Your Guide to Perfectly Tacky Christmas Photos You Can Take Yourself
Let’s be honest — Christmas photos don’t always have to be dreamy, elegant, or straight-from-a-Hallmark-movie. Sometimes? The best ones are loud, mismatched, extra… and delightfully chaotic. If you’ve ever wanted to lean into tacky Christmas energy (think tinsel everywhere, ugly sweaters, inflatable lawn reindeer, and a backdrop your grandma would love)… this is your guide.
Whether you’re taking photos of your kids, pets, partner — or a self-timer moment with your best friends — here’s how to intentionally make it tacky and flawlessly memorable.
1. Set the Scene — the TACKIER, the BETTER
Instead of subtle decor, go hard. Layer your backdrop like it’s your job:
Wrapping paper taped on the wall
Rainbow lights + blinking lights + warm lights (all at once)
Dollar store garlands + tinsel + random ornaments
Mismatched stockings
Inflatable holiday characters
Tip: Too many decorations is just enough… keep going.
2. Dress Code: Ugly Sweater Meets Grandma’s Living Room
Challenge everyone to show up in the worst outfit possible. Think:
Clashing patterns
Ugly sweaters
Visors, earmuffs, over-the-top jewelry
Themed outfits (gingerbread gang, snowman squad, Santa’s interns)
Pets in bow ties or mini sweaters = bonus points
The goal is not to match — it’s to confuse anyone looking at the photo.
3. Use Self-Timer Like a Pro
You don’t need a fancy camera — just good technique:
Set your phone on portrait mode (or try 0.5 for extra funny angles)
Prop it up with books or a chair
Use burst mode or 10-second timer
Try different “zones” — couch, doorway, tree corner, or stairs
You’ll laugh at the outtakes more than the final shot. That’s the point.
4. Try These Pose Ideas:
Fake family Christmas card (but with your friends or pets)
Everyone pretending to sing carols dramatically
Act like paparazzi caught you opening presents
Pretend to “untangle lights” and get stuck
Jumping shot in matching/ugly PJs
5. Editing Tip: Make It Look Even WORSE (or better, if you’re like me)
Yes, worse. Lean in with:
Flash + grain
A warm vintage filter
Christmas clipart added in Canva
Frames that look like they came from a 2008 Facebook album
Or go all the way: print them and mail them to people as real Christmas cards.
Why Tacky Photos Matter
Because sometimes, they hold the MOST personality. Not every photo needs to be polished and posed. Sometimes the most treasured photos are the messy, blurry, loud ones — the ones that feel like real life. Perfectly imperfect. Perfectly yours.
Ready to Embrace the Chaos?
If you try this, please tag me — I collect tacky Christmas inspiration the way some people collect ornaments. And if you ever want to do a pro version of this idea…I’d happily join the chaos behind the camera.
In honor of the holiday weekend, for a limited time you get a whole in-home session for only $200 (a $350 value!!)
