It’s that time of year again, when the world lights up in different colours and we want to do all we can to capture the joy of the season. That’s why I created this Holiday Photo Guide—so you can feel confident pressing pause and holding on to those memories forever.

From family pictures by the Christmas tree to networking at holiday parties, it’s time to create images that represent the feelings and experiences of the holidays.

Personally, one of my favourite parts of the season is Christmas trees and their warm lights glowing against the dark nights. There’s something so special about the soft sparkle of a well-lit tree.

So, if you’re like me and want a keepsake from this holiday season that you feel excited to share and can look back on fondly, then this guide is for you. It’s designed to give you the tools to take meaningful photos while still being part of the moments that matter. No stress—just smiles.

Embrace Your Environment

As much as we would love to have picture-perfect lighting all the time, that’s simply not possible. It’s better to take the photo than to worry about whether it will turn out perfectly. With that in mind, here are 10 tips to help you take better holiday images this season.

1. Know Your Traditions and Special Moments

It’s easy to become overwhelmed trying to photograph every smile and laugh, and in doing so you may miss out on actually participating. Take a minute to think through—or write down—the memories, experiences, or people you truly want photos of this season. Compare that list with the moments you’d rather enjoy fully without worrying about capturing them.

For example, every year my husband and I go on a Christmas light walk in the same neighbourhood. While the decorations change a little each year, we always take just one photo in the same spot. The rest of the time, our cameras and phones stay away so we can enjoy each other’s company. As a photographer, I’d love to capture all the lights, but having one intentional photo that represents that tradition is more meaningful to me.

It doesn’t have to be a choice between taking photos or being fully present. With intentional planning, you can do both.

2. Talk to Your Family and Friends About Expectations

In our Christmas light tradition, my husband is just as excited as I am to take the one photo we’ve chosen to repeat every year. That shared expectation makes it easy and stress-free. And even though it doesn’t always turn out clear because it’s dark outside, it is still one of my favourite pictures of us. There’s beauty in the imperfect.

Professional photographers spend time learning what matters most to their clients before a session so they can plan the images accordingly. You can use this same approach. When everyone understands what photos are important—and what isn’t—it becomes easier to stay present while still capturing meaningful moments.

Talk with the people who will be around you this season. Make a list together of the photos everyone hopes to have, and decide how you can capture those moments without taking away from the experience.

3. Hand Your Camera Over to Someone Else

There’s a certain charm in being the photographer of the group, but one day your family will wish you were in more photos. If you’re the main photographer, make a point to ask someone else to capture a few images of you. Ask ahead of time so no one feels put on the spot. Or bring along a tripod that can be set up easily.

My friends and I have a pact to take at least one photo together whenever we see each other. We don’t live in the same city, so visits are precious. We take turns photographing the group, and anyone who sees a good moment just takes the shot. Sharing the responsibility makes documenting life feel natural—not burdensome.

If you have people in your inner circle who can help carry that load, ask them. Make sure everyone ends up in at least a few photos.

4. Try a New Perspective

Have you ever sat on the couch looking down at kids playing or pets curled up and thought, that’s a cute photo? Instead of getting down on the floor, try keeping your higher perspective. Photograph little hands playing, curled paws, or presents under the tree from above. A fresh angle can completely transform an everyday moment.

5. Find the Best Light

Lighting is one of the most important elements in photography. Knowing where and when to find great light will help you capture stronger images. For more on the basics of lighting check out The Lighting Workbook, created to make understanding lighting simple.

Golden Hour – Sunrise/Sunset

In winter, both sunrise and sunset provide beautiful golden light. Because the days are shorter—especially in northern countries like Canada—you’re more likely to experience golden hour on a weekend without waking up too early or staying out too late. Whether indoors by a window or bundled up outside, this soft light is always worth it. It’s best to place the sun behind your subject for a warm, glowing backlight.

Window light

Window light allows for a more natural smooth lighting that’s flattering for everyone. By placing your camera and subject next to a window you decrease the harshness of shadows while increasing the evenness of highlights on someone’s face. Whether it’s summer time or the middle of winter, window light brings an even board light that is easier to capture. 

Overcast light or shade

Clouds are my favourite. I won’t get into the nitty gritty of why, but the main reason is because on an overcast day or while in the shade you can get a similar effect to that of window light. Bright even lighting that brings light to shadows and tones down highlights. When in doubt, shoot over cast or in shade. By doing this you’re also avoiding squinting eyes and weird shadows across the face. 

Turn off the Pot Lights, PLEASE 

Bright overhead lights (especially cool-white pot lights or office lighting) can be very unflattering. If you can, turn them off. Instead, use lamps, Christmas tree lights, or window light—all of which create softer, warmer side lighting.

In photography school, we learned there are two especially unflattering angles of light: overhead and underneath. Neither is festive; they’re more “monster movie” than Christmas magic. For the sake of flattering holiday photos, use warm, gentle lighting whenever possible.

6. Get Close to the Tree

7. Capture the Cozy

When I think of the holidays, I think of cozy pyjamas, soft blankets, and slow days. These small, quiet moments often make the best photos. Kids or pets curled up with hot chocolate, friends watching their favourite movie, loved ones relaxing—these unposed moments feel the most genuine. Don’t be afraid to capture the cozy, candid moments.

8. Play—Do Something You All Enjoy

If you want natural smiles and genuine fun in your photos—plus a stress-free experience—choose an activity everyone enjoys. This works whether you’re taking your own photos or hiring a photographer.

Consider snowball fights, pillow fights in pyjamas, decorating the tree, sipping hot chocolate, baking, or walking around looking at Christmas lights. Not every photo has to be stiff or formally posed. In fact, the best photographers capture the in-between moments where joy feels real.

9. Hire a Professional for Photos You Want to Print

I’m a big believer in hiring a professional photographer for the photos you want to print or send as holiday cards. A professional ensures the images won’t turn out grainy, the colours stay consistent, and everyone is looking at the camera in the final shot.

Whether you choose a holiday mini-session or invite a photographer to your home for candid moments, printed photos are worth the investment.

10: Don’t Stress If You Miss a Moment

Sometimes you’ll witness something beautiful and won’t get to your camera in time. That’s okay. Be grateful for the memory, even without a photo. Images help us pause time, but sometimes the moment is more precious when it simply lives in your heart.

Bonus: Only Use Equipment You’re Familiar With

I’ll say this over and over: you don’t need fancy equipment—you need equipment you’re comfortable using. A high-end camera isn’t helpful if you’re too stressed or unsure to pick it up. Use what you know. If you’re ready for the learning curve, upgrade when it feels right. Otherwise, keep it simple. Here’s a list of my favourite equipment for everyday use.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, I want you to enjoy the moments more than anything. Don’t let social media, family, or industry expectations make you feel “less than” because you’re doing things simply or intentionally. If elaborate works for you—great! If not, that’s okay too. For me, capturing special memories takes priority over perfection.