No one loves photoshoots more than Doodle Mom, especially when they’re themed for the holidays. Each year she puts a lot of thought into thinking of a different scene for our holiday card and tracking down matching outfits. This has been a family tradition for six years (yes, before I was born), and we’ve compiled some of our favs to bring you some holiday inspo.

VISIT A TREE LOT

Nothing says Christmas more than a tree lot. For these photos, you can grab the winter coats/boots (or sweaters if you live in CA like us), holiday lights, holiday accessories, and maybe even your favorite wreath.

Plan to go early in the season so you get the full feeling of the lot and can shoot at several angles with several trees in the background. You’ll also need to ensure the lot allows professional photography – some charge a small fee and require advanced notice.

IN STUDIO SETUP

A lot of photographers host mini sessions around the holidays and will setup a nice backdrop with props indoors. You can typically sign up for 30 minute time slots and get 10 or so digital prints. In studio setups can be great for getting some updated family photos for this years holiday cards.

If you’re photo obsessed like Doodle Mom, you’ll probably enjoy an in studio shoot for the change in background but will also want an on-site photoshoot to have even more options.

USE YOUR HOME

Doodle Mom loves to decorate for the holidays, so one year for family photos we used our own house as the backdrop. Taking photos at your house is a great way to capture memories at a place you spend a lot of time at and it also allows for easy wardrobe changes.

We always put up more than one Christmas tree, so Doodle Mom setup different scenes throughout the house. We had a decorating scene in our living room and then a cozy spot by our fireplace in our bedroom. She also got dog friendly cookies and icing and we decorated treats for all my puppy friends. Doodle Dad and I tried to sneak some, but were caught in the act.

Christmas Cookie Ingredients // Treats Unleashed

Matching PJ’s // J. Crew (humans) and Lucy & Co (pup)

POSE WITH A VINTAGE TRUCK

Everyone knows the other version of Santa where he’s driving a red vintage truck instead of a sleigh, so play pretend and create your own vintage scene. Pull out the plaid and greenery and wear neutrals so you don’t clash. We took things to the next level by having a real cut tree to load in the bed.

When setting up your scene make sure you consider all the areas you’d like to pose. You’ll want to decorate all angles to ensure you can move around and keep an interesting background.

Decorations // Provided by Photographer

Buffalo Plaid Collar/Leash Set // Found My Animal

DECORATE AN AIRSTREAM

Airstreams are all the rage right now for unique lodging options. Why not use one as a prop for a holiday photoshoot? You can take it on location for a woodsy scene or create your own with holiday props. Use lots of greenery, string some lights and pair it all with some vintage travel decor. The luggage, cooler and thermos were some of our fav pieces.

Same recommendation applies here as the truck: when setting up your scene make sure you consider all the areas you’d like to pose and decorate all angles to ensure you can move around and keep an interesting background.

Decorations // Provided by Photographer & Stylized by Doodle Mom

Dog Accessories // Lucy & Co.

All photos were taken by Lynn Terry Photography