Behind the Camera (and In the Frame): Taking Our Own Family Christmas Photos This Year
This year’s family Christmas photos look a little different for us.
Because I was already at The Lumen Room Austin photographing holiday micro sessions, we saved a bit of time at the end of the morning to take our own family photos. Having a small Christmas setup indoors was a change from our usual outdoor holiday photos, and I love how they turned out: dressy outfits, beautiful light, and a simple backdrop that kept the focus on the people in the frame.
One of my favorite things about these photos is that my mom, Lyra’s grandma, was there with us. Getting photos that include grandparents always feels meaningful, and I know these are the kinds of images we’ll be especially grateful to have down the road.
When the Photographer Is Also the Mom
Even as a photographer, I’m still very much figuring out how to take my own family photos.
For the images of all of us together, we used a tripod and set the camera to shoot at one-second intervals for about 30 frames. Interval shooting was originally designed for creating time-lapse videos, but it works surprisingly well for family photos, especially with young kids. Instead of stopping and starting, you can interact naturally with your children while the camera quietly snaps away in the background. The result is a mix of candid moments that feel relaxed and real, and you usually end up with far more usable images than you’d expect.
For the rest of the session, Dillan took photos of me and Lyra, and I took photos of him and Lyra. Switching off like that made the process feel easier and more relaxed, and it meant each of us got time both behind and in front of the camera.
A note for moms
Getting in the photos yourself takes intention and effort. It would have been much easier to dress Lyra up and focus on taking photos of just her, and honestly, that’s often a tempting option. Stepping into the frame means planning ahead, getting ready, and deciding that being included matters too.
These photos are a reminder to myself that the effort is worth it. Not because everything turns out perfectly, but because I’m always grateful afterward that I showed up and made the time.
You don’t need an elaborate plan. Sometimes it’s as simple as setting up a tripod, pressing a button, and stepping into the frame.
I’m really glad I did.
As this year comes to a close, I just want to say thank you to the families who trusted me to document their stories this season. It’s never something I take lightly. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. I hope it’s filled with connection, rest, and moments worth remembering.
Jessica
Wilding Photography
Jessica Wilding
Lifestyle Photographer
An Austin family photographer who creates images that are warm, connected, and true to your family. Whether you’re soaking up the last days of pregnancy, welcoming your newborn, or chasing toddlers through tall grass, I work with families and individuals who embrace both the chaos and the wonder of this season.
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