The 12 ideas
1. The staircase
The whole family sitting on the stairs, youngest at the bottom, oldest at the top.
2. The jump
Count to three and everyone jumps at once. Use burst mode.
3. The full bed
Everyone lying on the same bed, shot from above, with the dog across the middle.
4. Christmas breakfast
The table on the 25th with hot chocolate, pancakes and everyone in pyjamas.
5. From behind
Everyone with their backs to the camera looking at the lit tree. Simple and beautiful.
6. The socks
Just the feet, lined up by size, in matching Christmas socks.
7. The chaotic selfie
A group selfie where nobody is ready. Always the most shared.
8. The bear hug
Parents hugging the kids from behind, everyone laughing. Take lots in a row.
9. Pillow fight
Movement and real laughter. Fast shutter speed.
10. Dog in the spotlight
The dog in the middle with the whole family looking at it.
11. Before and after
The same pose this year and next. It becomes a tradition.
12. The outfit change video
Everyone walks in wearing normal clothes and, with one cut, appears in pyjamas. Perfect for TikTok and Reels.
Light and camera
- Shoot in the morning, by a window. Natural light is far prettier than flash.
- At night, switch off the ceiling light and keep only the tree lights and a lamp.
- Use the 10 second timer and burst mode: in a burst there's always one with everyone's eyes open.
- Hold the camera at chest height, not looking down.
The pyjamas do half the work
The same print across the whole family is what creates the wow effect. Red and green tartan is the most photogenic, and cream reindeer prints look gorgeous by the fire.
Matching family Christmas pyjamasSizes from baby to adultView on Amazon → Family and dog setsSo the dog makes it into the photoView on Amazon →Frequently asked questions
What's the best time for a Christmas photo?
In the morning with natural window light, or in the evening with the tree lights on and the flash off.
How do I photograph small kids who won't sit still?
Use burst mode, choose poses with movement like jumps and hugs, and don't ask them to look at the camera.
Which pyjamas look best in photos?
Red and green tartan, because it stands out against any background and comes in every size.
