You're checking the mail and scrolling through social media, and there they are—glossy holiday cards showing off smiling couples, big family groups, or dogs in matching pajamas. It happens every year. And every year, you promise you'll get ahead of the game next time. But here we are again, just weeks from Christmas. Still no photographer booked. Still no card designed.
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Don't stress. You've got something even better: your rabbit. That's right—this year, skip the studio and let your rabbit take center stage this season. With a little patience, a few props, and your phone or camera, you can create rabbit Christmas photos that your friends and family will talk about well into the new year.
Whether it's your first photo shoot or your annual holiday tradition, we've got tips to help you get the shot—without overwhelming your bun in the process.
Prep Your Rabbit Like a Pro
You wouldn't show up to a photo shoot without brushing your hair or checking your face in the mirror. The same goes for your rabbit. A quick grooming session helps them look their best and keeps loose fur from flying around in your photos. Start with a gentle brush to smooth out their coat. If your rabbit sheds seasonally, you might need a few extra minutes to get it all under control.
While you're at it, do a quick check of their ears, eyes, and paws. Clear away any debris or buildup. But avoid doing this immediately before the shoot—some rabbits get irritated or squirmy during grooming. If yours is one of them, schedule the brushing session a little earlier in the day.
Need help grooming? Check out our blog on brushing your rabbit and learn when it's necessary and how to do it gently.
Let the Light Work for You
Lighting can make or break your photo. You'll get the best results by using natural light, so find a spot near a window or head outside if the weather's mild. If you're indoors, turn off overhead lights—they can cast unflattering shadows or yellow tones on your rabbit's fur.
Always position your rabbit so the light source is behind you and facing them. This keeps your rabbit lit evenly and avoids creating shadows on their face. It also gives you a better chance of capturing their eye sparkle (yes, that's a thing). Try snapping your photos during the morning or late afternoon for the softest, most flattering light.
Create a Background That Matches the Holiday Mood
Now comes the fun part—setting the scene. Think of your background as a supporting character. You want it to be festive, but not so flashy that it steals attention from your rabbit. Soft blankets, Christmas lights, ornaments, or even wrapped presents can make great props. Just be sure whatever you use is safe for your rabbit to be around, especially if they like to chew.
You can also tape up wrapping paper or use a large piece of fabric as a backdrop. If you want something really simple, try a plain white or red background to make your rabbit's features pop. A single string of fairy lights (out of reach) can add warmth without being too busy.
Bring the Camera to Their Level
Let's be honest—most rabbits aren't fans of being picked up, and the last thing you want is a startled bun leaping off a table mid-shoot. Instead, get down on their level. Literally. Lie on the floor, squat, or sit cross-legged so you can shoot straight on.
This angle gives a more natural look and helps capture their expressions. You'll also avoid making your rabbit feel exposed or nervous. For even more comfort, lay down a fleece blanket or mat to give them a soft spot to sit or hop around.
If you're wondering what kind of angles work best for small pets, this guide to pet photography angles will give you some fresh ideas for staging and positioning.
How to Safely Avoid Using Flash
It might be tempting to turn on the flash to brighten up your picture, but that's usually a bad idea with rabbits. A sudden flash can startle them, and it may also lead to red-eye in your photos. Worse, it can cause your rabbit to become camera-shy after just one or two clicks.
If your space feels too dim, try pulling back a curtain or adding another lamp behind you (but out of the frame). The goal is to keep everything soft and even. Avoid aiming any harsh lights directly at your rabbit. If your camera has a night or low-light mode, test that out first before reaching for the flash setting.
Use Patience—And Take Lots of Pictures
Rabbits are not models on command. They won't sit, smile, and pose like a dog might. But that's part of their charm. Let your rabbit do what they want within the space you've set up. They may hop, loaf, stretch, or sniff. You just keep snapping photos. The best pictures often come from those unscripted moments.
Take breaks. If your rabbit seems restless or disinterested, give them a minute to reset. Offer a small treat or their favorite toy to keep them engaged. Try squeaking a soft toy or rustling a bag to catch their attention—don't overdo it. You want curiosity, not alarm.
Don't forget: the more pictures you take, the better your chances of getting a keeper. Aim for 20 to 30 shots to start. You can always delete the blurry ones later.
Feature-Worthy Ideas for Rabbit Christmas Photos
Ready to level up your rabbit Christmas photos? Once you have your lighting and background set, try adding a few subtle costume pieces. A miniature Santa hat, a scarf, or reindeer ears (only if your rabbit is comfortable) can give the image a holiday flair. We recommend not dressing up your rabbit in costumes as it constricts movement and can put stress on your small pet.
If accessories aren't your rabbit's style, don't worry. A pile of pinecones, a backdrop of lights, or even a cute coffee mug nearby can set the scene without needing any accessories on your pet. Just be sure every item in your setup is rabbit-safe. You don't want your bun nibbling on tinsel or chewing plastic ornaments.
Capture Expressions That Show Their Personality
Every rabbit has a personality. Some are curious and bold, others shy and still. Either way, those little behaviors can become the best part of your rabbit Christmas photos. Did your rabbit sniff the camera lens? Flop on their side in the middle of the shoot? Let those moments happen. The perfect photo doesn't have to be posed. It just needs to show your rabbit as they are.
Keep your finger on the shutter button. Watch for eye contact, ear twitches, and little nose wiggles. These small details make your photos feel more alive. You may only get a second or two before they hop out of frame, so stay patient and ready.
Reward Them for a Job Well Done
After the shoot, give your rabbit a reward. A few bites of their favorite hay, a nibble of fruit, or an apple stick go a long way in making the experience feel positive. This helps them associate photo time with good things—making future shoots easier.
Limit sugary treats, though. Too much fruit or too many high-carb snacks can cause health issues over time. If you need a refresher on what treats are safe in small amounts, the RSPCA guide to rabbit diets is a great resource.
Don't forget to show appreciation with affection, too. A little forehead rub or cheek scratch—if your rabbit enjoys it—wraps up the photo session on a high note.
Editing Tips to Make Your Photos Pop
Now that you've taken dozens of photos, it's time to sort through them. Look for shots where your rabbit is in focus, the lighting is even, and there's a little sparkle in their eyes. Use simple photo editing tools to tweak brightness, crop out distractions, or sharpen the image. Free apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or even your phone's built-in editor can work wonders without being overwhelming.
Keep your edits light. You don't need filters or dramatic changes—just a little cleanup to highlight your rabbit's natural charm. If you're designing a card, many printing services like Shutterfly or Canva offer templates where you can easily drop in your image and add text.
Involve the Whole Family (Optional!)
While this blog focuses on rabbit Christmas photos, there's no reason you can't join in the fun. If your rabbit is comfortable around people, consider hopping into the frame. A cozy sweater and a quiet presence can make for a heartwarming portrait. The key is keeping the environment calm and safe. If your rabbit starts to squirm or seems unsure, step back and let them have the spotlight solo again.
Some families even include other pets—like guinea pigs or cats—in a shared holiday photo. Just be sure all animals are used to one another and monitored closely during the shoot. Nothing should be forced. The comfort and safety of your rabbit always come first.
Printing and Sharing Your Rabbit Christmas Photos
Once you've picked your favorite photo, it's time to share the joy. Whether you're printing cards to mail or posting on social media, choose a format that highlights your rabbit's best features. Keep the design simple—remember, the star here is your bunny.
When printing, use a service that supports high-resolution files. Grainy or pixelated photos don't do justice to all your effort. Many platforms now let you print directly from your phone and offer holiday-themed templates to save time. For social media, crop to square or portrait orientation for better mobile viewing. And if you're sharing with a rabbit-loving audience, tag other rabbit parents and communities to spread some holiday cheer.
Need a Christmas Gift for Your Rabbit?
While you're prepping for pictures and holiday cards, don't forget to pick something special for your rabbit, too. A new tunnel, chew toy, or special blend of hay makes a great seasonal surprise. Even something as simple as a fresh bundle of high-quality hay can turn into a gift when wrapped in a little tissue paper or placed in a holiday box.
If you need inspiration, we've got a full selection of rabbit-safe gifts in our Rabbit Starter Kit. Whether it's your rabbit's first Christmas or their tenth, there's always room for one more treat.
Why Rabbit Christmas Photos Are Worth It
There's something unexpectedly heartwarming about opening a card and seeing a bunny in front of a Christmas tree or nestled in a pile of ornaments. Rabbit Christmas photos stand out because they're personal, sweet, and different. You took the time to celebrate your pet and share their charm with the people you care about.
Even if your rabbit won't wear a costume or only sits still for ten seconds, that's all part of the magic. These photos tell a story. They're a slice of your life with your rabbit—one you'll want to remember, print, and maybe even frame.
Quick Tips Recap for Rabbit Christmas Photos
Brush and prep your rabbit early in the day to reduce stress.
Use natural lighting, and position it behind you—not behind your rabbit.
Create a festive background with decorations that are safe and chew-proof.
Keep your rabbit on the ground and get down to their eye level for comfort and better angles.
Skip the flash—stick with soft, even light to avoid startling them.
Take lots of photos and let their natural behavior shine through.
Offer a reward afterward to keep the experience positive.
Final Thoughts
Taking rabbit Christmas photos doesn't need to be stressful or perfect. It just needs to be fun, safe, and filled with care. Your rabbit might not sit still. They might blink at the wrong moment. But when you capture that one photo—whether it's silly, sleepy, or unexpectedly elegant—you'll be glad you took the time.
So grab your camera, pull out some festive props, and let your rabbit take center stage this season. Their photo might just be the highlight of everyone's mailbox.
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