The holiday season is filled with joy, wonder, and little moments that become treasured memories—especially when you’re celebrating your baby’s first Christmas. From twinkling lights to cozy snuggles, this magical time offers endless opportunities to capture beautiful photos of your baby or toddler. A simple Christmas photoshoot at home can help you freeze these moments in time, turning them into keepsakes you’ll cherish forever.
If you’re planning a DIY Christmas photoshoot with your baby, here are some easy, mom-friendly tips to make your photos festive, heartwarming, and Instagram-worthy.
The Importance of Holiday Memories
Every holiday season has its own special magic, but a baby’s first few Christmases are truly unforgettable. They're filled with excitement, new experiences, and sweet reactions to everything—lights, ornaments, wrapping paper, you name it.
Taking the time to photograph these moments helps you preserve memories you’ll look back on for years. These images become family heirlooms, reminders of cozy days spent together, and the joy of watching your child discover the magic of Christmas.
Choosing The Perfect Location
The beauty of an at-home Christmas photoshoot is that you don’t need a studio—just a festive corner and good lighting. Look around your home for spaces that feel cozy, warm, and seasonal. A few ideas:
✨ Living Room
Center your photos around the Christmas tree. The lights and decorations naturally create a magical backdrop.
✨ Nursery
A comfortable, familiar space for your baby. Add a few holiday touches like pillows, blankets, or a tiny wreath.
✨ Window Area
Natural light is your best friend. Soft daylight creates warm, bright photos without extra equipment.
For our photoshoot, I used the living room and placed the Christmas tree as the main focus. It instantly created a festive atmosphere without any extra setup.
Outfits + Props
The right outfits and props can elevate your photos from simple snapshots to adorable holiday portraits.
Outfit ideas:
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Santa baby outfits
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Cozy holiday pajamas
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Soft, neutral knits for a timeless look
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Festive headbands, hats, or bows
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Cute holiday rompers or lounge sets
Prop ideas:
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Mini Christmas trees
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Stuffed animals in holiday attire
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Ornaments (shatterproof for safety!)
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Christmas wreaths
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Holiday books
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Soft blankets or faux snow
Thrift stores are great places to find unique seasonal props on a budget, so don’t be afraid to explore!
Create a Shot List + Pose Ideas
A shot list helps you stay organized—especially when photographing babies, who lose interest fast. Save pose inspiration from Pinterest or Instagram ahead of time so you know exactly what you want to capture.
Shot ideas:
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Baby sitting by the Christmas tree with lights glowing behind them
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Snuggled up in cozy blankets
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Close-ups of little smiles, smirks, and giggles
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Holding, reaching for, or examining an ornament
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Dancing or rocking by the tree with your baby or toddler
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Baby lying on a soft rug surrounded by ornaments or twinkle lights
Posing tips:
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Always support your baby for comfort and safety.
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Capture natural moments—those little expressions and curious faces are pure Christmas magic.
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Use toys or peek-a-boo to encourage genuine smiles.
Remember, the sweetest photos often come from spontaneous moments rather than perfectly posed ones.
Camera Settings + Editing Tips
Whether you’re using a DSLR or your phone, you can get beautiful Christmas photos at home with the right settings.
For DSLR users:
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Wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4) for soft, dreamy backgrounds
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Low ISO (100–400) for crisp images
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Fast shutter speed—especially for active toddlers
For smartphone users:
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Use portrait mode for blurred backgrounds
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Tap to focus on your baby’s face
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Try your phone’s pro mode if available for more control
Basic Editing (easy + mom-friendly)
Once your photos are taken, a little editing brings them to life.
Great apps for quick editing:
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Canva
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VSCO
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Tezza
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Aurora
These apps make it simple to adjust brightness, contrast, warmth, and apply filters. Keep colors natural, but gently increase saturation to make the holiday tones pop.
Advanced Editing (optional)
If you love editing or want a more professional look:
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Photoshop can remove distractions or small blemishes.
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Lightroom (desktop or mobile) is excellent for color grading, especially if you shoot in RAW.
I personally edit all my photos in Lightroom because it gives me more control over color, warmth, and lighting. The mobile version is also great for editing on the go.
Final Thoughts
A Christmas photoshoot with your baby doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be meaningful. With a cozy space, a few festive props, and natural moments between you and your little one, you can capture beautiful holiday memories you’ll treasure forever.
