Best New Years Photo Ideas You Need to Check Out

It’s about that time of year again. Ready to get photos for New Year’s Celebrations? View these Best New Year photoshoot ideas, a guide of ideas, props, places and inspiration to finish off your year strong and start off your next one!

First I’ll go over some general ideas. This may be all you need to get your creativity firing. I will additionally share some other tips that can help you along the way as well.

1. Get friends together

Photo by Jed Villejo on Unsplash

Getting friends together for a photoshoot or taking photos is the classic way to start off the new years. Dress up with the means to have fun and get a few great photos of yourself at the end of the year. Don’t forget to bring decorations, things to hold, glitter and maybe even champagne!

You can also take many of these photos with different friend groups and rotate or use different props that you have already used! Think of work friends , school friends, professionals or other people that you have got closed to during the year.

2. Use the snow and get outdoors!

Going outside while it is snowing or using the snow as a background can be a great place to take your photoshoot for New Years eve.> Whether it be with friends, family or a significant other this can be a great way to get out in nature and get some fresh air. See the best times to take photos for more information.

You may also get pictures while you go out and coordinate with your outfits! Props may also be appropriate outdoors. This may also be a great opportunity to take pictures with champagne and balloons!

Wear glove!! Keeping your hands warm can allow you with stand the cold. Even if you take them off for a minute or two for the photos this can help. The warmer the better!!

3. Did someone say fireworks??

Many cities allow New Year's Eve celebrations and fireworks. You can think of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other major cities to get fireworks photos. Try your best to capture them, and even include yourself in the shot if you can.

This may take some planning to find a good place to see you & the firework. An important tip is to try and use your flash while taking the photograph.

Photo by HKTreks on Unsplash

4. Pick a decade and Recreate

When you think about different ages, think of going back in time. Create a photoshoot centered around these different ideas. One of my favorites for example is the 80’ and 90’ area of aviany faux feathers mixed in with some silver chromatic vibes.

Creating a board of photos that depict a certain decade or year can result in photos that look contemporary yet seem timeless. Try it out and make your own board!

Experiment with different eras, build your own visual board, and let the past inspire a fresh New Year’s Eve aesthetic.

Themes

• 1920s Art Deco Glam (fringe, pearls, tuxedos)
• 1950s Hollywood Classic (old-money elegance)
• 1960s Mod Fashion (bold lines, graphic makeup)
• 1970s Studio 54 Disco (sequins, flared pants)
• 1980s Power & Excess (shoulder pads, metallics)
• 1990s Minimal Cool (slip dresses, leather)
• Early 2000s Y2K (chrome, low-rise, futuristic)

5. Coffee is still in!

When taking these photos, make sure to get something in the background that's interesting. Maybe there is an old sign on the wall, or a piece of art that you can pose in front of. Coffee shops are great places to take photos, especially if you like the low light style.

If you don’t have a favorite coffee shop then try and find local places to support your local businesses!

What are some ideas for props? Are there any props you wish to include in your photoshoots? It's a great idea to bring in props.

1. Silver globes.

Pictured: Jade Nguyen-Mai, taken by Reihl Boudoir with Posh Model Management

Having silver globes in your photoshoot is a good idea. You can also use disco globes or colorful globes to match the style of your photoshoot. Later in this article we will also talk about using silver and glitter that can match the disco ball vibe.

2. New Years Hats & Glasses

There are many places to find New Year's Hats and Glasses during the holidays. These items are often affordable at local markets or dollar stores. It might be worth getting a few for fun, and for your next photoshoot!

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

3. Streamers & glitter

Streamers and glitter are simple additions that can instantly transform a space into a New Year’s Eve–ready set. Whether you’re working in a studio, apartment, or larger event space, streamers can be used to frame the room, drape along walls, or hang from ceilings to create movement and depth within the scene. When placed strategically, they act as visual frills that catch light and guide the viewer’s eye through the composition.

Glitter adds another layer of celebration and texture. Applied subtly to makeup, wardrobe details, or scattered across surfaces, glitter reflects light beautifully—especially in low-light or flash-driven environments. It helps convey the excitement, optimism, and energy associated with ringing in the New Year.

Together, streamers and glitter enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming the subject, allowing you to create images that feel festive, playful, and visually rich. Used thoughtfully, these elements enhance both photo and video, reinforcing the unmistakable mood of New Year’s Eve while keeping the focus on your subject.

4. Bottles and Champagne

Brining champagne during a new years photoshoot is a classic idea to think about. Picking out champagne for a photoshoot. You can additionally buy a sparkling soda as well that will give you the same look as a bottle.

Before you let them go however make sure you are in a good place to do it and have something to clean it up if you need the space for future photos.

5. Balloons

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Getting balloons into your photos can be a great idea! There are many unique balloon shapes to get that can make your photos unique, whether that be a 2023 balloon number or new years text, balloons are a great idea!

Places to take photos

Finding a place to take your New Years Photos is something you should also think about. Maybe you might have to take them a week beforehand.

Good ideas may be when you are away on vacation, with friends, or in a new city.

1. Hotel rooms

Hotel rooms with nice beautiful views can be a go to photoshoot place. You can decorate the area and get some beautiful views while on vacation or away from home on holiday.

2. Outdoors/ Events

Outdoor events often provide excellent opportunities to capture dynamic photographs, especially during nighttime celebrations or large public gatherings. Events with crowds, live entertainment, and coordinated lighting create natural energy and scale that translate well in both photo and video content.

In major cities like New York City, photographers can capture striking images of fireworks set against iconic skylines, bridges, and waterfronts. These large-scale displays offer dramatic backdrops and strong visual contrast, making them ideal for wide-angle shots and long exposures.

In Los Angeles, locations such as Universal Studios CityWalk host seasonal celebrations and special events where fireworks, live performances, and vibrant lighting provide excellent content opportunities. The combination of entertainment and controlled environments allows for both lifestyle and event photography.

In Miami, waterfront areas such as Bayfront Park regularly host live music events and public celebrations. These downtown beach-adjacent locations offer open sightlines for fireworks, reflections off the water, and diverse crowds—perfect for capturing festive atmosphere and lifestyle-focused visuals.

In Dallas, Texas, fireworks can often be viewed from large public gathering spaces such as Plaza-style venues and downtown parks, offering clean sightlines and architectural framing for wide city shots.

Additional locations to consider include:

• Chicago — Navy Pier and lakefront events with skyline reflections
• San Diego — Harbor and waterfront celebrations
• San Francisco — Embarcadero and Bay-area events
• Boston — Charles River gatherings and city-sponsored fireworks
• Seattle — Lake Union and waterfront festivals
• Nashville — Downtown riverfront concerts and celebrations
• Austin — Zilker Park and large outdoor music events
• Philadelphia — Historic district and waterfront celebrations

When planning to photograph fireworks or nighttime events, always check for official event schedules and public viewing areas. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, arrive early to secure a good vantage point, and be mindful of safety and crowd movement. And, especially for colder climates, remember to stay warm so you can focus on capturing the moment.

3. Dining and other venues

If you end up visiting a nice restaurant this may be a great time to get some photos inside the venue or outside. Depending on the venue you may have a beautiful view of the city or have a significant icon of the city.

This can get many things done as well such as eating, dressing up and taking great photos! I highly recommend getting a rooftop restaurant for airy photos. Just remember to bring a jacket!

4. Home or apartment

Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

You don’t need to go out to capture great New Year’s Eve photos. Your home or apartment can be just as powerful a setting when used intentionally. Blank walls, windows, and familiar spaces provide clean backdrops that allow you to fully control lighting, composition, and styling.

Decorating your space with simple elements—such as streamers, balloons, candles, or soft lighting can instantly set the New Year’s Eve mood. This environment gives you the flexibility to design your setup exactly how you envision it, while also making it easy to invite friends or collaborators into the scene.

At-home photoshoots also create space for more personal storytelling. You can use the images to reflect on the year you’re leaving behind, share gratitude for meaningful moments, or visually express your goals and intentions for the year ahead.