We’ve (nearly!) made it! 

The silly season is coming to an end and Christmas morning will be upon us before we know it.🎄

This year I’m bringing you 3 Top Tips to Photograph your Christmas Morning. Before we get into them, just a reminder that all of last year’s 3 Top Tips to Photograph your Holidays STRESS FREE apply to Christmas morning as well.

1. Set the Scene Before the Action Starts

Christmas morning moves quickly, so a little preparation can help you capture the magic without feeling rushed.

• Capture the Quiet Before the Chaos: Wake up a bit early to photograph the tree with the lights glowing, the stockings hanging, or the presents waiting to be unwrapped. These peaceful shots set the stage for the excitement that follows.

• Find Your Light: Open curtains or blinds to let in the natural light. If you’re shooting at dawn or in lower light, keep the flash off and embrace the ambient glow of the tree.

• Prep Your Camera or Phone: Make sure your batteries are charged, storage is cleared, and your settings are ready so you don’t miss any key moments.

2. Tell a Story with a Photo Sequence

Christmas morning is full of energy and emotion and is perfect for storytelling! You can of course tell a story in just one photo, but all of the activity of Christmas morning lends itself nicely for telling a story over a series of images, or a photo sequence.

• Think ‘Start to Finish’ or ‘Before, During and After.’ Document the whole story of your morning from beginning to end.

  • Before: The presents under the tree, stockings hung, etc (this is what you captured in Tip 1). Kids peeking into the room, running towards the tree, shaking presents.

  • During: Reactions while opening gifts, tearing paper, or hugs and smiles of gratitude.

  • After: Piles of wrapping paper, loved ones playing with gifts, and quiet moments with coffee.

• Don’t Forget the Details: Like we talked about last year, the details help tell the whole story! The close-ups of the bows and labels on the presents, the special ornaments on the tree, the names printed on the stockings.

• You can use this same method of ‘Before, During and After’ to tell other stories of the morning and throughout the day such as Christmas breakfast.

  • Before: The laid table with decorations, the food in the oven, in bowls, etc.

  • During: Everyone around the table enjoying the meal together (again, don’t forget the details!).

  • After: The empty plates, the smiling faces, the post-food naps on the sofa.

3. Get in the Frame

You’re part of the story, too, and your presence matters in the photos.

• Use a Timer or Remote: Set up your phone or camera on a tripod (or steady surface) and use a self-timer or remote shutter to capture candid, in-the-moment shots with you in them.

  • A fun way to use these images, and something I’ve been doing the past few years, is to create a time-lapse. Your phone is perfect for this and will do all the work for you if you don’t want to deal with editing (I shoot mine on my camera with a slow shutter speed to add movement, but that is an extra step that really isn’t necessary). Then, you just have to add some music to it on a reel and you’ll have a quick and special memory to share with your loved ones! You can see one of mine with music here.

• Hand Off the Camera: Let someone else take a few shots of you enjoying the moment—whether it’s sipping coffee, handing out gifts, or hugging your kids.

• Don’t Worry About Perfection: Messy hair, pajamas, or chaotic rooms are all part of the charm. Your family will treasure seeing you as you are, fully present and part of the day.

BONUS TIP: Trust that you’ve captured enough! Take a few photos, then put the camera down and soak up the joy with your loved ones. Sometimes, being fully present creates the best memories of all!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas! 🎄