Christmas Photography: Backdrop and Prop Photo Ideas

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

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.

• Bump Smitten: Baby Shower Idea: Holiday Photo Booth Asseccories
  These accessories are fun for any holiday photo session.

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

Keep things simple with a free printable Christmas banner.

• sugartotdesigns: Noel Christmas Banner - {Free Printable}
  
• At Second Street: Merry Christmas Banner
  
• the red kitchen: Merry Christmas! (Free Printable Pendant Banner)
  
• Simply Klassic Home: The Joy Banner & A Giveaway (12 Days of Christmas Printables #1)
  
• bnute productions: Free Printable Retro Christmas Mini Banner
  

Christmas Banner and Sign Ideas for Photos

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

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.

• Winter Photo Ideas: Photography Props and More
  Are you planning a winter photo shoot? Make your session complete with fun props, accessories, and backdrops for babies, kids, and couples.
• How to Isolate Your Subject and Eliminate Distraction With a Photo Backdrop
  A backdrop can separate a photo subject and get rid of distractions, creating a clean image with a clear focus. Learn more about the technique and study photo examples to improve your own pictures.
• Buying DSLR Camera Lenses: How to Pick the Lenses That You Need
  Are you trying to decide which DSLR camera lens is the right lens for you? Learn how to use buying guides, reviews, product comparisons, and more to make an educated decision about your next purchase.

Comments

infoweekly from South Africa on October 24, 2014:

Really nice idea's, and great videos!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 16, 2013:

Thanks, Eddy! I really appreciate that.

Eiddwen from Wales on January 16, 2013:

Interesting and useful. A very well presented hub. I vote up,across and share all around.

Eddy.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 15, 2013:

Thanks so much, Jackie!

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on January 14, 2013:

You are so good at this! Great ideas, so well explained.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 14, 2013:

Thanks, KA! The black borders are image files. HubPages has a tool for the bullet points. You can add bullets to any text box.

Kim Anne from Texas on January 14, 2013:

Very well constructed hub... you have skills! How did you make the dark lines across and the bulleted points??? Voted up for interesting.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 14, 2013:

I'm so glad to hear that, peachpurple! Thanks!

peachy from Home Sweet Home on January 14, 2013:

well constructed hub with so many links to follow. I love reading yr hub, very entertaining and keeps me busy. Voted up