How to take good Christmas card photos

There’s no better way to spread festive cheer than with a Christmas card. If you want to make your season’s greetings even more special, why not create a personalised Christmas card featuring your own pictures?

Whether you need a multi-pack of cards for sending updates to faraway friends, capturing a new family portrait with or starting a festive tradition, taking your own Christmas card photos is a fun way to bring the family together and create something unique to share with loved ones. Plus, when you make your own cards, you can customise the design to include whatever you want it to, from cheerful graphics to heartfelt messages.

In this guide, we’ve included some step-by-step tips on how to take the perfect picture for and create your own photo cards for Christmas. We’ve even got some extra tricks to make setting up your photoshoot as smooth and fun as possible.

So, let’s get in the festive spirit. Lights, camera, action!

Step 1: Set the scene

The key to getting good Christmas card photos is to make sure you’ve got the right set up. This means unpacking the decorations, putting the tree up and sorting out the lighting. Set aside a morning or afternoon to get the whole family involved with the decorating to get everyone in the festive spirit.

And make sure to put away anything you don’t want in the background of your pictures. While you might be able to crop out some clutter, it’ll save you time in the long run to tidy up beforehand.

Once you’re happy with your background, we also recommend taking a few practice snaps. This way you can get a preview of what’ll be captured within the photograph and have time to make any adjustments.

Tip: Taking photos in natural light is best so make sure to create your set up near the window to make the most of the light coming in. We recommend allowing yourself lots of time to take the photos too - you don’t want to run out of daylight while you’re sorting out the space! If you are short on time, why not create your set up the day/evening before and then get everyone together the morning of your photo shoot? That way you can spread out the fun and give yourself lots of time to take your pictures in the best lighting.

Step 2: Dress up and prepare your props

Now you’ve created a beautiful festive scene, it’s time to put on your own Christmassy looks. Coordinate with your decorations or dress in something more traditional to stand out from your background and create a striking image.

Whether everyone’s dressing up in matching Christmas jumpers or their festive best, make sure each family member is comfortable and happy - you don’t want frowning faces or someone fidgeting with their clothes to be captured in your Christmas card photos.

You can also have fun with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers or festive treats. Get creative and pick some items that let your family’s personality shine.

Step 3: Set up the shot

It’s almost time! Set up your phone or camera on a tripod or other object to keep it stable when the time comes to take your pictures. If you’re using a ring light or lamp, get this in position too and make sure no one will be in shadow.

Before getting everyone together, it’s your final chance to adjust your setup so take a look through the viewfinder on your camera and make sure you’re happy with your background.

Step 4: Bring everyone together

Now it’s time to gather everyone together in front of the camera. Choose a spot that feels natural and comfortable so everyone is relaxed and smiling when the shutter goes off.

And don’t forget your pets! They’ll love getting into the festival spirit so make sure they’ve got a place in your picture as well.

Step 5: Say ‘Merry Christmas’!

Photo time! Once everyone’s in position, it’s time to set your camera on a timer and take your pictures. Try and keep things short and snappy to avoid little kids getting bored and remember to try out some different poses to keep things fun.

If everyone is up for it, you can also try different arrangements - mum and dad on their own, one of all the kids, just your pet under the tree - there’s endless possibilities for unique christmas card photos.

If things aren’t going right on the day, don’t stress! The beauty of taking your own christmas card photos is that you can try again. No one needs to know about the bloopers and outtakes.

Tip: Take the pressure of getting the ‘perfect shot’ putting your camera or phone into burst mode. This will capture lots of pictures at once, helping you get the right photo for your christmas cards. All you have to do is get in position and smile!

Make your christmas cards unique with CEWE

Once you’ve got your Christmas card photos, turn them into something special with CEWE.

Use our online tool or our Creator Software to design and order custom photo Christmas cards using the picture you’ve taken.

From cards with removable photos to direct delivery cards, we’ve got plenty of styles and templates to help you create something special. And you can choose from a range of finishing touches like colourful envelopes, clip art and text to make your cards truly unique. You can even add a video message to bring your photos to life.