6 Photo Ideas for Baby's First Christmas
So it’s your baby’s first Christmas and you want to take family photos. Now what?
Whether your baby is an infant, sitter or toddler, I’ve listed out 6 photo ideas for your baby’s first Christmas.
I’m a family and newborn photographer serving families in Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, and I especially love in-home sessions for babies and young children. Your home already has everything we need to create meaningful photos- your Christmas tree, favorite traditions, holiday decor, family members, pets, and all those little details to celebrate this holiday season with family!
If you’d like ideas about how to incorporate holiday items and family members that add to your family’s Christmas photo session, keep reading below!
lighting
The master bedroom in this home had quite a bit of natural light so we took advantage. We sat the baby on the bed and faced him towards the window. This helped to illuminate him and create catch lights in his eyes. I also loved that the bedding was simple so it naturally allows the focus to be on him!
2. focus on the details
It wouldn’t be a Christmas photo shoot without some holiday items! I suggest keeping it simple for the shots with the baby. I love a naked baby because you get to see their adorable little body and chunky baby fat! Mom and Dad had some Christmas socks and a hat they wanted to incorporate so we decided to keep it simple so that the focus could be on the little guy and his first Christmas!
3. use lights
Mom had the idea to use the Christmas lights and I loved how they turned out! Little ones love putting things in their mouth so you’ll want to be a little close to them just in case they decide it’s a fun toy to put in their mouth. When you plug in the Christmas lights it be easier if you turn off the overhead light. This will help to create the natural look that isn’t too bright. Keep in mind these Christmas lights can get hot if plugged in for an extended amount of time so I would take as many shots as you can before the lights get too warm for baby.
4. include family traditions / keepsakes
Of course it’s the baby’s first Christmas but we also want to document this special time with Mom and Dad! You can get creative with these. If there is a tradition a family has during the holidays such as kissing under the mistletoe, feel free to incorporate that into a family photo!
5. wear family christmas pajamas
I typically wouldn’t suggest everyone wearing the exact same thing during a typical non-holiday family session, but with this being a Christmas theme, we can’t forget Christmas clothes! I just loved how adorable they are with their Christmas jammies. I might have to shop around this year just to have a photo like this!
6. include the pets
Pets are part of the family! Mom and Dad had this pup before the baby was born so it would be unfair to not include him in the family photos. I just love the pup’s reaction in the photos. Can you tell he is excited?
If you have any ideas about how to create fun and unique holiday family photos, I’d love to read your ideas below!
Want to create your baby's first Christmas photos with me?
Are you a Washington, D.C. area family looking to book your next family photo session? I offer relaxed, lifestyle family sessions that can take place right in your home or outdoors at a location that fits your family.
I’ll guide you through the session and making sure we have time for your baby or toddler, child, adult, whoever to move, explore, play, and be themselves.
And of course, we can absolutely get the beautiful photo of everyone looking at the camera for the grandparents. ;)
Hi, I'm Tabitha!
I'm Tabitha, a family and newborn photographer based in Kensington, Maryland, and serving families throughout Montgomery County, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia.
My sessions are laid-back and connection focused. They’re typically child-led, playful, and they aren’t designed for your kids to sit still and smile for an entire hour. I want them to move, play, explore, snuggle, and be themselves.
And because I've photographed a lot of babies and kids (and have one of my own) I'm pretty comfortable when things don't go exactly according to plan. That’s the beauty of lifestyle family photography.
Thinking about your own family photos?
If you're planning a baby's first Christmas session, a family session, or just want to update your family's photos this year, I'd love to hear from you.
Tell me a little about your family, where you're located, and what you're envisioning and I'll get back to you with next steps and we can figure out what type of session makes the most sense for you!
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