3 Easy Holiday Photo Tips for Parents: How to Capture Real Smiles from Your Kids

You’ve coordinated the outfits (or pj’s), bribed the kids (and maybe your husband!), prepped the gingerbread houses and decorated the house. And yet, when it’s time for photos …. your toddlers flops on the floor and your oldest just wants to be on her phone.

As a mom and a professional family photographer, I’ve lived every version of this. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: the most cherished images I’ve captured? They were born in the crazy, real life moments - when mamas gave themselves permission to enjoy the moment instead of performing for it.

So let’s take a breath. This season, what if you could create beautiful, meaningful holiday photos without the stress of stiff smiles?

Here’s how:

Family making a gingerbread house during a photo session

Finding Real Joy in Family Photos

Too often, moms think they need a perfectly scheduled plan and Pinterest-worthy poses to get “the shot.” But real magic happens when you let go just a little.

Stack the table with gumdrops and icing, and build a gingerbread house together (my kids still love to do this every December, no matter how old they are!) The M&M’s may mysteriously disappear (even moms need some holiday treats, right?), the house will smell like cinnamon and Christmas music will play continuously in the background.

It’s loud, busy …. and perfect.

During these sessions, I simply step back, frame the moment, and click as genuine memories unfold in front of me.

That’s the kind of memories your kids will want to see years from now. The ones where they were wiggly, messy and safe in your arms.

Ready to make that happen in your own photos? Let me show you how.

3 Simple holiday photo tips for real smiles (yes, even from your busy kids!)

  1. Make it Playful (Seriously … play!!)

Instead of stressing about smiles, invite joy. Swap stiff poses for holiday activities. Here are a few of my family’s favorites:

  • Cut out snowflakes or paper chains

  • Bake cookies (while mom sneaks tastes of the dough … ok, my sweet tooth is a real issue!)

  • Play Christmas charades (this produces genuine laughs EVERY time!)

  • Give every family member a Santa beard using whipped cream or shaving cream

  • Read a Bible verse for every day of the advent season

  • Set up a train around the Christmas tree

These playful moments invite genuine connection and give your hands, eyes and hearts something to do. Suddenly, you’re not focused on the camera. You’re just being a family together - and that’s where the magic lives.

2. Let Go of Perfection (It was never the goal anyway)

I tell families all the time: “If people are touching - snuggling is ideal, but even sibling tackles count - the photo is a win.”

Clothes may wrinkle, kids will wiggle. There will be moments of whining or tattling. But that’s life! Gorgeous photos happen in between it all.

Here’s what helps:

  • Stay calm. Your energy sets the tone. (and I have a million kids of my own. I’ve seen it all. So no need to be embarrassed)

  • Don’t sweat the small stuff (when you look back on these photos, you won’t remember - or care - what didn’t go according to plan, because the beauty of the memories themselves will be all you see.)

  • Focus on connection over control. (this is the only Christmas that they will be this age, SAVOR it. I promise you, you’ll miss it later.)

Focus on the feeling you want to remember

When planning your holiday session, ask yourself, What do I want to feel when I look back on these photos?

Do you want to remember cuddly mornings in Christmas pajamas?

Giggles while decorating cookies?

Creating traditions by passing down family recipes?

Let that vision guide your choices - from activities to clothing to location.

Slow down, soak up your people and be truly present.

Why this Matters (even more than you think)

Your kids are growing fast. What feels messy today will pull on your heart strings tomorrow.

Your children’s childhoods are being created right now!!!

The memories you make today, are the exact things your kids will remember when they think about their Christmases growing up.

AND ….. you need to be visible in the stories too!!

Not just the one who baked the cookies and wrapped all the gifts, but the mom in the frame.

So the next time you think, “Ugh, I’m too tired. I haven’t washed my hair yet, my makeup isn’t on, etc.” trust me: your babies want to see YOU in their memories.

book a session that feels like a gift

At Amanda Peasley Photography, holiday sessions are designed to be relaxed, meaningful, and fun - the kind of experience your kids actually look forward to. With gentle guidance and a whole lot of heart, I’ll capture the sweetness of your session without stress or staging.

Let’s create photos that tell your real holiday story - messy, magical, and utterly unforgettable.

You bring the jammies, music, or icing. I’ll bring the camera.

Reach out when you’re ready to create your holiday story for pass down through generations.

Amanda Peasley