How to Choose the Best Photos for Christmas Cards

The photos you choose are the heart of your Christmas cards. Whether you’re sharing a favorite family portrait, a milestone from the past year, or a collection of everyday memories, selecting the right images can help your finished cards look polished and feel personal. Use these tips to choose photos that showcase your memories and print beautifully.

Start With High-Quality Photos

Clear, high-resolution photos are the foundation of great-looking Christmas cards. Original photos taken with your phone or camera will typically produce the best results, while screenshots or images downloaded from social media may appear less sharp when printed.

If you’re unsure whether a photo is high enough quality, pay attention to any image quality warnings in the editor before placing your order.

Choose Bright, Well-Lit Images

Lighting has a big impact on how your holiday cards will look in print. Photos taken in natural light often appear brighter and more vibrant, while dark or heavily shadowed images can lose detail.

If you’re choosing between similar photos, select the one with the clearest lighting and the most natural colors.

Pick Photos That Fit Your Card Design

Not every photo works with every layout. Portrait photos fit tall photo spaces best, while landscape photos work well in wider layouts. Choosing a design that matches the orientation of your favorite images can help reduce unnecessary cropping and create a more balanced look.

If you need help adjusting your images, read our guide on Why Did My Christmas Card Crop My Photos?

Make Sure Everyone Is Easy to See

Family and friends should be the focus of your Christmas cards. Choose photos where faces are in focus, well lit, and easy to recognize.

If you’re using a group photo, avoid images where people appear too small or are partially hidden behind others.

Tell the Story of Your Year

Your Christmas cards are a chance to share the moments that mattered most. Whether you include one favorite portrait or several photos in a collage, choose images that reflect your family’s personality and the memories you want to celebrate.

Popular choices include:

Family portraits
Holiday celebrations
Vacations
New babies
Weddings
New homes
Pets
Everyday candid moments

Avoid Heavy Filters and Excessive Editing

Simple edits like adjusting brightness or straightening a photo can help improve your images. Heavy filters, excessive sharpening, or overly saturated colors, however, may not look the same in print as they do on your screen.

For the most natural results, use lightly edited photos whenever possible.

Review Your Photos Before Ordering

Before placing your order, take one last look at every image in your design.

Ask yourself:

Is every photo sharp and in focus?
Are the people well lit and easy to see?
Does each photo fit comfortably within its frame?
Are any faces or important details too close to the edge?
Does the collection of photos tell the story you want to share?

A few extra minutes of reviewing your design can help you create Christmas cards you’ll be excited to send.

Christmas Card Photo FAQs

Are phone photos good enough for Christmas cards?

Yes. Original photos taken with modern smartphones are typically high enough quality for Christmas cards. For the best results, use the original image instead of a screenshot or a photo downloaded from social media.

Can I use screenshots on my Christmas cards?

Screenshots usually have a lower resolution than the original photo and may not print as clearly. Whenever possible, upload the original image.

Should I use one photo or several?

That depends on the design you choose. A single photo creates a classic look, while collage and Year in Review cards are great for sharing multiple memories from throughout the year.

What kinds of photos look best on Christmas cards?

Bright, well-lit, high-resolution photos with clear subjects typically produce the best results. Family portraits, candid moments, vacations, pets, and milestone celebrations are all popular choices.

Create Christmas Cards You’ll Love

The best Christmas card photos aren’t always the most posed or professionally taken. Bright, high-quality images that capture genuine moments often make the biggest impression. By choosing photos that fit your design and reviewing them carefully before ordering, you can create Christmas cards that beautifully celebrate your family’s holiday memories.

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