If you want to send cards featuring your family this holiday season, consider booking the photo shoot early so there’s less to do during one of the busiest times of the year. Now is also a good time to start thinking about the photos themselves and how you want your family depicted. Here are some fun, creative ideas to get you started. 

What Are Some Creative Options for Family Holiday Cards? 

1. Candid Baking Shot

Ask a local photographer to capture you and your family baking Christmas cookies or other holiday fare. Wear red and green aprons while you work, and enjoy using holiday cookie cutters—try creating tree, star, and bell sugar cookies covered with frosting. No matter what you bake that day, the photographer will take pictures that result in candid photos showing your family having a wonderful time. 

2. Sidewalk Chalk Scenes

Break out the sidewalk chalk to draw holiday scenes on the sidewalk or drive, keeping safety in mind. You could hold an art contest between family members or have the kids pretend to open chalk “presents.” They could also lie down while you draw Santa hats or reindeer antlers over their heads. If the kids do lie down on the street, ensure they change their clothes afterward to avoid getting any ground debris on your furniture.

3. Tree Farm Fun

Ask the photographer to capture the kids running through the Christmas trees, peeking out from behind them, and looking up at the ones they’re deciding on. You can have pictures depicting your whole family or just the kids. Request candid and portrait shots so you have a variety of options to choose from. 

4. Pets & Ornaments

Consider making your four-legged friend the star of your holiday card this year. Give the dog some wrapping paper to play with, or find a non-breakable ball ornament for the cat to bat around. If you have patient pets, you could put them in empty gift boxes and let them “pop out.” Another idea is to photograph furry family members napping under the Christmas tree with the kids. 

Schedule your holiday card photo shoot today with Meredith Struebing Photography. Since 2008, this photographer has organized and run personalized photo shoots in St. Charles County, MO, that aim to capture the true essence and personality of your family. Always eager to improve her art, she frequently attends hands-on workshops to enrich her skills and learn the latest photography techniques. Visit her website to browse galleries of her family photo shoots, or call (636) 255-4679 to request a free consultation. You can also check out her Facebook for more great professional photos.