Capturing memories with children at Christmas
Capturing memories with children at Christmas is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting gifts for loved ones. As a photographer based in Portsmouth, I can share some tips to help you make the most out of your holiday photo sessions with kids. Here are 6 top tips for photographing children at Christmas that will ensure you capture their joy and the magic of the season:
1. Plan Around Their Energy Levels
Timing is Everything: Children have different energy levels at various times of the day, so plan your photoshoot when they are at their best. For most kids, this is typically after they've had a good breakfast or nap. Avoid planning sessions right before their usual naptime or mealtime.
Keep Sessions Short: Kids tend to lose focus after about 20-30 minutes, so keep the photoshoot short and sweet to prevent frustration.
2. Create a Fun, Festive Atmosphere
Decorate the Scene: Set the stage with Christmas decorations such as twinkling lights, a Christmas tree, stockings, or even a cozy fireplace. Festive props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and presents can help bring the holiday spirit into the photos.
Involve the Children: Let the kids help decorate the tree or unwrap gifts. This not only makes the moment feel more natural but also gives them something to focus on, making the photos more relaxed and candid.
3. Capture Genuine Emotions
Avoid Posing Too Much: Candid shots often turn out to be the most beautiful and authentic. Let the kids play, laugh, or interact with family members. Capture their genuine reactions rather than forcing them into posed situations.
Focus on Details: Sometimes, the small moments can tell the most beautiful stories. A close-up of a child’s hands holding a present, their wide-eyed expression as they look at the Christmas lights, or the warmth of a cuddle with a loved one all make for wonderful, meaningful photos.
4. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible
Maximize Natural Light: The soft glow of natural light, especially from windows, creates a warm, festive atmosphere. Avoid harsh, direct light or overly bright artificial lights, as they can create unflattering shadows.
Golden Hour Magic: If you’re able to shoot outdoors, aim for the golden hour (the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset) for the best soft, flattering light.
5. Incorporate Christmas Traditions
Family Activities: Document special traditions like choosing your favourite Christmas Tree baking cookies, reading Christmas stories, or singing carols. These moments are unique to your family and will make your holiday photos feel extra special.
Action Shots: Don’t be afraid to get in the action! Take photos of your child jumping on the bed in excitement, running around in the snow (if you’re lucky enough for a white Christmas), or enjoying Christmas dinner with family.
6. Personalize Your Gifts
Turn Photos into Gifts: Once you’ve captured the perfect shot, consider turning your photos into personalized gifts. Custom calendars, framed prints, or even photo books make heartfelt presents for family and friends.
Gift the Experience: A photoshoot itself can be a wonderful gift. Consider gifting a voucher for a Christmas family session, creating memories that your loved ones can cherish forever.
Bonus Tip: Dress Comfortably and Festively
While festive outfits like matching Christmas jumpers or pretty dresses are lovely, it’s important that children feel comfortable in what they’re wearing. Opt for clothes that allow them to move freely and feel at ease, so their personality shines through in the photos.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your Christmas photos with children are full of joy, warmth, and authentic memories. Not only will they make wonderful mementos for your family, but they also make fantastic gifts for friends and relatives. Happy holidays, and happy shooting!
If you are still struggling to capture your children !! ( of course in the photographic way !! ) Please do not hesitate to contact me to book a photography session today or consider buying a gift voucher for a loved one this Christmas.
www.besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk
info@besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk
instagram Beside_The_Seaside_Photos
With thankyou to my clients to allow me to share their images on my blog,
also to www.wyldsfarm.co.uk for their beautiful backdrop simply a stunning farm to get your natural and REAL Christmas tree every year.
““Capturing Memories that last a lifetime””
T'was The Night Before Christmas !!
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
Merry Christmas Love Sophia & Family xx
Beside The Seaside Photography
Portsmouth UK
Credits to ONE BROAD STREET BRIGHTON & ZARA & My Gorgeous Son too !!!
Christmas Mini Sessions 2022
Let's capture the most memorable Christmas in 2022 at Beside the Seaside's photography studio 🎅
Let's bring the magic and nostalgia by creating timeless and precious images to help remember Christmas in many years to come!!
Get cozy and comfortable in the warm and welcoming setting where the festive surroundings await you and your family this Christmas time!!
The Most Wonderful time of the year
Are you someone who counts down the days to December to then count down the days to Christmas??
Well you’re in the right place !! I have been a mother for over 25 years and Christmas time is definitely my favourite time of the year.
The season where we can wear sparkly and Christmassy outfits every day of the month !!
Why not book a session to have those festive moments captured, after all it is the ‘Most Wonderful time of The Year’
Twas The Night Before Christmas at Beside The Seaside Photography 2022
Let's capture the most memorable Christmas in 2022 at Beside the Seaside's photography studio 🎅
Let's bring the magic and nostalgia by creating timeless and precious images to help remember Christmas in many years to come!!
Get cozy and comfortable in the warm and welcoming setting where the festive surroundings await you and your family this Christmas time!!
Packages Starting at £99 with just a retainer due to confirm your slot today of £39 (Balance due one week before your session)
This session is available for a maximum of three children from the same immediate family (not to include cousins or friends)
Additional children (from the same family) may be added at a cost of £10 per extra child to be paid directly via
PayPal to info@besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk.
By clicking this link and filling in your details and choosing your preffered date and time.
Beside the Seaside Photography looks forward to seeing you this Christmas Time
Capturing Memories That Last a Lifetime’