The essential guide to photographing Christmas with Nikon

Nikon Team Christmas Hub14 Dec 20234 min read
Marcello Zerletti Photos for Xmas Markets article

From gift guides curated by our experts, to photographing winter landscapes, Christmas food and dazzling markets, this is Nikon’s 2023 essential guide to Christmas

Find the ultimate stocking filler 

10 affordable Christmas gifts for photographers

If you have a photography-loving friend or a filmmaker in the family, there are lots of items you can give them that will become instant favourites. From filters to camera cages, here are a few ideas that won’t break the bank but are guaranteed to be appreciated.

 

Upgrade your gear

The best Christmas gifts for photographers of different skill levels

From beginner to professional, our experts suggest this year’s gifts for those who want to save, spend or splurge.

 

The ultimate Christmas gift guide for photographers by genre

Our experts draw up the very best gift ideas by genre, from landscape and travel to portrait and weddings, plus much more.

Nikon Team
What’s in our kitbag?

10 affordable Christmas gifts for photographers

If there’s a photographer in your life, they’ll thank you for any of these ideas come Christmas morning

Experiment with manual mode at Christmas markets

Christmas markets offer many opportunities to switch over to manual mode and play with lights, shutter speeds, exposure and aperture.

 

9 top tips for photographing Christmas markets

Nikon Creator and street photographer Marcello Zerletti, based in Berlin, shares his go-to camera settings for Christmas markets, how to get creative with low light and his editing checklist.

9 top tips for photographing Christmas markets

Street photographer Marcello Zerletti shares his go-to camera settings for Christmas markets, how to get creative with low light and his editing checklist

Get outside and photograph winter landscapes

Wherever you are in the world, now’s the time to wrap up warm, grab your kit and get outside. Scott Antcliffe outlines exactly the right gear you need and how to battle metering and exposure challenges.

 

Photographing winter landscapes – an advanced guide

Photographer Scott Antcliffe makes his childhood dream a reality by travelling to Iceland to photograph the country’s dramatic landscapes. Here, he shares how to prep, ultimate camera settings and the best ways to photograph snow.

 

The essential guide to filters: what to use for snow, water and effects

From boosting colour to reducing reflections and minimising glare, adding lens filters to your kit list will immediately level up your stills and films. Photographer John Bogna reveals everything you need to know.

Scott Antcliffe photos for Nikon magazine article
Create bokeh stars with fairy lights

Sometimes, the best things to photograph are right there in front of us. By paying attention to the framing and colours, you can use everyday objects and seasonal decorations to create beautiful compositions.

 

Get creative this Christmas with these tips and tricks

Krolop and Gerst photography team highlight how to use everyday objects, Christmas decorations and the people around you to create unique festive shots.

Get creative this Christmas with these tips and tricks

From the decorations to the people around you, here's how to create unique festive shots

Get the turkey ready!

The festive season is the perfect time to capture an abundance of food, festive crackers and a beautifully laid table – and the people that accompany them.

 

How to photograph Christmas food with Donna Crous

For a dark and moody style, looking beyond the traditional greens and reds of Christmas, follow food photographer and author Donna Crous’ top tips to get the most out of directional lighting, backgrounds and beautiful bokeh.

Donna Crous' Christmas Images for Nikon Magazine 'How to shoot Christmas food this festive season'. For Nikon magazine only.
Donna Crous' Christmas Images for Nikon Magazine 'How to shoot Christmas food this festive season'. For Nikon magazine only.
Stills: Donna Crous
Level up your knowledge 

Know your aperture from your ISO? EVF from VR? This Christmas, take time to reflect and grow your photography knowledge.

 

What is Vibration Reduction?           

Make blurred shots and shaky video a thing of the past with the Nikon Z series Vibration Reduction (VR). Find out how it works…

 

Why are Z series mirrorless cameras better for video?

Now, more than ever, content creators are tasked with producing incredible stills and videos, which is why hybrid mirrorless technology is a tantalising solution — designed to cater for the increasingly blurred line between photographer and videographer.

 

Why shoot RAW?

What’s the difference between RAW files and JPEGs and which are best?

nikon-image
Have fun with the whole family

Most of all, the festive season is the time to build memories with friends and family. Pick up your camera and allow the people around you to act as your muse.

 

How to capture candid family moments with Samir Hussein

Celebrity photographs are all about capturing those moments in between, says award-winning photographer Samir Hussein. For those of us who don’t see celebrities quite as regularly as Samir does, here’s how to apply his style to your family shoots.

Share Options

Get started here

Dive into our festive content

6 min read
Marcello Zerletti Photos for Xmas Markets article
Travel & Landscape01 Dec 2023Marcello Zerletti

9 top tips for photographing Christmas markets

4 min read
nikon-image
Technology & know-how01 Dec 2023Nikon Team

10 affordable Christmas gifts for photographers

9 min read
CreateYourLight Theme 17 "Capture the Holiday" asset
People & Events04 Dec 2023Krolop and Gerst

Get creative this Christmas with these tips & tricks

CreateYourLight Theme 17 "Capture the Holiday" asset

Unlock greater creativity