A Christmas pajama photoshoot looks great when the pajamas fit well, the fabric is soft and matte, the set feels lived-in with blankets and mugs, and everyone is doing something instead of standing in a row. Matching pajamas are the one time we happily say "go ahead and match." Here is how to choose them, style them and turn the session into the most relaxed photos of your year.
Choosing pajamas that photograph well
Not every holiday pajama set looks good on camera. A few things make a big difference:
- Fit. Pajamas should fit like real clothes, not two sizes too big. Baggy sets look shapeless in photos and pool around ankles. Toddlers can size up slightly if they are between sizes, but no more.
- Fabric. Flannel, brushed cotton and soft knit photograph beautifully. Very thin jersey shows every wrinkle, and shiny satin reflects studio lights.
- Print size. Buffalo plaid, simple Fair Isle and classic tartans read clearly. Tiny busy prints can shimmer on camera, and large cartoon characters take over the photo.
- Color. Deep red, forest green, navy and cream all work well with a Christmas set. Neon and very bright red can push color onto faces.
- Order early. Popular family pajama sets sell out in common sizes by December. Order in October or early November, and try everything on as soon as it arrives.
Wash the pajamas once before the session to soften them and check for shrinking, then steam or iron them the night before. Fold lines from the package are very visible on camera.
Matching, coordinating or a mix
There are three good ways to do pajamas, and all of them work in a studio:
- Everyone identical. The full matching set in every size, from dad to the baby to the dog's bandana. Fun, bold and exactly what most people picture.
- Same print, different colors. Red plaid for the kids, green plaid for the parents. Still clearly a set, with a bit more depth.
- Kids in print, grown-ups in solids. The children wear the patterned pajamas, parents wear plain pajamas or soft knits in a matching color. A good choice if a parent is not keen on wearing a print.
If you want more help with palettes, our guide to what to wear for Christmas family photos covers colors that suit a holiday set.
Feet, hair and the small details
Pajama photos are close and cozy, so details show.
- Feet. Choose one: bare feet, matching socks or simple slippers. Mixed sneakers and slippers break the spell. Fuzzy socks in a palette color are a nice touch for kids.
- Hair. Brushed but soft. A messy bun or a loose braid fits the mood better than a formal style.
- Layers. A robe or a chunky cardigan over pajamas adds texture for a grown-up who wants a little more coverage.
- Glasses. Wear them if you normally do. Pajama photos are meant to look like real life.
- Remove the tags. Price tags and sticker labels have a way of showing up in close shots.
Making the set feel cozy
Many studio photographers have a Christmas set with a tree, a backdrop and seasonal accessories; look for one on the profile. To make it feel like a pajama morning, add a few personal things from home:
- A big soft blanket for everyone to pile under
- Mugs for a hot cocoa moment. Bring them empty or with a splash of milk, nothing hot. It photographs the same and nobody gets hurt.
- A favorite bedtime book or a Christmas story you read every year
- A stuffed toy your child sleeps with
- Marshmallows or a candy cane to drop into mugs, if your kids can handle it without a sugar meltdown
Personal items are what make the photos yours instead of a stock image.
Poses and prompts that work
Pajama sessions are the least posed photos a studio does. These prompts work well:
- The blanket pile. Everyone on the floor under one blanket, kids in the middle. Then ask the kids to "escape" and see what happens.
- The cocoa toast. Everyone clinks mugs at once. A child taking a big pretend sip and getting a milk mustache is a classic.
- Bedtime story. A parent reads, kids snuggle in, and the photographer catches one frame where everyone looks up.
- The Christmas morning sneak. Kids tiptoe toward the tree as if it is 6 am on December 25, while parents "sleep" on the floor behind them.
- The big yawn and stretch. Everyone yawns at the same time. It always turns into laughing.
- The scoop. Parents scoop the kids up into a big bear hug or a piggyback, held firmly and close to the floor.
For a full picture of how a pajama session can run, read our sample Christmas pajamas and hot cocoa session. And if you want pajama ideas for a card, several of our Christmas card photo ideas work beautifully in pajamas.
Keeping it fun for everyone
The mood of a pajama session is the whole point, so protect it:
- Do not over-rehearse. Tell the kids it is a pajama party with a camera, not a photo shoot.
- Arrive in the pajamas, with coats on top, so nobody has to change in a rush.
- Feed them first. A snack before you arrive helps more than any bribe.
- Let the photographer lead the games. Kids often listen to a new face more than to a parent asking again.
Our post on how to prepare kids for a photo session has more ideas for the days before.
Quick answers
Do we have to match exactly for a Christmas pajama photoshoot?
No. Identical sets are fun, but the same print in two colors, or kids in print with parents in solids, often looks even better.
Which session works best for pajama photos?
A holiday mini session of 20 to 30 minutes is enough for most pajama sessions. If you also want a dressed-up portrait in a second set, look for a longer family session. Length, number of photos and price vary by photographer, so check the profile.
Can the dog wear pajamas too?
Yes, if the dog is comfortable in them. A matching bandana is often easier than a full outfit. Mention the dog when you message your photographer.
Find your photographer
Browse holiday mini sessions and look for a photographer whose profile shows a Christmas set. Then tell them about your pajama plan when you book. The set, pricing and open dates are on each profile.