The DIY Holiday Photos Toolkit

Ho Ho Holy Poopsicles, the holidays are coming! If you're thinking that it seems like just yesterday you put that Christmas tree away, you're not alone! The holidays seem to sneak up on me every single year. I am definitely excited for them, but somehow never quite prepared. One thing that definitely gets pushed off is my holiday card photos! This year, I decided to take matters into my own hands and get those pictures done before Halloween even rolled around! If you're unsure how to even go about taking your own photos (that don't look as pathetic as a homemade gift that you whipped up at the last second) then I've got just the thing for you! I've rounded up 12 items I love using for my family photos, so you can shoot for success. Ya see what I did there?

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1. Tripod- If you want to try and take your own photos, I would highly recommend this tripod! It folds up really small, plus you can tilt the head so that you can take landscapes or portraits! It's light, compact and folds up small. It's perfect for taking on the go and storing in a closet when it's not in use. This is the exact one I use for my photos!

2. Phone Tripod Mount- If you want to attach your phone on this tripod, you'll need a special adapter. I use this one, which does the trick! You just swap out the head it comes with and then expand it for your phone. The great part is that it's adjustable, so you can use anyone's phone. I'd recommend checking the measurements if you have a newer iPhone though. Those things just keep getting bigger and bigger, so I'm not sure if this particular one will get big enough.

3. Mini Tripod- If you want a tiny tripod for a tabletop or even easier portability, try this one! I haven't used this one personally, but it had great reviews on Amazon. I'm considering getting one myself, especially since I like to take videos of Hailey doing cute stuff. She always stops when she sees me holding the camera, so with this I can go into stealth mode! If you want something more affordable, try this one instead.

4. Box Lights- These are a bit of an investment, but I honestly can't recommend them enough! I use them for practically all my blog photos and occasionally whip them out when the lighting isn't ideal for portraits. Another option is these umbrella lights, which aren't quite as bright. Both of them fold up super tiny and can take up just a corner of a closet! It's actually pretty remarkable how mighty yet tiny they are. Just a note that these won't make a dark room bright, but they will assist in compensating when the room just isn't bright enough for a good picture.

5. Holiday Blanket- You always need a great blanket for holiday photos! Use it for an accent on the couch or bed, to add warmth to a photo, or to snuggle and wear in your pictures. Either way, you really can't go wrong with a holiday blanket! I used one in my photoshoots, then towards the end my sister wore it on her head to try to get a laugh out of Hailey. She did smile, but not nearly as much as I did. I truly wish I had taken a photo from my angle. It was quite comical. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, try this more seasonal snowflake blanket instead or try this fun puppy blanket if you like something more whimsical!

6. Stockings- Some cute stockings hung on the chimney with care, or held as a prop, are essential for a fun Christmas photo! I also love seeing them hung at the foot of a bed. I love these because they' look so soft and cozy with the knit pattern and fur. For a little added sparkle, try a set of these!

7. Small Tree- If you're not ready to whip out the giant Christmas tree and the whole shebang, get a smaller tree that you can put in the background of your photos! This one is a nice small size but also decorated, which means less work for you! After the photo session is over, you can place it near your fireplace for some fun festivity, or put it in your kitchen, dining room, or kids' room to keep the holiday fun going in the whole house!

8. Antler Headbands- I love holiday themed accessories and I cannot lie, you other sisters can't deny. When a girl walks in with an itty bitty babe, and some antlers in your face you get sprung. Ok, things got a little cheesy there for a moment #sorrynotsorry but I love Christmas antlers. I can be found sporting them for every holiday themed event, from Holiday photos to Christmas parties to actual Christmas day. Oh, plus trimming the tree, seeing the holiday lights, baking cookies... They're my favorite! I just bought this fun pastel set but you can always go more traditional with a gold set.

9. Christmas Book- This makes a great prop and distraction for your photos! If your kids won't sit still, try giving them a brand new or favorite book to read. Maybe even add something silly on the pages to get a laugh out of them! Hailey loved this book because Santa has furry beards! You can also go more traditional with The Night Before Christmas, a Disney book, or a Hanukkah book.

10. Wreath or Garland- Whether you're holding a wreath for a pop of color, or place a garland at your headboard, they're perfect for adding some holiday spirit without much effort! I used a white garland from Michael's for my holiday photos, and didn't even have to attach it to the wall. I just stuffed it behind the headboard and made sure it was as close to the wall as possible! The best part is that adding these wreaths or garlands can really help you to bring in or enhance your color scheme. I knew I wanted my photos to be colorful and airy, and my garland did that! You could also go more traditional or fun and festive.

11. A Great Camera- You can definitely use your phone for your pictures, but I would highly recommend getting a camera if you’ve been on the fence! I personally have the older version of this Canon EOS Rebel (mine is the T6) but this newer one has such great features! Touchscreen is a newer feature, plus this set includes a remote which means super easy shooting!

12. Stepstool- If your friendtographer is short, you’ll definitely want to have a tripod! This one is SUPER light but also very sturdy. Perfect for taking on the go and being super safe while you’re at it! Why do you want a step stool, you may be asking? Because taking a photo from slightly above= very flattering. Taking one from below means all the chins. You’re welcome!

With these items, your holiday cards are sure to be a hit at the dinner table, unlike Aunt Sally's figgy pudding. If you're unsure how to even go about planning and executing your holiday photo shoot, I have a treat for you! I've developed a course that gives you my step by step system for planning, shooting, and editing your holiday photos! It's called Sleigh Your Holiday Photoshoot, and it's a game changer for the "I'll just do the photos myself, thanks" crowd!

It's the exact method I use for taking my blog and family photos, which I've perfected over the years. You'll be able to take your holiday photos in 5 days or less, with step-by-step videos and checklists to help you along the way! Everything is short and sweet, but super actionable and helpful. You'll be able to match those Pinterest inspiration photos in no time.

What's an essential for you when taking family photos? Is it a toy, a gadget, or maybe snacks for bribing the kids? Let me know in the comments below!