5 Fun Holiday Photos You Won’t Want to Miss (With Prompts + Print Ideas)
TL;DR
Capture five must-have holiday photos: (1) décor as playful props, (2) meaningful details, (3) before/after “Santa pile,” (4) the food story, (5) your family traditions. Shoot near window light, use burst mode/Live Photos, get wide–medium–close angles, and print one favorite from each idea for a growing holiday wall or folio box—because your memories should Live Long In Portraits.
The holidays arrive in a whirl of glitter, cocoa, and joyful chaos. You don’t need a perfect house or hours of free time to make wall-worthy images—you just need a plan and a few prompts. I designed this Studio Q guide to be simple, repeatable, and print-first (because the real magic happens when your images leave the camera roll and live on your walls).
Below are five photo ideas you can do in any home, with any camera (yes, your phone is great). Each idea includes how to shoot it, kid-friendly prompts, and print suggestions so December feels cozy now and looks beautiful later.
1) Use Christmas Decorations as Props (play, don’t pose)
What to capture
Kids tangled in the light strand laughter, a pet inspecting ornaments, cozy blanket forts with twinkle lights, grandparents holding a favorite decoration from “way back when.”
How to shoot it
Light: Turn off harsh overheads; move near a window or the lit tree. If it’s evening, scoot closer to the lights and tap-hold to lock exposure on faces so they aren’t too dark.
Angles: Start with a wide scene (the tree and the room), then a medium frame (torso and hands), then a close detail (fingers on the bulb, eyelashes in glow).
Phone tip: Use Portrait mode sparingly near tree lights; step back, then zoom to 2x to avoid distortion.
Prompts (say this)
“Hold the ornament up to your nose—what does it smell like?”
“Can you show me the silliest way to plug in the lights?”
“Grandpa, tell us the story of this one while you hold it.”
Print idea
A deckled-edge float frame in warm wood feels perfect with twinkle bokeh. Start a mini series of “hands + heirloom décor” that grows each year.
2) Don’t Forget the Details (the little things that tell the big story)
What to capture
Close-ups of ornaments with years etched on them, the handwritten gift tags, cocoa mugs with whipped cream peaks, the first snow boots by the doormat.
How to shoot it
Backgrounds: Use a neutral surface (baking sheet, wood table, fabric napkin). Place your item in soft window light at 45°.
Focus: Tap the important edge (e.g., the year on the ornament). If your phone lets you, lower exposure slightly for richer color.
Compose: Try the rule of odds—3 ornaments read more pleasing than 2. Leave negative space for calm, editorial vibes.
Prompts
“Hold the tag so I can read your handwriting.”
“Let’s line up all the travel ornaments from this year.”
Print idea
Create a story panel with four squares: ornament, tag, cocoa, and boots. It’s instant nostalgia for next December.
3) Before & After “Santa’s Pile” (the transformation shot)
What to capture
The untouched gift scene before wrapping paper chaos—and the happy, messy aftermath.
How to shoot it
Tripod/prop phone: Frame the tree and floor exactly the same for both shots. Mark your floor spot with tape so you can return.
Timing: Take the “before” in evening tree light and the “after” with morning window light, or keep both in the same light for continuity.
People: Grab a quick family silhouette in front of the tree for the “before,” then a candid pile of hugs for the “after.”
Prompts
“Everyone tuck behind the gifts—just fingers and eyes peeking!”
“On three, each person holds up their favorite wrapper scrap.”
Print idea
A diptych (two prints in one frame) labeled “Before” and “After.” Over the years, this becomes your family’s holiday time capsule.
4) The Food Story (festive and surprisingly beautiful)
What to capture
Rolling out cookie dough, the steam curl over hot cocoa, the signature family dish on your table, flour on little noses.
How to shoot it
Light the food like a portrait: Turn the plate toward a window; keep overhead lights off if they add color casts.
Angles that flatter: Overhead for cookies; ¾ angle for pies; straight-on for a stacked dish.
Hands in frame: Photograph hands cutting, sprinkling, plating—movement tells the story.
Burst mode for the powdered-sugar shake or the cocoa pour.
Prompts
“Pretend it’s snowing powdered sugar—tiny flurries only!”
“Show me your ‘chef face’ before you take a bite.”
Print idea
A small metal print for the kitchen—wipeable and vibrant. Start a three-piece set: cookie tradition, signature entrée, and a candid of your official taste-tester.
5) Wrap Your Traditions Into the Story (your way is the best way)
What to capture
Whatever is yours: reading the Christmas story, pajamas on the couch, gingerbread night, 12 Days of Service, indoor “ice skating” on wax paper socks, travel ornaments, tree farm day.
How to shoot it
Plan your “photo spot” for each tradition (sofa corner, dining table, front porch). Re-use that spot every year for a visual timeline.
Keep it short: 3–5 minutes of intentional pictures per tradition is plenty—then go back to the moment.
Be in it: Trade the camera/phone, or set the phone on a shelf and use the timer. Your kids want proof you were there, too.
Prompts
“On three, whisper your favorite part of today into Mom’s ear.”
“Skaters, show me your best slow spin!”
Print idea
Choose one favorite per tradition and add it to a holiday wall grid (3×3 looks great). When the grid fills, start the next one.
Quick shooting checklist (phones + cameras)
Light: Window > overheads. At night, move closer to the tree and lock exposure on faces.
Stability: Tuck elbows in; rest the phone on a chair back; or use a tiny tabletop tripod.
Settings:
Phone: Live Photos or burst mode for action; Portrait Mode at 2x for cleaner faces.
Camera: 1/125–1/250s shutter for kids; Auto ISO with exposure comp −0.3 to preserve tree lights.
Angles: Always shoot wide–medium–close for variety.
Edit lightly: Warm up white balance a touch; keep skin tones natural; avoid over-smoothing—prints look best with real texture.
From Camera Roll to Heirloom (print the proof)
Your December deserves more than a scroll. Here are Studio Q favorites that fit holiday images:
Deckled-Edge Float Frames: Organic paper edges + warm wood = instant cozy.
Metal Prints: Kitchen-friendly and wipeable for cocoa splashes.
Folio Box: One matted 5×7 per year from each tradition—kids love flipping through them.
Story Panels: Four squares that tell a whole night: décor, details, faces, and food.
If you’re in Vancouver, WA / Portland, OR, I can help you select, color-check, and design a wall or album that matches your home.
Quick FAQs
What holiday photos should every family take?
Five keepers: decor as props, meaningful details, before/after gift scene, the food story, and your unique traditions. Shoot near a window, keep it quick, and include at least one picture with you in it.
How do I get good tree-light photos on a phone?
Move closer, lock exposure on faces, and take several frames. Black-and-white can be magical if color gets tricky.
Any tips for photographing energetic kids?
Use burst mode and give them micro-tasks (“touch your ornament,” “count to three and jump”). Keep sessions to 3–5 minutes; repeat later.
What should I do with all the images afterward?
Pick one favorite from each idea. Print them as a grid, story panel, or folio box. Back up your phone to iCloud/Google Photos and a computer/external drive.
Can Studio Q photograph our traditions at home?
Yes! I offer at-home holiday storytelling sessions in Vancouver/Clark County/Portland and design prints that look gorgeous with your décor.
Final Studio Q note
Focus on connection over perfection, keep your photo moments short and playful, and print one favorite from each idea. When those images meet your walls, the season’s warmth lingers long after the lights come down—and your memories truly Live Long In Portraits.