Capturing Holiday Gatherings (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Holiday Cheer)
The holidays are magical. They’re also loud, messy, slightly chaotic, and filled with people asking, “Did you get a photo of this?” If you love scrapbooking, you probably feel the pull to document all the things but let’s be honest, trying to capture every moment can turn even the most joyful gathering into a stress fest.
Good news: you don’t need perfect photos or a million of them to create meaningful scrapbook pages. You just need a plan and a little grace.
A few things I do to not stress about photos are:
1. Pick a Few Moments and Call It Good
Before the festivities begin, choose 3–5 moments you really care about. That’s it. No gold stars for overachieving.
Ideas:
Guests arriving
The main meal or dessert table
A favorite tradition (games, baking, gift opening)
One group photo (wrangled or not)
2. Use Auto Mode and Zero Guilt
Holiday gatherings are not the time to channel your inner professional photographer. Auto mode exists for a reason—bless it.
If the lighting’s weird or someone blinked? Congratulations. You captured real life. Also turn on LIVE mode and if you miss a shot you can screenshot it from the live video!
and
3. Get in the Photos (You Belong There)
Hand the camera to someone else. Set a timer. Jump into the frame.
You’re not just the memory keeper—you’re part of the memory.
Remember we usually only use 2-3 photos on each layout so if you have 20 photos to choose from honestly that is PLENTY!!! I usually try to make sure I get a group photo as that is usually the ONE photo that I really want! Hope this helps and remember to relax and enjoy those Holiday Moments!
Love the idea of documenting without asking people to smile? Here are 25 more ideas for candid photos!
Download the FREE printable PDF HERE
25 Holiday Gathering Photos to Capture
The front door as guests arrive, coats half-on, smiles mid-greeting
Shoes piled by the door or coats stacked on a bed
A wide shot of the room before everyone settles in
The table before anyone eats, imperfect and ready
Place settings or name cards, even if they’re simple
A close-up of the main dish or dessert before it’s touched
Hands passing food across the table
Someone mid-laugh, not looking at the camera
Kids playing on the floor or under the table
A candid of two people deep in conversation
The drink station or coffee bar in action
A blurry action shot of a game being played
Someone serving themselves dessert
Plates after the meal, crumbs and all
The person who did most of the cooking, taking a breather
A group photo, wrangled or chaotic or both
A selfie with whoever is sitting closest to you
A detail of the decorations that made you smile
Gifts stacked or scattered, before or after opening
Someone opening a gift, reaction in progress
A pet weaving through the crowd
The kids’ table or craft area aftermath
The kitchen sink during cleanup
The room once most people have left, quiet again
One last photo of you there, tired and happy
