Homemade Backdrops

If you are shooting your Christmas portraits at home, selecting Christmas photo backdrops may be no more difficult than a trip to the living room. Your home can provide backdrops that are more personal than those found at studio portraits, since they incorporate your personal belongings and space.  Some popular homemade Christmas photography background ideas include:

Christmas Tree

What could be more traditional than a holiday portrait in front of an elaborately decorated Christmas tree?  When posing in front of the tree, make sure your photo subjects don't block special ornaments or other must-see props, such as brightly wrapped gifts.

Fireplace

If you have access to a fireplace, a trimmed mantlepiece makes a great backdrop for Christmas portraits. Decorate the fireplace with holly, garland and Christmas stockings for a traditional scene. This type of background works best for a traditional posed portrait, since unusual poses may not lend themselves to such a formal backfrop.

Window

If the weather is cooperative and you are lucky enough to have a thick blanket of snow outside, look no further than your window for a great Christmas photography backdrop. Poses in front of the window can be formal or informal. Holiday decorations such as paper snowflakes, garlands and mistletoe can also add interest and create a festive theme. This kind of backdrop works well for both individuals and small groups.

Tips For Choosing Christmas Photography Backdrops

When planning your holiday portrait session, consider who will be in the shot and the feeling you would like to convey in the photo.  In addition, consider how many subjects will be in the photo, as this will also affect the type of backdrop you select.  A smaller number of subjects can be posed to fit onto a pre-printed background where larger groups require a bit more planning. A good rule of thumb is to allow twoand-a-half to three feet of backdrop space for each subject.  However, subjects can be stacked creatively depending on their height. Also consider your photo subjects' age when choosing your holiday photo backdrops.  Very young children and seniors don't always have the ability to pose for long periods in front of some backdrops.