The holidays are all about making memories with your loved ones, but let’s be honest—getting those perfect family holiday photos can feel like herding cats in Santa hats.
I personally love photos in front of the tree with it lit up in all it’s glory! I have so many holiday memories captured in these photos going back to our first Christmas with my oldest where I captured what would be the last photo of my beloved dog Maxie. You can see it here but I’ll warn you the post is a real tearjerker. Over the years I’ve captured new dogs, my pregnancy belly’s and eventually all my kiddos together in their Christmas jammies in front of the tree. It’s one of my favorite traditions!
I’m also trying to get better about just capturing moments throughout the season especially when family is in town. It’s not often we can all get together but my favorite memories have always been Christmas Eve dinner with my family. It’s the perfect time to update photos with my Gram or my siblings!
As a lifestyle Charlottesville photographer specializing in capturing natural and joyful moments, I know how to take the stress out of family holiday photos. These three tips will help you create photos you’ll treasure for years to come.
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Coordinate Your Outfits
The key to stunning family photos isn’t matching outfits—it’s harmony. Choose a cohesive color palette, like neutrals with pops of holiday red or green, and let each family member’s personality shine through. Avoid busy patterns that might clash and instead focus on classic, timeless looks.
I remember as a kid my mom would always look for a red velvet dress for Christmas and I’ll never forget the year she found the ONE for her and it had coordinating daughter dresses for my sister and I. 30+ years later and I can still remember those dresses :). For our family holiday photos this year Grace and I had coordinating green dresses! David and the boys wore blue and green and we used black watch plaid ties and bow ties to …wait for it….. tie it all together 😂, sorry I couldn’t resist!
Photographer’s Tip: I’m okay with matching outfits if it’s something fun like Christmas jammies! I’m okay with coordinating mother/daughter outfits but steer clear of white shirts and jeans for everyone!
Find the Right Lighting and Timing
Family get togethers at the holidays are always a great chance to grab everyone for a new family photo! You don’t have to make a whole photo shoot out of it but grab a tripod and stick your phone on it at the very least. Set the timer, jump in and smile!
Remember that lighting can make or break a photo, so plan ahead. If you’re taking photos outside, aim for the golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—for that soft, glowing light. Find an open area in the yard and put the sun behind everyone to get beautiful light!
Photographer’s Tip: If you are doing a big family photo tell everyone to be ready at least 15min before you plan to start. Someone will always run late finishing their hair! If you are shooting close to sunset you don’t want to run out of light.
Also take advantage of covered porches if you have them. They can be great for diffusing the light unless it’s like my house which gets direct sun on the porch all day! If you have a great covered porch with even lighting you can do your photos any time of day practically.
For indoor shots, position your family near a window for beautiful natural light, and turn off any overhead lights that create unflattering shadows. Everyone gathered around the Christmas tree is always a great indoor shot.
Photographer’s Tip: If you’re booking a session with me, we’ll time everything perfectly for that dreamy, warm holiday glow.
Keep it Fun
The best family holiday photos aren’t always the posed ones—they’re the moments that happen in between. Play a favorite holiday song, tell silly jokes, or have the kids decorate cookies while you snap away. When everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves, the smiles will be genuine and the memories even sweeter. This is the perfect time to get photos of the kids with grandparents! Give them an activity and watch for the perfect shot. Have them show you the cookie they decorated together and get genuine smiles!
This year I plan to do a mini photo session of my kiddos in their jammies having fun on my bed! I get to capture their wild crazy sides not to mention the genuine laughter as I’m sure a pillow fight will break out. Say a prayer now for my bedside lamps, I may have to temporarily relocate them!
Photographer’s Tip: Don’t stress about perfection—your family’s connection is what makes the photo magical.
Better Family Holiday Photos Start Here
Capturing the perfect family holiday photo doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little planning, the right light, and a focus on fun, you’ll create beautiful photos full of holiday joy.
Want stress-free, stunning family holiday photos this year? Let me take care of it! We can plan an in home session capturing you guys decorating the tree and making cookies! Or you can have your own pajama party!
Reach out to book your session today, and let’s capture the magic of your family’s holiday season.
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Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2024.
