The magic of Christmas: How to take the perfect Santa photos?

The Christmas period is a special time, full of joy, family gatherings and unforgettable moments. Such moments need to be immortalised in photographs. And who should be the focus of the photos we take? Santa Claus, of course. Whether you meet Santa at a Christmas market, in a shopping mall or in person when he visits you at home, the photos you take will be a beautiful keepsake for years to come. As such, it's worth making sure they come out perfectly. Here are a few tips. 

1. Find the right backdrop

The right backdrop is bound to emphasise the magic of the Christmas atmosphere. Christmas markets, decorated Christmas trees, decorative lights or winter landscapes will be ideal backdrops for your photo session. But that's not the end of the ideas for the perfect backdrop. You can also take impressive photos at home. Choose a spot with festive decorations — lights, baubles, a Christmas tree or a window decorated with artificial snow. 

Be sure that there are no bystanders or random and unnecessary items in the background, such as scattered toys.

2. Pay attention to the lighting

Having the right lighting has an enormous impact on the quality of a photograph. Where possible, be sure to take advantage of natural light, especially during outdoor sessions. If your photo session with Santa takes place in the evening, use the soft lighting of Christmas lights or the light provided by other festive decorations. Avoid deep shadows and overly dark locations — Christmas is a time for sparkle!

3. Go for natural shots

Photos with Santa should capture the emotion and spontaneity of the moment. Unnatural poses have long been a thing of the past. Remember that the photo session is meant to be fun. You can sit on Santa's lap, give him a hug or just sit comfortably next to him. What about other ideas? 

• You could always drink hot chocolate together — from festive mugs, of course. 
• You can read your favourite book or comic book with Santa.
• Or you could take on the role of Santa's helper and assist him in carrying the gift bag. 
• Baking or eating Christmas gingerbread together would also make for a beautiful shot. 
• Another idea is to dress the Christmas tree or decorate the house with beautiful decorations with Santa's help. 

As you can see, there are plenty of ideas for a photo with Santa — all you need to do is to think a bit! 

4. Creative composition

Be creative. If the session takes place at home, you can pose for the photos in a Christmas T-shirt and woollen socks — of course, featuring reindeer, Christmas trees and other holiday themes. For outdoor sessions, a red woollen hat or scarf with a Christmas theme will be indispensable. 

You can also use additional elements like funny glasses, a headband with reindeer horns or a fancy wig — you are only limited by your creativity. Using artificial snow, confetti and coloured stars is also a great idea. 

5. Create variety

Don't let boredom creep into your photo session! Change the backdrop, the frame, the decorations and the poses taken. Be sure to invite other family members to join in the fun too. A group photo session is bound to be a special keepsake. 

6. Don't forget to touch up your photos

Once the photos have been taken, take a moment to do some subtle editing. Adding some warm tones, brightening darker areas or applying a filter can make a major difference. A snow effect, a funny frame or Christmas greetings would also be a fantastic idea.

Make it a tradition

Photos with Santa are not only fun, but also a great way to create a family tradition. You can take photos in a similar style every year, watching your family change. Memories like this are a priceless treasure that you'll cherish for years to come.

Conclusion

While capturing the perfect Santa photos takes a bit of preparation, the end result is definitely worth the effort. Remember to choose a climatic backdrop, ensure appropriate lighting and keep the shots natural. No matter the location or situation, your photos are bound to be full of Christmas magic. This year, be sure to capture Santa through the lens and enjoy special keepsakes for a lifetime!