Capturing Christmas Magic at Home (Yes, Chocolate Bribes Were Used!)

By Roberta Gibbons — Gloucestershire & South West Wedding, Family & Equine Photographer

There’s something really lovely about photographing children at Christmas. The house feels cosier, the lights become part of the moment, and little ones seem to glow with excitement. These photos of my daughter were taken right at home — no studio lights, no complicated setup, just the Christmas tree, a few soft twinkles… and a small amount of chocolate persuasion.

As a photographer, these simple, heartfelt moments are exactly what I love capturing for families — the real bits that feel warm and honest, and that you’ll want to look back on for years. And the good news is: you don’t need professional lighting to create this look yourself.

If you’re wondering how to take Christmas photos of children at home, here are the little techniques I use both with my own daughter and during my in-home family photography sessions across the South West.

1. Let the Christmas tree set the mood

A single switch makes all the difference: turn off the main lights. The glow from the tree instantly creates atmosphere and depth, and keeps everything feeling soft and natural.

Try:

• Using just the tree lights

• Adding a few extra twinkles nearby

• Keeping the room gentle and low-lit

This immediately gives your photos that cosy, festive feel.

2. Give children something to focus on

Instead of asking them to sit still, give them a small task or prop. A lantern, a festive book, or even a favourite decoration keeps them settled and creates genuine expressions.

This is exactly how I work during sessions — children relax far more when they’re engaged in something simple and familiar.

3. A small reward works wonders

A chocolate coin, a mini treat, the promise of a hot drink afterwards… whatever keeps spirits high. It helps create a calm atmosphere and keeps little ones involved without any pressure.

4. You don’t need fancy equipment

Some of the loveliest December photographs come from everyday light sources:

• The tree

• A warm lamp or lantern

• A scattering of fairy lights

• Natural shadows and highlights

If you’re using a phone, tap to focus on your child’s face and gently lower the exposure for a richer, more atmospheric look. Don’t worry about a touch of grain — it adds to the mood of the scene.

5. Photograph from their level

Sit beside them or kneel on the floor. Capturing the moment from their height instantly makes the image feel more intimate and storytelling — something I use across my wedding, family and equine work.

6. Capture the feeling, not the perfect pose

The magic is always in the little details: the way they study a bauble, their tiny hands wrapped around a book, the soft glow on their cheeks. Those are the moments that make Christmas feel special.

If you’d prefer to be in the moment rather than behind the camera, I offer relaxed in-home Christmas photography sessions in Gloucestershire and the South West. They’re simple, calm and centred around your child’s natural curiosity — no posing, no fuss.

Would you like your own cosy Christmas photographs this year?

I hope you found these tips helpful for capturing cosy Christmas moments with your little ones!

If you’d like me to create your own warm, natural images at home, I’d be delighted to help—just send me a message to check December availability.