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Whether you're enjoying taking shoots, a model, a photographer, or a content creator, this article will let you know different props, lighting, backgrounds, and accessories that you might need for a Christmas studio photoshoot.
Feel free to check out the other types of Christmas holiday shoots as well here.
Why should you go out of your way to get a Christmas photoshoot and why should you plan for one? These are two great questions. Christmas photoshoots allow you to celebrate the holidays and also share your yearly experience and growth. Although close to New Year's photoshoots, this is a perfect time to bring in holiday ideas specific for Christmas.
If you are a model or photographer, this also allows you to build your portfolio. One of the busiest times of year can be during the holiday season. You may also want to keep a memory of previous holidays as a tradition and get your photos printed or share them online.
Photo by Melanie Rosillo Galvan on Unsplash
If you don't rent out a studio yourself and take your own photos, you can hire a photographer. I would recommend working with Family or Portrait photographers that have experience working with people and groups of people for photos. Couple photographers may also be a great fit. These photographers are great and will save you time asking other photographers for their recommendations.
Photo by Emmanuel Acua on Unsplash
If you are shooting for marketing, business, or fashion, you may consider a commercial or fashion photographer. Often these photos will look different than the family or portrait photographer. You also may have more expertise in the commercial or fashion worlds respectively.
Finding a photographer can include searching on Social Media websites like Instagram, TikTok, Google, or Facebook. Search for "Portrait photographer in ____ (city)" in any of these fields. Additionally, I have found luck finding photographers through photography Facebook pages that allow you to ask a group of people for anyone willing to help out with your photoshoot idea.
Other websites like Thumbtack and Yelp have personal services as a photographer that you can hire people from. This makes it easy to search and view a photographer's previous work.
Photo by Kawê Rodrigues on Unsplash
Words you might hear during your search are "Photographer Mini Shoot" - These Christmas studio photo shoots usually last under 1 hour and have only one or two main backgrounds. The photographer takes the photos based on the setup background and gives you the photos.
Consider your options for backgrounds for a studio Christmas photoshoot. Consider different colors that match your outfit. Good colors for Christmas photoshoots include reds, whites, blacks, silvers, or dark greens. I find it helpful to use Adobe Color Scheme to easily think of complementary colors and split colors.
Photo by Toni Cuenca on Unsplash
You may also try different variations of backgrounds like solid backgrounds, detailed backgrounds, or a pattern in the background. These can be wallpapers or sheets of cloth. Additionally, if you have the chance, you can use Gels to change the background as well.
It's also worth considering what other objects will be near the background and in the photograph. Think about any Christmas trees, couches, or light stands you want in the shot as well.
Photo by Toni Cuenca on Unsplash
Studio Christmas photoshoots can be a great way to have controlled lighting on the entire shoot. The distance between the subject, background, and camera all are important for lighting the background.
If the subject is too close to the background (wall), this will create a shadow. Try and move your subject away if this is not desired.
Types of light, warm and cold (measured in kelvins), and intensity and angle shape your lighting.
Using natural lighting can also be a bonus. But remember that the sun goes lower earlier in the day during the winter. Natural lighting from large windows can be fantastic for getting photos. Understand that not having enough light in your image will affect the noise and results of your photoshoot.
Photo by Ross Sneddon on Unsplash
Generally, you should not. There are many factors that go into deciding a camera. Any DSLR, iPhone, or Mirrorless camera that has the ability to take portraits and has been tried before should be okay. Consider using Full-Frame cameras to avoid tight portrait shots. Other lenses like the 50mm and 40mm are great lenses in the studio that allow flexibility.
It is important that you ask your photographer or yourself what you need to bring and plan accordingly. Here are some ideas:
See more of what to bring to a photoshoot here
Photo by Jon Ly on Unsplash
Posing can be a challenging part of getting a photoshoot done. You may not have experience or you may want some more ideas. Use images as your guide. Also, ask the photographer if they are able to help you pose and communicate with them how you pose already.
Photo by Demian Tejeda-Benitez on Unsplash
Props can take your photoshoot to a new level. Consider ornaments, foods, lights, or iconic characters. Ornaments may include silver balls, tree ornaments, or other shapes. Foods may include cookies, cakes, and drinks. Make sure to prepare these ahead of time and let your photographer know as well.
Iconic character props may include bringing things like elves, reindeer, Santa, or other costumes, half costumes, or items into the shoot. Decorated gifts and presents may also bring some flair to your photoshoot.
Photo by Toni Cuenca on Unsplash
How do you go about printing the photos? This is a great question and I love seeing the final images printed out either on large photo paper or small postcards. Printing can be done at CVS , Walgreens, Saals Digital or a Local Photo Printing store. Keep in mind that the holidays are a busy time so do this early enough to check them out.
This article went over the importance of planning for a Studio Christmas Photoshoot, how to find the right photographer, background ideas, lighting ideas and props and posing. Now you will be able to get great photos on your next Studio Photoshoot.
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