Top Tips To Capture Authentic Family Moments This Christmas

Christmas can be overwhelming in more ways than we'd like to admit, should I do this, have I bought that family member that...

Your photos don't have to be hard, you can choose to capture moment without forcing them.

1. Let the Light in

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to taking photos that feel warm and cosy. Skip the harsh flash and let Christmas lights or soft daylight from a window do the magic for you. Those twinkly lights? Perfect for creating that warm, festive vibe.

Pro Tip: If you're indoors, try getting close to a window and facing your subject towards it. Soft, diffused light can make your photos feel extra warm and intimate.

2. Snap the Small Stuff

Some of the best Christmas memories happen in the little moments — like a toddler’s face when they open their first gift, or the chaos of everyone digging into a plate of Christmas cookies. Don't just focus on the “perfect” family portraits. The messy moments are often the most genuine and meaningful.

Pro Tip: Keep your camera nearby and ready to go. The best shots often happen when you least expect them!

3. Capture the Action

Christmas is busy! Kids running around, parents dancing to music, or the family dog stealing a gingerbread cookie. Don’t be afraid to capture the action packed moments. These shots are full of life and energy, and they tell a story that perfectly captures the vibe of the season.

Pro Tip: Let the action happen naturally. You don’t have to worry about getting everything perfectly framed, a blurry hand or a laugh mid-sentence often feels way more real than a posed shot.

4. Get Up Close

Sometimes the magic is in the details,

a close-up of your child’s hands holding a favourite

Christmas ornament, the soft smile of a family member, or the way a partner looks at you over the dinner table. Getting close to the action helps tell a more intimate story.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to zoom in or physically move closer to people. The little moments make the best photos.

5. Capture Your Christmas Traditions

Every family has its own Christmas traditions, whether it’s decorating the tree together, baking cookies, or reading a favourite Christmas story. These traditions are a great opportunity to snap some authentic, heartfelt photos that tell the story of your families Christmas.

Pro Tip: Hide a camera phone in the corner of the room and video you all decorating the tree together to look back on in years to come.

6. Let Kids Be Kids

Kids can be the most entertaining subjects during Christmas, from their excitement over presents to the mess they make while decoratin

g cookies. Don’t stress if they aren’t posing perfectly. The most genuine moments are often the ones when they’re just being themselves.

Pro Tip: Let the kids get involved with taking photos, too! See if they can capture you enjoying the festivities, wrapping presents or crafting.

Wrapping It Up

Capturing those real, authentic family moments at Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated. Forget about getting everything perfect, the most meaningful photos and videos are the ones that reflect the joy, love, and chaos of the season. So, grab your camera, enjoy the time with your loved ones, and let the moments unfold.