Because those tiny pajama feet won’t stay tiny forever.

Christmas morning has a magic all its own. Sleepy eyes, squeals at the top of the stairs, wrapping paper flying like confetti—it’s pure childhood joy. As a photographer and a mom, I know these are the moments that you want to remember.

So here are my favorite real-life, mom-approved photography tips to help you capture Christmas morning beautifully—using whatever camera you have (yes, iPhone totally counts!).

1. Start Before the Chaos

Get up early (or the night before) and grab a few quiet shots before the kids come barreling out of their rooms:

The tree lit up
The stockings hanging
Wrapped gifts and packages
A close-up of ornaments or twinkle lights

Pro tip: Turn off the overhead lights and rely on tree glow + window light for that cozy, magical feel.

2. Capture the Anticipation

Those few seconds before they see the tree? GOLD.

Ideas:

The kids running into your room to bounce on your bed (early wake-ups anyone?)
Kids at the top of the stairs
Siblings holding hands or hugging
Your toddler running toward the living room
A parent leading them in
Checking the chimney for Santa

These shots feel candid, nostalgic, and warm—and you’ll get genuine smiles and joy!

Composition tip: Shoot from their eye level. Kneel or sit down to capture the scene. It makes the moment feel bigger and more magical.

3. Let the Light Work for You

Christmas morning often happens before the sun fully wakes up, so lighting can be tricky. A few cheats:

Face your kids toward a window — natural light > lamps every time.
Turn off overhead lights if they cast orange or harsh tones.
Use tree lights + window light together for that extra sparkle.
If it’s really dark, move them closer to the window and say something like:
“Show me your favorite gift!”
— which naturally places them in perfect light.

Editing tip: If your photos have a harsh yellow or orange tone, click on “edit” in your photo app and reduce the warmth or play with the color saturation slider. A small shift can make a big difference!

4. Don’t Pose… Prompt

Kids don’t want to hold still or pose —they need quick, playful prompts. Try:

“Show me the funniest face you can make with your new toy!”
“Hold it up like you’re showing grandma!”
“Jump on daddy!” (works every time 😅)
“Give your brother a Christmas squeeze!”
“Take a big bite of that candy cane!”

You’ll get natural smiles, real connection, and less frustration all around.

5. Get the Tiny Details

These are the shots you’ll cry over in five years. (Ask me how I know!)

Ideas:

Little, chubby hands tearing wrapping paper
Their favorite ornament they always grab first
Pajamas + tiny toes on the rug
The bow in your daughter’s messy bedhead
Cocoa mugs, cinnamon rolls, the “morning chaos”
Little ones sitting and looking at the lit-up Christmas tree

Pro tip: For details, tap to focus and step closer instead of zooming in.

6. Use the “Wide → Medium → Close” Method

This simple trick makes everyday moments look like a story:

Wide: The whole room, the tree, everyone together
Medium: One child opening a gift
Close: Their hands, their eyelashes, the glitter on the ornament

Repeat throughout the morning and your whole gallery will feel intentional—even if your toddler is literally chewing on wrapping paper. Trust me!

7. Hand the Camera Over (Yes, Really.)

YOU deserve to be in these photos too.

Let your partner or children take a few shots or set your phone on:

A shelf
A coffee table
A tripod (if you’re fancy)

Turn on self-timer and gather your crew. Don’t worry about messy hair or PJs. That’s what makes it perfect.

8. Create Compositions

Use elements in the room to tell the story.

Instead of standing up and taking a photo down at the kids unwrapping, try shooting through a gap in tree branches. Or, exaggerate your perspective by standing over them and taking a photo from directly overhead.

Try creatively framing your subjects (the kids!) with these ideas:

Tree branches

A pile of presents
Hold candy canes in front of your lens to make a frame around the kids’ faces.
Walk around the room and photograph from all sides.

Bonus: My Go-To Christmas Morning Shots List

Save this for quick reference!

✔ Kids seeing the tree for the first time
✔ Stockings being opened
✔ Parents on the couch in the background
✔ Siblings hugging or comparing gifts
✔ A wide shot of the living room mess
✔ A close-up of each favorite gift
✔ Family photo in front of the tree
✔ The moment the sugar crashes hit 😅

You’ve Got This!

Christmas morning is supposed to be a little chaotic, a little wild, and very full of love. Your photos don’t need to be perfect—they just need to feel like your family. Let the joy be the guide, and I promise you’ll walk away with images that make your heart melt every time you look back on them.