Family Christmas Pajamas With Dogs & Photoshoot Ideas

While the boom in family Christmas pajamas and the addition of dog motifs feels like a modern, social media phenomenon, the tradition actually began decades earlier.

Coordinated sleepwear for the family first appeared in U.S. department store catalogs as early as the 1950s. This custom was fueled by a cultural focus on the "nuclear family" unit, symbolizing unity in holiday photos. The addition of pet motifs is the latest evolution of this long-standing tradition.

Forget the stress of trying to fit tiny antlers on your dog. The biggest and best new trend is focusing on human pajamas that feature dogs. This trend ensures comfort for every member of the family while celebrating your beloved dog's place in your home.

This guide will help you find the stores you can buy the dog pajamas and will guide you on the training tips for dog Christmas photoshoot (you don't even need a professional photographer to achieve great photos). The goal is simple: capture the joy of the holidays and your dog, all in one perfect photo.

1. Family Christmas Pajamas With Dogs: Why the Matching Trend Works

1.1. Creating a Family Christmas Photoshoot Outfit That Includes Your Dog

Memories are the most valuable thing we can create for us and our dogs. When you wear dog christmas pajamas, you celebrate your best friend without causing them discomfort. This is an inclusive gesture that results in genuinely personal family christmas photoshoot pictures to cherish for years to come.

Later on in this blog post we will give you practical tips on how to make the most out of your DIY photoshoot!

1.2. Dog Mom Pajamas: Creating Memories That Last

Dog mom pajamas are incredibly popular for a reason: they help you celebrate your dog's place in the family. Instead of aiming for viral success (although we are all-in on #dogsofinstagram content), these outfits are tools for creating lasting memories for your family. You are documenting your family's joy to print out, frame, and hang on the wall, or compile into a cherished holiday photo album.

If you don't feel like the most creative person & are not sure where to find ideas for your Christmas photoshoot, Instagram and Pinterest can be a big help. Search these platforms for family Christmas photoshoot ideas and dog Christmas photoshoot ideas to discover creative ways to stage your unique pajama moment. You don't have to copy the exact setting from these photos, but they will make your creative side of the brain work to bring up more ideas.

2. Top 3 Places to Find Quality Dog Pattern Pajamas

To find the perfect set, you need to know where to look. Here are three reliable sources for family Christmas pajamas with dog themes, catering to different needs from specialty to budget.

2.1. The Best Dog Mom Pajamas and Breed Patterns: Love Dogs Gifts

As an owner of "Love Dogs Gifts", we specialize in celebrating the unique bond you share with your pet. We focus on high-quality dog mom pajamas and personalized dog owner apparel that proudly feature artist-designed graphics for specific breeds.

We carry designs for Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Schnauzers, Corgi, German Shepherds, Vizsla, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Pitbulls, Pugs, and many more dog breeds.

Visit "Love Dogs Gifts" dog mom pajama collection. to get yourself a comfortable, holiday-ready sleepwear that goes beyond generic prints to highlight the exact breed you love. These designs provide the perfect base for your family Christmas photoshoot outfit. Match the pajamas with a Christmas-themed dog mom sweater and your outfit will be ready!

2.2. For Custom Photo PJs: Etsy

If you want a print that is an exact replica of your pet's face, Etsy remains the ideal choice for custom artistry. This is where small creators convert a photo of your pet into a personalized, repeating print.

Search for artists who do "custom photo pajamas". Bear in mind that you might want to order in advance as these can take longer to produce.

2.3. For Budget and Accessibility: Target or Old Navy

If you need a quick, affordable set for an impromptu family Christmas photoshoot, large retailers are your allies. Target and Old Navy offer the widest selection of novelty Christmas prints.

These stores feature many general dog prints mixed with classic holiday themes like plaid and snowflakes. You can quickly find sizes for the entire family without a long wait time, perfect for spontaneous dog Christmas photoshoot ideas.

3. Dog Christmas Photoshoot: Actionable Tips for a Perfect Picture

Once you have the perfect family Christmas photoshoot outfit, you need the perfect picture. Use these simple tips to ensure your dog cooperates and the final result is shareable.

3.1. Training Tips for the Dog Christmas Photoshoot

To have the best photos, you might need to do some obedience training for your dog before the big moment. There are only two commands your dog needs to master, but they will make or break the photoshoot. Use these simple dog commands to guarantee a perfect shot.

Obedience Dog Training: The Sit and Stay Command

The most important command is Sit, but it will work only in a unison with Stay to create the perfect photoshoot setting. And even then you might need to position your dog exactly how you want it to sit as it most likely won't know where you have setup the camera and what's the background scene.

Ensure your dog has a solid, reliable sit & stay command. Use a high-value treat (like liver or pâté) to train your dog to hold the position. Practice this in the exact spot you plan to take the picture before the whole family gets dressed.

 

3.2. Mastering the Pajama Photo Setup for a Family Christmas Photoshoot

Focus on simple setup elements for high-quality photos. This improves your dog christmas photoshoot result.

Use Natural Light & A Light Reflector

Position the family near a large window. Soft morning light looks best and helps avoid harsh shadows. Make sure not to stand in front of the window, but rather in a 45 grade angle so that the light from the window is brightening your face.

If you have a reflector, position it on the opposite side of the window to reflect the light from the window on you (this will bring in another source of light in addition to the window). Reflectors are not expensive, I got mine for only 20$ (depends on the size), but can help a lot. Here is one light reflector option I can suggest you in case you decide you need one.

Keep the Photo Background Simple

Use your fireplace, a clean wall or a couch with a decorated tree next to it as the background. Avoid clutter. 

Get on Your Dogs Level

This depends on who you are taking the photo of. If it is your dogs Christmas portrait, take the picture from the dog's eye level. This makes the dog look like a full, important subject, not a prop. If you want the family Christmas photo, the next tip will be crucial for you.

Use "Lens Buddy" and a Tripod for Action Shots

For dynamic photos where you want to stand next to your pup, the Lens Buddy app is a great resource. Use a tripod to set up your phone and open the app. It works as an automated timer that takes a rapid series of photos, so you can interact naturally with your dog while the camera captures every moment automatically.

The key features and settings you can adjust in the app are:

• Photo Count: You can set the app to take anywhere from 1 to 500 photos in a single session. Aim for 30 to 50 photos for a great, natural selection.
• Time Delay: This sets the interval between each photo. You should set this interval quickly, ideally between 1 and 3 seconds. This ensures you capture movement and natural expressions from your dog and family without forcing a smile.
• Pre-Timer: This gives you 5 to 10 seconds to get into position and cue your dog after pressing the shutter button.

Do not stop shooting after one try. Review the photos. Look for clear eyes, a happy expression, and a natural pose between you and your dog. Choose the best ones while your dog is still sitting nearby for any quick retakes. It can take you more than just one take, but don't give up, the result will be worth it!