Studio Christmas Photo Ideas for Kids: A Peek at This Year’s Set

The Christmas tree is glowing, the wreath is up, and my son recently joined me in the studio to help test this year’s Christmas setup!

I’m sharing a few photographs from our test shoot, including a first look at a new backdrop just for kids. If you’re looking for studio Christmas photo ideas for kids, this is a little inspiration for combining a cozy holiday setting with simple outfits, playful details, and plenty of personality.

A classic Christmas setting with warm lights

This year’s main setup brings back the feel of last year’s Christmas sessions: a glowing tree, a large wreath, and a cream sofa. Neutral ornaments, wooden beads, and a soft bow keep the colors simple, while the greenery gives everything that familiar Christmas feeling.

You can see the setting in the wider portraits of my son seated beside the tree. Moving in closer gives the photographs a different feel, with his smile taking up more of the frame and the wreath and lights surrounding him.

If you’re thinking about what you’d like from your own holiday photographs, that combination is a lovely starting point: a portrait that shows the Christmas scene and another that brings you closer to your child’s expression.

A little holiday playfulness

For a few photographs, we added a Santa hat and a big plush elf. The bright red brings a playful pop of color to the softer greens and neutrals.

It’s also a simple example of how a small addition can change a photograph without changing the entire outfit or setting. We kept his navy top and khaki pants throughout, letting the hat and elf bring in a different Christmas look.

A new backdrop just for kids

The new children’s backdrop has a softer palette, with strands of tassels in muted green, pink, cream, and tan against a light background.

We photographed my son on a wooden rocking horse here, then made some simple portraits without it. I love how the two approaches sit together: the rocking horse adds a touch of nostalgia, while the closer portraits leave room for all those little expressions.

If you like holiday photographs with a subtle seasonal feel, this setup offers a different look alongside the tree and wreath.

Make room for more than one expression

There’s a smiling portrait, an eyes-squeezed-shut grin, and a photograph of my son looking upward with his chin resting on his hands. Together, they show much more than one expression.

That’s something worth thinking about when you choose your own photographs. A smile at the camera might be the one you send on your Christmas card. A silly face or a quieter expression might be the one you keep beside it in an album.

There’s room for both.

One simple outfit, two Christmas looks

My son wore a textured navy top, khaki pants, and tan shoes for this test shoot. The navy stands out against the cream sofa and lighter backdrop, while the khaki works with the neutral details in both settings.

This is a useful example if you’re wondering whether your child needs to wear red or green for Christmas photographs. Navy and neutrals can feel festive, too, with the holiday details coming from the surroundings.

For more help getting ready, I’ve shared five tips for Christmas mini-session photos, including outfit ideas and ways to keep children comfortable.

Christmas portraits in Silver Spring, Maryland

I’m excited to share this preview of the studio and welcome families for their own holiday photographs.

To see session details, pricing, and booking information, visit my Christmas mini sessions in Maryland page. I’d love to photograph your family this Christmas season!