Hi! I’m bringing the second blog post – this time right for the 2025 Christmas season. Christmas is the most photographed time of the year: lights, Christmas trees, snow, family moments. But what if it’s dusk, rain, or artificial lighting? In this guide for beginners and advanced users, I’ll show you how to photograph the Christmas atmosphere even in poor light conditions – whether you have a phone, DSLR, or mirrorless.
If you’re searching for “Christmas photography 2025”, “how to shoot Christmas lights”, or “tips for Christmas photos at home”, you’re in the right place. Let’s demonstrate it on the lighting of the Christmas tree at Republic Square in the city of Duchcov.
Why Is Christmas Photography 2025 So Challenging for Light?
The Christmas season = short days, dusk from 4:00 PM, artificial lighting. According to surveys, 70 % of people shoot Christmas with a phone – but 80 % of photos are blurry or overexposed. Why?
- Low light level → slow shutter → blur
- Warm LED lights → wrong white balance
- Contrast between dark background and lights → blown highlights
Solution? Proper settings + tricks that even a pro would use.
1. Best Gear for Christmas Photography 2025 (from 0 CZK to Pro)
| Gear | Price | Why Yes? |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone (iPhone 15 / Pixel 9) | 0 CZK (you already have it) | Night mode, AI stabilization, HDR |
| DSLR / Mirrorless + 50mm f/1.8 | 8–15 thousand CZK | Bokeh, low noise, manual control |
| Tripod (mini or full) | 300–1,500 CZK | Eliminates shake during long exposure |
| LED light / ring light | 500–2,000 CZK | Balances light for portraits |
Tip for beginners: If you have a Canon EOS 2000D (like I once did), the 50mm f/1.8 STM for 2,500 CZK will give you magical Christmas bokeh.
2. Camera Settings: How to Shoot Christmas Lights Without Blur
A. Mode: Manual (M) or Aperture Priority (Av)
- Aperture:
f/1.8 – f/2.8→ beautiful blurred bokeh - ISO:
400–1600(no more, to avoid noise) - Shutter speed:
1/60 – 1/15 s→ longer = more light, but you need a tripod
B. White Balance (WB)
- Set to “Incandescent” or “Warm” → lights will be golden, not blue
- Phone? Turn on night mode + warm filter
C. Composition: Golden Rules of Christmas Photography
- Rule of thirds – tree off-center
- Leading lines – lights as a line to the main subject
- Bokeh effect – lights in background = magic
Pro tip: Shoot 30 minutes after sunset = blue hour → sky isn’t black, but deep blue → more dramatic photos.
3. Christmas Photography at Home: 5 Scenes You Must Shoot
| Scene | Settings | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas tree | f/2.8, ISO 800, 1/60s | Tripod + lights on, dark background |
| Kids by the tree | f/2.0, ISO 1600, 1/100s | Use burst shooting – catch the smile |
| Christmas markets | Phone + night mode | Hold phone leaning on a railing |
| Portrait by fireplace | 50mm, f/1.8, ISO 400 | Use reflector (white paper) |
| Snow + lights | f/4, ISO 200, 1/15s | Tripod + long exposure = light trails |
4. Editing Christmas Photos: 3 Clicks and Done
- Increase contrast (+10–20 %)
- Color temperature → +500 K (more golden)
- Remove noise (Luminar Neo / Lightroom)
Free: Use Snapseed or Google Photos – result like from a pro studio.
Conclusion: Christmas Photography 2025 Can Be Magical – Even Without Pro Gear
Yes, even in poor light conditions, you can create Christmas photos that will decorate albums and Instagram. All it takes is correct settings, a bit of patience, and this guide.
What about you? How do you shoot Christmas?
Write in the comments:
- Do you use a phone or camera?
- Do you have a favorite Christmas motif?
And follow the blog – coming soon: “How to Shoot New Year’s Eve 2025/26”!
Tom Troler, founder of Tom Troler STUDIO. Date: 16 Nov 2025.
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