The holiday season is a perfect time to capture memories through photos and videos. Make yours extra special and get featured on the Explore page.
Whether you’re looking to create content for your social media, a family photo album, or just to celebrate the season, there are endless creative possibilities. Here are some festive photo and video ideas to bring joy and warmth to your content this holiday season:
1. Classic holiday portraits
A timeless idea that never goes out of style is the classic family portrait. Gather everyone in festive attire—matching pyjamas, jumpers with reindeer or Christmas trees, or elegant formal wear for a more sophisticated vibe. Set up a cosy backdrop with a decorated tree, twinkling lights, or a fireplace for that warm, inviting holiday feel.
Pro tip: Use natural light whenever possible, or place a soft light source near your subjects to create a glowing effect. A shallow depth of field can also make the subjects stand out against the soft holiday decor.
2. Candid moments around the tree
Capture the magic of the season by taking candid shots of family members or friends decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, or laughing together. These spontaneous moments often hold the most genuine emotion.
Video tip: Record a time-lapse video of the tree being decorated or a wrapping session where the chaos and excitement unfold. It’s a fun and energetic way to show how your family or friends come together to prepare for the holidays.
3. Holiday flat lays
Flat lay photography, where you arrange items neatly on a flat surface and photograph them from above, works great for holiday-themed images. Gather small items like pine cones, holiday cards, cinnamon sticks, gingerbread cookies, and colourful ornaments to create a visually appealing scene.
Pro tip: Use a clean, simple background like a white tablecloth, wooden surface, or even snow for an outdoor flat lay. Play with colour combinations for a more vibrant or a subdued, monochrome look, depending on the mood you want to set.
4. DIY holiday photo booth
Set up a festive photo booth with fun props like Santa hats, fake beards, reindeer antlers, and a backdrop of twinkling lights or snowflakes. This is a great idea for a holiday party or family gathering.
Pro Tip: If you want to take your photos to the next level, use a ring light or a soft box to illuminate the faces evenly and avoid harsh shadows. You can also use a DSLR or a smartphone with a tripod for stability.
5. Holiday themed videos
Whether it’s a holiday greeting, a “Day in the Life” video, or a fun challenge, festive videos capture the energy of the season. Think about creating a vlog where you go shopping for holiday gifts, prepare a holiday meal, or even wrap presents together.
Pro tip: Use slow-motion video to emphasise key moments like a snowball fight, tossing confetti, or popping a holiday cracker. This will add a cinematic touch and enhance the festive atmosphere.
6. Winter wonderland photos
If you live in an area with snow, winter wonderland photos are a must. Dress up warmly, bundle up in scarves, mittens, and hats, and capture the beauty of the snowy outdoors. Snowflakes falling, footprints in the snow, or a snowball fight all make for great photo opportunities.
Video tip: A drone shot of a snowy landscape or a family walking through the snow can create breathtaking footage. A video showing someone making a snow angel or building a snowman is also a fun way to showcase the season.
7. Pet holiday photos
For many pet owners, holiday photos with furry friends are an essential part of the season. Dress up your pets in cute holiday costumes or wrap them in festive garlands for a fun shot. Whether it’s a cat in a Santa hat or a dog playing with a festive bow, pets bring extra charm to your photos.
Pro tip: Use treats or toys to capture their attention and encourage them to look at the camera. Keep the sessions short, so your pets stay comfortable and happy.
8. Christmas morning surprise
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning. Set up your camera and capture the look of joy and surprise as everyone unwraps their gifts. Whether it’s a spontaneous hug or a reaction shot, these moments are full of warmth and happiness.
Pro tip: If you have multiple family members, consider a burst shot (multiple frames in quick succession) to capture every little emotion. This way, you won’t miss a thing.
9. Creative light photography
Holiday lights add a magical ambiance to any setting. Experiment with long exposure shots to create beautiful bokeh effects with Christmas lights, or try capturing the glow of light trails from sparklers.
Video tip: Use slow-motion to capture the sparkle of lights and fireworks, or zoom in on the intricate patterns created by string lights on your tree. The lighting effects add a dreamy, festive touch to your videos.
10. New Year’s Eve countdown
Ring in the new year with some fun video ideas! Capture the excitement leading up to midnight with a countdown video. Show guests celebrating, laughing, and toasting with champagne. Record the final seconds of the year and the cheer as the clock strikes midnight.
Pro tip: Use a tripod or stable surface for your camera to get crisp, steady footage. A selfie video with friends and family shouting “Happy New Year!” is a great way to capture the moment.
The holiday season is full of moments that deserve to be captured. Whether you prefer still photos or dynamic videos, these festive ideas will help you document the joy, laughter, and warmth of the holidays. Keep experimenting with different settings, lighting, and compositions to find the perfect way to tell your story this season!
