5 Unique Holiday Photo Ideas
Ah, the holidays! A time filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, countless photo opportunities.
As photographers, we have the chance to capture the essence of this special season in ways that go beyond the typical snapshots. Imagine infusing your holiday sessions with fresh and unique ideas that not only delight your clients but also inspire your creativity.
In this post, we’ll explore some fun and innovative concepts that will help you make the most of this festive time. Get ready to bring a little extra cheer to your photography!
1
Fly on the wall at holiday dinner
Have a client that’s looking for something a little more intimate than a studio portrait session? Ask them if they’d be comfortable with hosting a family dinner at their home with holiday decorations and dress! Capture them breaking bread together, toasting to a joyful closure of the year, or sharing stories around the table. Your clients will really wow their family and friends with holiday photos that help their distant loved ones feel a bit closer by giving them a seat at the table.
2
capture the small moments of magic-making
Yes, the pomp and circumstance of holiday festivities are worth photographing, but so are the small moments where we’re preparing for the “big day.” Whether you photograph your client at a studio or in their home, capture moments that feel like they’d be “behind the scenes magic.” This could be wrapping presents, baking cookies, trimming the tree, reading a bedtime story, hanging twinkle lights, etc. If you’re feeling stumped- ask yourself what activities come to mind when you think of the holiday season?
3
create your client’s holiday look-book
We’d be lying if we said that the holidays aren’t a time to dress up and wrap yourself in gorgeous golds, reds, ribbons, and sweaters to celebrate the season! For the fashion-forward client, offer to do a “Holiday Look-Book” where they can model multiple outfits that they’re excited to show off this season. They could do a “capsule collection” where they select multiple outfits in the same vibe, or show their range with a night-out look, cozy night-in look, their warmest sweaters, or anything else they want to show off!
4
don’t forget prancer, dancer, donner, and vixen!
Not every family is entirely human! Don’t forget to snap some festive shots of your clients’ furry family members. If you’re looking for ways to infuse a little holiday magic into pet portraits, try leaning into a “naughty or nice” pet photoshoot! If they’re on the nice list, photograph them among (or in!) gifts, under the tree, or napping on a snuggly blanket. If they’re getting coal in their stocking, create some staged chaos! Let them play with garland, ribbons and bows, wrapping paper, and maybe even snack on some pet-safe cookies!
5
special gift exchange
If you’re shooting a portrait session with a family and notice that you’re losing the kids’ attention, ask if you can have a parent give them a gift. This takes a little pre-planning, but by coming prepared with pre-wrapped gifts (affordably sourced from Five Below or another value store) you can re-engage even the most energetic kids! Be sure to photograph your client giving their children the gifts! This will be a win-win-win! You’ll be able to capture an authentic moment, the kids will be happy with the gift, and your clients will be impressed by the sentiment!
We hope these ideas spark some inspiration and give you some ideas to make your holiday photos sessions even more magical!
Looking for a place to shoot holiday sessions? Check out our Holiday Sets!