How to plan the perfect holiday photoshoot for your Christmas cards! ☃️

Photo by: Ekaterina in Copenhagen

Christmas cards and other tidings of love and joy are an essential part of the holiday season. They are a way to connect with family and friends across the miles, sharing news and sending smiles. 

Our goal is to make this holiday tradition easy and meaningful for you. And guess what? That’s very much in keeping with the origin of the Christmas card!

In 1843, Henry Cole, a member of English society, didn’t have time to send the standard, long Christmas letter, so instead he commissioned an artist to create a festive drawing on a small card he could quickly send out. It included a simple greeting and a spot for him to write each loved one’s name. As friends and family received the whimsical note the idea caught on. Soon everyone wanted to send the same and the Christmas card was born.

Fast forward to present and, like Mr. Cole, we’re still finding that what should be a joyful season can quickly become stressful with long to-do lists. Don’t let Christmas cards contribute to holiday anxiety.  Angle will make getting your holiday tidings done a fun, memorable occasion. With one of our local, professional photographers and relaxing holiday photoshoot you’re guaranteed a portfolio of festive photos to treasure! 

We’ve already shared the reasons why a holiday photoshoot is a must. Now turn that photoshoot into an opportunity to create the perfect holiday card.

Some ideas to inspire your holiday card photoshoot!

🎵 “There's an old Christmas card in an old dusty trunk
And it brings back sweet mem'ries dear to me” 🎵

Here are a few areas to focus on in order to create Christmas and holiday cards you will treasure for years to come…just like in the song!

Include loved ones

The holidays are full of trimmings…trees, candles, lights, feasts…but what it’s really about is time together. With partners, friends, and family…from the two-legged to the four-legged! And the holiday card is another wonderful occasion to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Use your photoshoot as designated time to decorate the tree, put up lights, play a game, or go on an outing. Holiday cards can also capture your new baby’s first Christmas, or the new puppy or kitten in the household, or a rare family get together. Including loved ones makes your holiday photos more meaningful, in the moment and in memories.

Wear something festive

Your clothing should match your personal holiday vibe, whether that’s dressing up or cozy and casual. If there’s a group of you, have fund matching outfits, wearing pajamas, showing off ugly Christmas sweaters, or going super formal. Couples can sparkle in their best party outfits or wrap themselves in holiday lights. Consider a Santa hat for the baby or holiday accessories for your four-legged friends. (Just remember to respect their comfort level!) If you’ve booked a 2 or 3 hour photoshoot, choose a few different outfits. Whether you go for a classic shoot or something more whimsical, make sure you’re comfortable and enjoy yourself!  

Photo by: Ekaterina in Copenhagen

Set the mood

This time of year is known for its special mood and it’s easy to put it to good use in your photoshoot, whether at home or out in the winter wonderland. Indoors, set the mood by baking with grandparents, decorating gingerbread houses with the kids, or trimming the tree together. The Christmas tree is a great prop and your photographer will know how to make dramatic use of low-light settings that can come with twinkle lights and candles. Outdoors there are snowmen to build, festive city streets and Christmas markets to explore, and wintry settings to highlight the season. Props can include candy canes, cups of hot chocolate, scarves and wreaths. The key to setting the mood: be somewhere meaningful…do something seasonal!

Pick the perfect moment

For those who live in the Northern hemisphere this is the darkest time of year. When preparing for a photoshoot it is important to keep this mind and use it to your advantage. Your photographer will know when lighting is best, especially for outdoor shoots. Sunsets come earlier but are still magical. If you choose the coziness of home, you can opt for whatever time suits you and family members, like babies who need naps! As for getting those Christmas cards printed and sent out, earlier is always better. But if it’s already December and you’re just getting to this traditional task, don’t worry! Get your shoot booked with Angle today, enjoy your holiday photoshoot, and within 24-48 hours of your session your photos will be read for you to download!

Quick tips from a photographer on how to get the perfect shoot

If you’ve never had a professional photoshoot or just want some tips on how to make your holiday photoshoot the absolute best, here are suggestions from our photographers. Remember that whomever you book with us will have more tips to share and will be available via chat and during your photoshoot to help you every step of the way.

📸 Be comfortable. This is worth repeating. Remember that some items can be worn for a time, but don’t need to be on the whole time. Like those fabulous, festive heels. Have them handy for a few full length shots, then switch into something more comfortable for the close-ups. Comfort ensures enjoyment and good pics!

📸 Scout your locations ahead of time. If your shoot is local and you have a spot in mind, like that local Christmas tree farm, snowy field, or decorated city block, go check it out. And if your shoot isn’t local, be sure to let your photographer at your destination know what you’re envisioning so they can prepare some options for you using their local knowledge. 

📸 Hire a professional. A holiday photoshoot isn’t just about getting the perfect photo for the holiday card; it’s about spending time together and creating memories to treasure. With a professional photographer you get both! You also get the benefits of their unique skills, quality equipment and artistic eye guaranteed to deliver stunning photos.

📸 Come prepared. This is especially true if your photoshoot isn’t at home. You’ll want to bring brushes, combs, bobby-pins, snacks for the kids and treats for the animals. If the shoot is outdoors in cold winter conditions, you’ll want to check the weather and possibly bring blankets, umbrellas and thermoses of warm drinks…all of which can serve as props too! 

For more, read 6 tips for a picture perfect winter photoshoot!

Last but not least, choose your perfect holiday photographer! 👇🏼

While enjoying the presents and parties, trees and treats of the season, remember to savor the true spirit of the season. The holidays are about love and light, spending time with those we cherish, and spreading kindness during the darkest time of the year. However you spend this season, all of us here at Angle wish all of you the very best of the holidays!