Christmas is one of the most photogenic times of the year — sparkling lights, cosy jumpers, laughter around the tree, and streets that glow with festive colour. Whether you’re taking family portraits or capturing the twinkle of Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, a few smart techniques can turn your photos from ordinary snapshots into magical festive memories.
Here’s how to get the best Christmas photos, from camera settings to creative ideas — straight from the PicTours team.
1. Embrace the Glow of Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are beautiful but tricky — they can easily blow out highlights or cast unwanted colour tones.
Top tips:
- Turn off your flash. Let the natural glow of the lights illuminate your scene.
- Use a slower shutter speed (1/30s or slower) to capture that gentle twinkle.
- Stabilise your camera with a tripod or nearby surface to avoid blur.
- Adjust white balance manually to keep warm tones looking cosy, not orange.
✨ PicTour tip: Try photographing outdoor lights at dusk, when the sky is a deep blue — not pitch black. The balance between light and shadow gives your images more depth.
2. Capture Candid Christmas Moments
Some of the best festive photos aren’t staged — they’re spontaneous. Kids laughing, grandparents unwrapping presents, or that moment when everyone’s mid-giggle during a game.
Try this:
- Keep your camera ready in burst mode.
- Shoot from different angles — eye level, low near the floor, or over someone’s shoulder.
- Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 – f/4) for dreamy background blur.
These candid shots will tell a much more authentic Christmas story than any posed photo ever could.
3. Photograph the Details
Don’t forget the little things that make Christmas feel special — the shimmer of tinsel, the steam rising from mulled wine, the sparkle of frost on a window.
Macro or close-up photography can transform small festive details into works of art. Use a macro lens or portrait mode, and experiment with depth of field to make the subject pop.
4. Master Low-Light Photography Indoors
Christmas often means photographing indoors under warm fairy lights or firelight. That’s a challenge for any camera, but you can still get beautiful, sharp photos.
Settings to try:
- ISO: 800–1600 for DSLRs, or Night Mode on your phone.
- Aperture: f/2.8 or wider to let in more light.
- Shutter speed: 1/60s or faster to avoid motion blur.
If you’re shooting on a phone, tap on faces to expose for skin tones rather than bright backgrounds.
5. Add a Festive Touch to Portraits
When taking portraits, think about composition and context — a bokeh of lights behind your subject, or soft natural light from a nearby window.
Tips for better festive portraits:
- Encourage your subject to interact naturally — hold a mug, hang an ornament, or laugh with someone.
- Use props like fairy lights or scarves to create warmth and texture.
- Edit subtly — increase contrast, soften shadows, and enhance warm tones.
6. Head Outdoors for a Winter Wonderland Shoot
Scotland in winter is a photographer’s dream — from snowy landscapes to frosty mornings.
If you’re shooting outdoors:
- Underexpose slightly to preserve detail in snow.
- Use a polarising filter to make blue skies and snow sparkle.
- Dress your models warmly — rosy cheeks add natural colour!
7. Tell a Story with Your Christmas Photo Series
A great Christmas photo album tells a story — anticipation, celebration, and connection. Try capturing a series of images throughout the day:
- Decorating the tree
- Baking or cooking
- Opening presents
- Evening lights and laughter
When shared as a sequence, these moments weave together beautifully.
Bonus: Try a PicTour This Festive Season 🎄
Want to level up your photography skills this Christmas? Join one of our PicTours in Edinburgh — a guided photography walk designed to help you capture the city’s festive charm. From twinkling lights on Princes Street to reflections on the Water of Leith, you’ll learn to see Christmas through a creative lens.
Book your PicTour today and make this Christmas your most photogenic yet!
Final Thoughts
Christmas photography is all about emotion and atmosphere — not perfection. Embrace the sparkle, the chaos, and the imperfectly perfect moments that make the season magical.
Whether you’re snapping on a phone or shooting with a DSLR, these techniques will help you capture the warmth, light, and love that define the holidays.
