Christmas Photography: Backdrop and Prop Photo Ideas

Author:
Rose Clearfield
Updated date:
Feb 24, 2015

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.

christmas-photography-picture-backdrop-prop-photo-ideas — Copyright 2013, Rose Clearfield


A Few Options for Christmas Props and Backdrops
Newborn Infants and Babies
Children
Family Portraits
Engagements and Couple Sessions
Christmas Season Weddings

Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to plan a photo session for infants, kids, couples, or families. This holiday think about using fun accessories, props, and backdrops for your pictures. With options ranging from kid props to backgrounds and banners, there is something here for everyone.

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Baby and Kid Props and Accessories

Christmas accessories. Holiday headbands, bow ties, and neckties are all wonderful wardrobe additions for Christmas shoots.
Christmas lights. Wrapping your baby or small child up (loosely) in Christmas lights is a fun, classic pose with lots of possibility for rich bokeh. Consider both clear and colored lights for different aesthetics.
Christmas presents. A baby or small child will fit comfortably in a large Christmas present. Presents also make great props for older kids.
Christmas stocking. A large stocking makes a sweet cocoon for a little baby.
Milk and cookies for Santa. There is nothing wrong with taste testing a cookie or two before you leave them out for Santa.
Santa hats. Any winter hat is appropriate for a Christmas photography shoot, but why not break out the Santa hat this time? They are readily available in a wide variety of sizes.
Wreath. A Christmas wreath is a fun way to frame a child's face.

Children and Christmas Lights Tips! Tip #30

Engagement and Couple Session Ideas

Christmas lights. Wrap a lit strand of lights around the two of you.
Holiday or romantic sign. Hold a small chalkboard or other sign with the message of your choice. Some people opt for Christmas messages while others choose romantic messages such as "I love you" or a wedding date.
Winter recreation. For many people, there is positive association between snow and Christmas. If you have the chance to get some photos in the snow, go for it. Consider bringing a sled with you or having a snowball fight.

Photography Tips on Engagement Sessions Tip #18

A Christmas banner can serve as a holiday backdrop for virtually any setting. Think about making a banner that is versatile enough to use throughout the winter and/or is sturdy enough to be used again in subsequent years. Here are just a few popular ideas for Christmas banners. You can mix and match them any way that you like.

"Merry Christmas."
"Be merry."
"Have yourself a merry little Christmas."
Traditional, modern, or unique Christmas color palettes.
"Joy."
"Noel."
Stockings.
"Hope."
"Joy to the world" and the titles of other Christmas carols.
12 Days of Christmas theme

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Christmas Background and Backdrop Ideas

Christmas tree. Gather the whole family for a shot around the decorated tree. Do you enjoy picking out and/or decorating a tree together every year? Don't forget to take a few shots documenting these experiences as well.
Hanging ornaments. While some people opt for the Christmas tree as a backdrop, other people opt to make ornament displays or backdrops specifically for photos.
Mantel. If you hang your stockings on the fireplace and/or have other holiday decorations on the mantel, this is a great location for a holiday photo shoot.
Pine trees. Are you looking for options for outdoor shoots? If you want to change up the routine from decorated Christmas trees, go for plain pine trees instead.

bokeh special effects photography cool tips and tricks - play with your Christmas lights

More photography resources from the author.

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