Photo Ideas · Christmas Cards
A Christmas Card Worth Keeping
Six unique, easy Christmas card photo ideas that capture the fun and togetherness of the holidays.
What Are Some Unique Christmas Card Photo Ideas?
My six favorites are a Christmas twirl, breaking through a wall of wrapping paper, hot chocolate as a family, lying down together, the classic arm-in-arm photo, and candid pictures while the kids decorate. Here’s how to do each one.
Get Moving
Twirls and spins bring out real smiles and fun movement.
Stay Cozy
Hot chocolate, tree lights and stockings make easy, warm backgrounds.
Let Kids Play
Wrapping paper and decorating bring out real smiles.
Idea 01
Twirl Because It’s Christmas!
Hold hands and have one person twirl the other, or let the kids twirl on their own. Easy enough, right?
Make sure you are dressed up for the holidays because this one is a keeper! You can capture the fun and the essence of togetherness, all in one photo.
Behind the shot
My Camera Settings
1/400
Shutter speed
f/4
Aperture
8,000
ISO
35mm
Focal length
These are the exact settings for the twirl photo at the start of Idea 01, taken indoors on a Canon EOS R6 Mark III.
Idea 02
Break Through a Wall of Wrapping Paper
Hang a wall of wrapping paper and have the kiddos break through it. This can be really cute and super fun!
Tip
Bring a few extra rolls of wrapping paper in case you need to do it again!
Idea 03
Hot Chocolate as a Family
Have everyone sit on a couch with a Christmas tree or lights in the back, and ask them to talk and smile at each other.
Make some hot chocolate, ask the kids to help, and take pictures along the way!
Idea 04
fun on the floor
Have everyone lie down on the floor together, close enough that their heads are near each other. Then ask them to look at the camera, or say something silly to get them laughing.
Tip
Make sure you get the kids to smile!
Idea 05
The Classic: Arm in Arm
Have everyone stand arm in arm in front of the tree or the lights. This is a classic, and it works every time.
It’s a simple, easy family photo to take, and you can reuse it for other occasions.
Want the tree lights to glow behind your family? Read Christmas Tree Photography: 3 Easy Steps to Capture the Glow.
Idea 06
Take Pictures While the Kids Decorate
This one is possibly one of my favorites, and the pictures are so cute afterward!
Tip
Turn your shutter speed up so you don’t end up with motion blur. Read Shutter Speed Explained to learn how.
Common questions
Christmas Card Photo Questions
What are some unique Christmas card photo ideas?
Try a Christmas twirl, have the kids break through a wall of wrapping paper, drink hot chocolate as a family by the tree, lie down together on the floor, take a classic arm-in-arm photo, or take candid pictures while the kids decorate.
What shutter speed should I use for Christmas photos with kids?
Turn your shutter speed up so moving kids don’t blur. My twirl photo was taken at 1/400 of a second.
When should I take Christmas card photos?
Take them early, in November or the first part of December, so you have time to order your cards and mail them before Christmas.
“Don’t settle for inside-the-box pictures. Think outside the box!”
Keep learning
More Holiday Photo Ideas
Planning your holiday photos? These guides will help.
