Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year! It’s encompassed by family, friends, and lots of traditions. In my line of work I get to capture the magic of the season, and for photos, there is no other season like Christmas. I can’t wait to tell you why Christmastime is an important occasion to photograph as well as give you theme ideas and outfit ideas for your holiday photoshoot.
Why is Christmas time an important occasion to photograph? Why not just do regular family photos?
Traditions
Christmastime is an amazing time of year for families because of all the traditions. Some families decorate the Christmas tree together, play in the snow, or make cookies from their family recipes. Other families go and chop down a Christmas tree in the woods together (or for my city folk, you go to a tree lot together and pick out the perfect tree). In my family I take all of the kids to visit Santa. All of these amazing traditions are memories that deserve to be photographed for your family to remember! All of these moments are unique to Christmastime and the joy that it brings.
Perfect for Christmas Cards
Why not send out a unique holiday card this year of you and your family making cookies together in the kitchen? Or possibly you and your family having a flour fight while making cookies in the kitchen? It’s guaranteed to be the best family Christmas card around!
Invest in a great photographer for family Christmas pictures
As you start planning your holiday family photos, think about who you would like to capture those moments. I believe in choosing someone you trust and believe in to capture these memories. This is a great time to hire that photographer you’ve always wanted to work with. I don’t trust my photos to just anyone with a fancy camera. When regular family pictures can be captured anytime, traditions usually only happen at certain times of the year.
Theme ideas
First, Choose a Theme
First I suggest choosing a theme for your Christmas family photos. When you are thinking of a theme, it doesn’t always have to be an activity. Sometimes, the theme for holiday family photos is the feel or look you want. It can also be a place or an outfit choice. Here are a few ideas that are classy, timeless, and beautiful:
- Pictures with Santa
- Casual comfy
- Decorating the Christmas tree
- Making or drinking hot cocoa
- Making cookies
- Surrounded by Christmas decorations
- Indoor white space studio
- In the mountains
- Playing in the snow
- Favorite winter activity
- Matching pajamas
- Make a truck the centerpiece
- Get dressed up
- Build a snowman
Indoor or Outdoor
You might have a special place or tradition you want to include in your Christmas photo shoot. Something that is unique to you and your family. For me, I love white space studios with classy holiday decorations. Indoor and lifestyle studios are great places for Christmastime photo shoots during the Utah winters, because you can look festive without the bulky coats. It’s also a great idea to be indoors when you have babies or other little ones in the photos. If you choose to do your photos indoors, the best time to take photos inside is around noon when the sun is highest in the sky and the room is the brightest. The best time to do outdoor photos is 1-2 hours before sunset.
Utah studios I love for indoor Christmas photo shoots:
Outfits
There are limitless options based on the feel you want for your holiday pictures. Do you want it to be casual/comfy, dressed up, or playful/bright? Pick a theme first, then focus on the outfits.
Best stores to buy family Christmas outfits
- Old Navy for Christmas pajamas
- VICI for your striking dresses
- Boden & MiniOlie for matching family outfits
- UpWest & Athleta for comfy outfits
Best colors and textures for Christmas family photos
For holiday family photos all of my usual rules for outfits can be thrown out the window. Christmas photo shoots can be matchy-matchy, have plaid, Christmas pajamas, or be casual. I do stand by the fact that neutrals like white, heather grey, and tan look great in photos. Flowy dresses on women also look amazing on every body type. But if you are going for that fun or cozy look for your photos, don’t hesitate to add bold Christmas colors like deep red and pine green. If you are looking for outfit ideas for the rest of the year I have a great article on that here.
To book your Utah family Christmas photos and hear about my Christmas mini sessions click here.
