Swipe through all 28 ideas
See every idea at a glance, then jump to the one you like.
Cutting our own tree is one of my favorite days of the whole year. We bundle up, grab the saw and the thermos of cocoa, and walk the rows until somebody spots the one. A few years ago I realized that same walk makes the best family photo backdrop we will ever get.
Here are 27 Christmas tree farm family photo ideas from 12 photographers and bloggers. There are classic poses in the rows, outfit ideas, props the kids will actually enjoy, and pictures for babies, dogs, couples and grandparents. Every idea links to the photographer who took it, so you can see the whole session.
If you would rather set up a little scene at home, see our Christmas mini session ideas. For what to wear, our Christmas outfit ideas have plenty of cozy looks.
Classic family poses in the tree rows
1. Walk down a row holding hands
SaveCredit: Kevyn Dixon Photography
This is the picture everybody wants, and it is the simplest one to get. Walk slowly toward the camera down a long row of trees, hold hands and talk to each other instead of staring at the lens.
Kevyn Dixon photographed families this way during her mini sessions at Penland Christmas Tree Farm in York, South Carolina. Simple jeans, a plaid shirt and one pop of red feel right at home between the trees.
2. Let the toddler lead the way
SaveCredit: Kevyn Dixon Photography
A toddler will not sit still in a field full of trees, so stop asking. Let them walk ahead on their own and take the picture from their level.
A little sweater and green pants against the rows of fir trees make one of the sweetest frames of the whole day.
3. Wear buffalo plaid from head to toe
SaveCredit: Kristen Duke Photography
Kristen Duke dressed her whole family in red and black buffalo plaid, mostly from Old Navy, for a tree farm shoot she swapped with two photographer friends. She said putting together that much of one bold pattern was probably her hardest outfit job yet.
The trick is one strong pattern and a few solids. Some wore plaid shirts or dresses, and the rest wore black, gray or red so the plaid had room to breathe.
4. Stand in a loose line between the trees
SaveCredit: Kristen Duke Photography
For the one card picture where everyone needs to be seen, stand in a loose line right in the middle of a row. Tallest in the center, little ones in front or on a hip.
Lean in toward each other a little and let arms go around shoulders. It looks warm instead of stiff, and nobody gets hidden behind a branch.
5. Sit together on a plaid blanket
SaveCredit: Nicole Waddell Photography
Nicole Waddell spreads a red tartan blanket on the ground for her tree farm minis at Windy Hills Farm, a choose and cut farm in Ethel, Louisiana. Everybody sits close, kids in front and parents behind.
A blanket keeps good clothes off wet grass and gives a wiggly family one spot to stay put. Pack one you would not mind getting muddy.
6. Squeeze in for a close up hug
SaveCredit: Nicole Waddell Photography
After the wide shots, have everyone press their cheeks together and fill the whole frame. The trees turn into a soft green wall behind you.
This one works for families with older kids who are done with posing. It is quick, a little silly and almost always ends in real laughing.
7. Peek through the branches
SaveCredit: Little Moments by Julie
Julie Lich of Little Moments by Julie photographed families at a U cut tree farm in Palmyra, New York. One of the pictures in her guide has a dad and baby peeking out from behind a tree with soft branches in front.
Hold a branch out of the way with one hand and let the rest frame your faces. It feels like a little secret moment in the middle of the farm.
8. Start a tickle fight for real smiles
SaveCredit: Little Moments by Julie
Julie says a light hearted tickle is usually the best way to get natural smiles and real family interaction. It works so much better than saying cheese.
She also suggests one parent stand right behind the photographer when the little ones need help looking at the camera, and that the grownups in the picture keep looking at the lens too.
9. Coordinate your colors instead of matching
SaveCredit: Little Moments by Julie
Julie’s rule is coordinate, not match. If one person wears a patterned shirt, pull the colors for everyone else from that pattern.
Here the red plaid shows up on dad and the baby, and mom and the vests bring in the neutral gray and black. She also says to dress in layers under the nice outfit and plan on mud, since you are going to a farm.
Kids, props and little traditions
10. Bring the red wagon
SaveCredit: Craftivity Designs
Craftivity Designs takes family photos at the tree farm every December, and one year they brought along their Radio Flyer wagon. She chose red ornaments, a red ribbon and a red fleece throw to echo the color of the wagon.
Pile the wagon with a couple of soft pillows and a blanket so the kids have a cozy spot. The wagon also hauls everything back to the car when you are done.
11. Hand the kids big shatterproof ornaments
SaveCredit: Craftivity Designs
The same family gave each of the kids a few large shatterproof red ornaments to hold. As she put it, props are not just for looks, they keep kids busy so the photo shoot runs smoother.
Shatterproof is the key word here. Nothing glass should go near a toddler on a field of grass.
12. Set up a tripod and a timer
SaveCredit: Craftivity Designs
You do not need a photographer for this. Craftivity Designs sets the camera on a tripod with the timer on, then runs back into the picture.
She takes five to ten group photos and hopes for one good one. A phone tripod and a remote shutter work the same way.
13. Lay a faux fur rug under a decorated tree
SaveCredit: Kristen Leigh Photography
Kristen Leigh holds her holiday minis every year at Kip’s Tree Farm in Central Massachusetts. She drapes a living tree with tinsel garland and ornaments and lays a white faux fur rug in front.
Little ones in red tulle skirts and cream sweaters look like they stepped out of a storybook. Bring a few clothespins to clip a garland onto the branches without hurting the tree.
14. Add a teddy bear and a Santa sack
SaveCredit: Kristen Leigh Photography
A red velvet Santa sack with a teddy bear peeking out is a prop that every little kid wants to play with. Kristen Leigh catches the picture while they play.
Low afternoon sun behind the trees gives the whole scene that warm glow. Shoot a little later in the day if you can.
15. Let her twirl in the open field
SaveCredit: Kristen Leigh Photography
Find an open patch at the end of a row and let a little girl in a full skirt spin as fast as she wants. The movement makes the skirt fly out and the smile is real.
Take a burst of pictures, because one of them will catch her right at the top of the twirl.
16. Wear red rain boots for the muddy rows
SaveCredit: Great Big Photography World
Great Big Photography World puts a tree farm visit at the top of its list of holiday card photo ideas, and notes that most farms open in the fall. Their example is a little girl in a red sweater dress walking away down a wet row.
Tree farms are muddy in November and December. Red rubber boots look festive and save the good shoes.
17. Give siblings their own hug picture
SaveCredit: Nicole Starr Photography
Nicole Starr photographed two sisters in matching navy blue dresses at the farm where their family picks out a tree every December. The girls giggled and ran through the rows between poses.
Ask the big sister to give the little one a squeeze, then step back and wait. The second or third hug is usually the best.
18. Bring a bench for mom or grandma
SaveCredit: Nicole Starr Photography
A small upholstered bench gives a parent a place to sit with a child on each knee. Nicole Starr’s family wore warm neutral tones that blended with the trees, with navy on the girls.
A bench also lets grandparents to be in the picture without standing for half an hour.
19. Take one with grandpa
SaveCredit: Kristen Leigh Photography
If grandparents come along, do not let them hide behind the camera. A simple picture of grandpa holding a grandchild’s hand in the rows is one you will treasure.
Kristen Leigh caught this quiet moment during her tree farm sessions, and pairs like this often end up being the favorite picture of the day.
Babies, pets, couples and the details
20. Snuggle a newborn in red
SaveCredit: Kevyn Dixon Photography
A first Christmas at the tree farm deserves its own picture. Wrap the baby in a red knit or a red romper and let mom hold the baby close.
Kevyn Dixon took this one at Penland Christmas Tree Farm. Keep newborn time short and warm, and have a blanket in the car between shots.
21. Bring the dog in a matching bandana
SaveCredit: Nicole Waddell Photography
Nicole Waddell’s families bring their dogs, and a plaid bandana in the family colors makes the dog part of the outfit plan.
Bring treats and a helper to stand behind the camera. Dogs look where the food is.
22. Steal a kiss with your little one
SaveCredit: Nicole Waddell Photography
A mommy and me picture with a kiss on the cheek is quick and sweet. Get down to the child’s height and let them do the kissing.
A burgundy sweater and a little plaid shirt look lovely against the dark green trees.
23. Wear a long gown for maternity photos
SaveCredit: Lauren McConihay Photography
Lauren McConihay photographed this mama to be in a long green gown in the snow between young pine trees. Iris Works suggests booking maternity sessions at a tree farm for golden hour to get soft, warm light.
They also suggest holiday props like a wreath, ornaments or a cozy blanket. A coat to slip on between shots is a must.
24. Style a little vignette with a mantel and a settee
SaveCredit: Idalia Photography
Idalia Photography sets up tree farm minis at Barclay’s Tree Farm in Cranbury, New Jersey, with styling by Stage n Style Designs. A white mantel with greenery, a tufted settee, lanterns and a JOY sign sit right out in the field.
You can do a simpler version yourself with a bench, a wooden sign and two lanterns from home.
25. Kneel down with the puppy
SaveCredit: Idalia Photography
The same session included the couple’s new beagle, Piper. The photographer thanked the bride’s dad for holding treats to get Piper to pay attention.
Kneeling on the ground brings you down to the dog’s level and keeps everyone in one tight group.
26. Lean against a big tree in the afternoon sun
SaveCredit: RKH Images
RKH Images photographed this couple at Hansen Tree Farm in Anoka, Minnesota. It was one in the afternoon in November, and the low sun through the trees made it look like sunset.
The farm was busy that day, so they walked until they found a quiet spot with nobody else around. Sit against a tall trunk and let the light come through the branches.
27. Save one picture for the details
SaveCredit: Hannah Kerr Photography
Hannah Kerr Photography set an engagement ring on a fresh cut stump at Santa’s Tree Farm. Little detail pictures like this fill out a Christmas card or a photo book.
Try a mitten holding a candy cane, a pair of muddy boots or the saw resting on the tree you cut.
How to plan a Christmas tree farm photo day
Call the farm first. Some farms welcome family photos for free, some charge a small fee or only allow booked photographers, and some ask you to stay out of the rows on their busiest weekends.
Go early in the season. Farms are greener and quieter in early November than on the first Saturday in December, and you will have your pictures back in time for Christmas cards.
Aim for the last hour or two before sunset. The light is soft and warm, and nobody is squinting. An overcast day works well too.
Dress in layers and wear boots. Slip coats off for the picture and back on right after. Keep a towel, wipes and a change of clothes in the car for the little ones.
Make a short list of the pictures you want most. One wide family shot, one of each child and one of the two of you is plenty for a card. Everything after that is a bonus.
Bring treats and the cocoa. Hungry, cold kids do not smile, and a little bribe goes a long way.
Christmas tree farm family photos FAQ
What should we wear for Christmas tree farm family photos? Pick two or three colors that look good with green, such as red, cream, navy, burgundy or camel, and add one pattern like buffalo plaid or tartan. Coordinate instead of matching, and wear boots that can handle mud.
What is the best time of day for tree farm pictures? The hour or two before sunset gives the softest, warmest light. Midday sun can work if you find shade between taller trees or the day is overcast.
Do I need permission to take photos at a Christmas tree farm? Yes, ask first. Many farms are happy to have families take their own pictures while they shop for a tree, but professional sessions often need to be booked or come with a fee.
What props work best at a tree farm? A plaid blanket, a red wagon or sled, big shatterproof ornaments, a teddy bear, a lantern and the tree you cut yourself. Keep props simple so the trees stay the star.
How do we take family photos without a photographer? Use a tripod and the camera or phone timer, or a cheap remote shutter. Take several shots of each pose and expect only one or two keepers.
