christmas
For our Antipodean friends who enjoy Christmas under the hot summer sun, lay out a picnic under a palm tree decked out in tinsel or set up mini Christmas trees on the beach.
PROMPT: What does christmas mean to you? What’s something special your family does every year on Christmas day?
9. Hot chocolate
Mmm, nothing like a cup of hot chocolate to warm the cockles (hold the peppermint schnapps for the kiddos) Get everyone lined up with their favourite mugs and soak in the sweetness.
PROMPT: Whisper your favourite Christmas foods in her ear in a russian accent.
10. Festive socks
Baby, it’s cold outside, and we’re not about to let those toes get cold. Wrap your 10 toe friends in festive socks and get creative with the angles.
PROMPT: Can you wiggle your toes in tune to Rudolph the rednosed reindeer?
Planning your family Christmas sessions and getting the word out early will give everyone time to pre plan their famous long-winded Christmas card before it goes out to that uncle in Wyoming they never see. With this list as a starting point, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to harness the yuletide magic.
Let us know how you went with these suggestions, and swap stories and ideas with other like-minded photographers in our Facebook group. If you’ve got a sweet snap and would like to be featured on the app, tag us at @unscriptedposingapp
Hop into our Facebook Group to join the conversation, hang with other rad photographers, and maybe get some ideas for a contest or two.
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FAQ's
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