Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Christmas Tree Backdrop
Drape the wall and the floor of your photo location with solid-colored velvet fabric. It does not need to lie flat. In fact, a loose drape has a warmer feel. Use the same color for the walls and floor. Choose a color that will not compete with the subjects in the photo.
Set up an artificial Christmas tree to one side of your photo area. The tree is meant to be part of the backdrop, not the focal point of the photo.
Decorate the tree sparingly with plain white lights. Keep ornaments simple and stick to a single color theme. Don't use metallic ornaments; they will produce glare in your photo.
Wrap some large boxes as presents. Use solid-colored fabric to wrap instead of wrapping paper if possible. Most wrapping paper is glossy and will reflect light. Stick to simple, classic Christmas colors. Add visual interest with bows and ribbons if you like, but do not go overboard and make them a distraction.
Arrange your subjects either standing slightly in front of the tree or seated around it. For a less formal photo, incorporate the presents into the grouping. Have children hold the packages or sit on them.
Santa Photos
Drape the walls and floor of your photo location with sheets of solid-colored velvet fabric. Photos with Santa should have a whimsical feel, so keep the colors festive, but avoid red, because it will compete with Santa's suit.
Set up a chair for Santa. You do not need a throne or a highly decorated chair such as the ones seen in shopping-mall Santa displays. Keep the focus on the people in the photo, not the furniture.
Keep the background plain for a more formal photo. Decorate with some large children's toys, such as a rocking horse and teddy bears, for a more festive photo.
Natural Light
Incorporate a large window into your photo. If you have a window that looks out onto a yard full of snow, this can be your backdrop.
Keep the walls and surrounding area relatively plain. Remove any wall hangings or art, and take down blinds. Place some pine boughs around the window if you wish.
Take your photos in early morning or late afternoon to take advantage of the best natural light.
Set up your shot so the window is not centered in the background, but a bit off to one side. Check for any glare from the window light on eyeglasses or other surfaces, and rearrange as necessary.
Give your subjects props such as Santa hats or scarves and mittens to make this otherwise formal photo more whimsical.
Paint Your Own
Buy a large sheet of sturdy fabric. Choose any solid color you like, but a light color will probably work best.
Lay the fabric out flat and paint a background scene on it. Use the holiday season as your inspiration. Paint a wintery scene with snow and pine trees, a brick fireplace with stockings, a tree with ornaments or something else from your imagination. Do not put in small details; they will become lost in the background. Keep your design relatively simple and not too "busy."
Hang your painting up against a flat wall, and press out any wrinkles.
Consider how you will arrange your subjects. If you wish to have them seated on the floor, lay out a sheet of fabric in a color that complements your scene. For example, for an outdoor winter scene, use white or pale blue fabric.
A hand-painted backdrop automatically makes your photo less formal and more fun. Get creative with your poses. Take candid shots of children laughing. Use Santa hats or other props that complement your scene.