With summer fast approaching, it can only mean one thing: Christmas is just around the corner! If you're about to get started on your Christmas card list, why not do something different this year? Making personalised Christmas cards with your own family photos is a wonderful way to capture a moment in time — and it's easier than you might think. Here are Ted's top 10 tips for taking the perfect Christmas card photo.
#1 Use a high-quality camera
Let's start with the obvious: you're going to need a proper camera. For the best quality results, a mirrorless camera is an excellent choice for portraits and family photos, thanks to its large image sensor and compatibility with a wide range of high-quality lenses. These lenses are sharp, available in various focal lengths, and make it easy to produce beautiful background blur (bokeh) that makes your subjects pop.
#2 Don't forget the festive touches
The best Christmas cards have a festive theme — think decorations, food, clothes, or accessories. Get creative and have fun with it! Brainstorm a few Christmas card ideas with the family beforehand so everyone can contribute and you can plan the shots you want to capture together.
#3 Get the whole family involved
Yes, we mean everyone — including your feathered and furred friends. Part of the fun of DIY cards is putting your personality on show, and funny family Christmas photos are often the most memorable and cherished.
#4 Use artificial lighting...
The key to consistently bright and vibrant photos is good lighting. Artificial lighting lets you shoot at any time of day without relying on the sun, and when used correctly, it reduces harsh shadows on faces. Options include flash (more powerful and versatile) and continuous lighting (easier for beginners).
#5 ...or make the most of the sun!
If you'd rather shoot outdoors, embrace natural light. Golden hour — the period just after sunrise or before sunset — produces the most flattering, warm, directional light available. Understanding how to position your subjects relative to the light source is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a photographer.
#6 Go filter-free
Skip the heavy filters and show your friends and family the real you. That's not to say all editing should be avoided — basic adjustments like exposure, contrast, sharpening, cropping, and straightening can make a significant difference to the final result without making the image look over-processed.
#7 Use a tripod
A tripod is one of the most useful accessories you can add to your kit. It keeps your shots steady and blur-free, and — crucially — lets you get into the photos yourself. Tripods are available for both dedicated cameras and smartphones. Read our ultimate tripod buying guide to find the right one for your needs.
#8 Get in the shots!
If you're both the photographer and a subject, avoid the mad dash with a simple handheld camera remote. It can be discreetly held in your hand and triggered at exactly the right moment — no more blurry self-timer sprints across the room.
#9 Try instant photography
Instant photography has an undeniable charm that suits the warm, homely feel of Christmas perfectly. Many Christmas morning memories have been captured on instant cameras over the years — why not continue the tradition? Some models offer a reprint function that lets you print multiple copies of the same image in minutes, making them ideal for personalised Christmas cards. Read our guide to instant photography to learn more, or browse our range of instant cameras online.
#10 Consider your printing options
When you're ready to print, you have a few options. A professional printing service — available both online and in-store at Ted's — delivers high-quality results in a range of popular sizes. If you prefer to print at home, an inkjet printer with high-quality photographic paper works well. Alternatively, a standalone instant printer like the Fujifilm Instax Wide Printer connects via Bluetooth and lets you edit images, add frames or emojis, and print directly from a dedicated app.
You'll find all the camera equipment you need to take the perfect Christmas card photos online at Ted's Cameras. For personalised advice, visit your local Ted's store and our team will be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera for Christmas card photos?
A mirrorless camera with a portrait lens (50mm or 85mm) will give you the best results — sharp subjects, beautiful background blur, and excellent performance in mixed indoor lighting. That said, a modern smartphone with portrait mode can also produce great Christmas card photos, especially when paired with good lighting and a tripod. Visit a Ted's Cameras store for personalised recommendations based on your budget.
What is the best lighting for indoor Christmas card photos?
Soft, diffused artificial lighting is ideal for indoor portraits. A simple two-light setup — a key light to illuminate your subjects and a fill light to reduce shadows — produces clean, flattering results. If you're using a single flash, bounce it off the ceiling or a white wall to soften the light. Avoid using the camera's built-in pop-up flash directly, as it creates harsh, flat light and red-eye.
How do I get everyone to look natural in a family photo?
The key is to keep the atmosphere relaxed and fun. Give people something to do — interact with each other, share a joke, or focus on the kids or pets — rather than staring directly at the camera. Capture a mix of posed and candid shots, and take more frames than you think you need. The best family photos are often the ones taken between the official shots.
Can I use my smartphone for Christmas card photos?
Absolutely — modern smartphones are capable of producing excellent portrait photos, especially in good light. Use portrait mode for background blur, shoot in the highest resolution available, and use a tripod or phone mount to keep the camera steady. For the best results, shoot in natural light near a window or outdoors during golden hour.
Where can I print Christmas card photos in Australia?
Ted's Cameras offers a professional photo printing service both online and in-store, with a range of popular sizes and high-quality results. You can also print at home using an inkjet printer and photographic paper, or use a Bluetooth instant printer like the Fujifilm Instax Wide Printer for quick, fun prints directly from your smartphone.