Holiday cards are a fun way to connect with your friends and family this Christmas season. Your loved ones will be overjoyed to open their mailbox and find your family photo and handwritten Christmas wish. Make this year’s card even more unique by choosing a creative photo backdrop that fits your family’s style, then customize a Shutterfly Christmas card with your new photo at our online Christmas Store.
Whether you decide to get your photos taken professionally or do them yourself, the setting can make all the difference. We’ve found 25 of the best places to take a Christmas card picture to ensure that you get your desired family photo.
1. Tree Farm Excitement
No matter where you live, there is sure to be a Christmas tree farm near you during the winter months. Take advantage of the perfectly shaped trees by capturing your photo walking down the rows. You could even pick out your tree that day and take candid shots of the process.
2. Romantically Rustic
This Christmas photo uses an old fence to give the photo a rustic feel. The white rocks on the ground mimic snow and the icy blue tones in their clothes play off this. Scope out your background before choosing your outfits so that you can plan accordingly and create a cohesive look for your rustic Christmas card.
3. A Touch of Green
Create a unique blend of Christmas colors without taking your photo in a forest. Find a green backdrop, whether it be a door or a mural, and dress your family reds and neutrals. The color contrast will brighten the front of any Christmas card.
4. Adorned in Wreaths
Your backdrop doesn’t need to be flashy, the simplest ones can create the best photo. Pick a door, any door and hang a wreath on it. Include a merry Christmas sign and some red plaid to seal the deal.
5. Woodsy Wonderland
For the more earthy family, find a natural setting to take your custom Christmas card photo. Don’t worry about picking the most beautiful place, you can have the photographer give the background a softer feel while keeping the focus on your family.
6. Adventure Downtown
Use your home to your advantage when taking your Christmas card photo. For the city dwellers, go downtown and find your favorite buildings to use as a backdrop. Your personality will shine through if you are in a place that you are comfortable and familiar with.
7. Decorated Door Designs
An easy solution to finding the right Christmas card backdrop is looking for a decorated door. In December, there is sure to be many different options to choose from. The background of a door will symbolize inviting in the new year.
8. Spring Setting
Your Christmas card photo doesn’t need to be taken in December. Look through the photos you’ve taken this past year and you’ll be sure to find a gem or two. A candid photo of a fond memory makes for a unique card.
9. Fields of Gold
Capture a golden moment by taking your photo in a local field. The warm natural tones will complement any holiday reds you might include. The neutral backdrop will also allow you freedom when choosing outfits.
10. Snowman Snapshot
Who doesn’t love a snow day? Capture your frozen smiles while showing off your latest snowman creation on a snowflake themed card. The snow is the perfect place to take your photo because the white will reflect light, illuminating you and your family.
11. Cozy Campfire
Keep warm by a fire for this year’s holiday photo. Find a fire pit and take cozy family photos holding your loved ones close, dogs included! These make for perfect pet Holiday Cards. Incorporate a fun holiday blanket for an added Christmas ambiance.
12. Backyard Gathering
Why go to a new location to take your Christmas card photo when you can capture it in your own backyard? Give your Winter Wonderland card a homey feeling by creating a more natural scene of your family spending time together.
13. Home for the Holidays
There’s no need to travel for your Christmas photo. Show off your home by taking a photo on your own front porch. This backdrop captures your lifestyle while also sharing a more personal side with your friends and family.
14. Enchanting Falling Snow
Instead of waiting for the weather to clear up, take your photo in the falling snow. The dusting of white on your heads will give the card a more authentic feel. The falling snowflakes will also create more genuine laughter and smiles.
15. Festive Fireplace
Take your family photo waiting for Santa by the fireplace. A large hearth is the perfect backdrop because it naturally frames the photo. Add some festive lights or even milk and cookies to embrace the holiday spirit.
16. Ski Lift Magic
If you are looking for a scenic location to take your photo, try the view from the top of a mountain on a ski lift. Take advantage of your next trip to the snowy slopes by bringing a photographer along. This shot may take a few takes to get right, but the results are magical!
17. Red Barn Rendezvous
Barns provide a classic backdrop that makes everyone look good. They tend to be red, which fits perfectly with the Christmas colors. Find a red barn by your home that gets sunlight, bring some props like photo ornaments and smile!
18. Along for the Ride
Wherever you decide to take your photograph, bring a prop or two along. This simple beach background is amplified by the rustic red wagon. The red bows and miniature Christmas tree in the back take this photo to the next level.
19. Christmas Classic
You’ve already put the time and energy into decorating your tree, show off its magic by taking a photo with it. Make this merry & bright Christmas card unique by showcasing your collection of ornaments and creative color scheme.
20. Truck Bed Togetherness
Return to your country roots by taking your Christmas photo in the bed of a truck. The sides of the truck frame the photo, allowing your family to be the focus. Add some green foliage and a bow to complete the look.
21. Forest Charm
The woods are a good go-to when it comes to taking Christmas photos. The trees fill in the background, giving the photo a natural feel. For the best picture, wear colors that will complement the area you have chosen.
22. Beachy White Christmas
For those of you living on a coast, white Christmas might be referring to white sand beaches in December. Visit the ocean for this year’s beach Christmas cards and capture your family playing in the sand. A fun way to embrace your home’s landscape is by writing your names in shells and posing with them for the photo.
23. Teepee Dwelling
This creative backdrop mirrors a tree in shape, but has a distinct artistic appeal. Dress up the inside of the teepee with twinkle lights and fill the space with pillows. The space can serve as a playspace long after the photos are taken.
24. Story Time
Get cozy on the couch with a storybook for your Christmas photo. Whether it be a family favorite or a photo book of your own, the genuine moment will be visible. Try finding a book or a photo that’s especially amusing so the smiles are authentic.
25. Capturing Everyday Energy
For the more active family, take your photo with bikes! This photo uses the combination of green bikes and matching red shirts to give a sunny day a Christmas feel. This idea would also work with any activity your family might enjoy doing together.
Wrapping Up
No matter which idea you choose, finding a photo style that’s right for you and your family is most important. No matter the Christmas card theme, you can turn your holiday photo card into a keepsake with the perfect Christmas photo.
