5 New Year’s Eve Pictures to Wrap Up 2020

Reading Time: 6 minutes read

This year most people are going without an extravagant New Year’s party. They won’t be watching the centuries-old ball-dropping event in-person. Instead, wrap up 2020 with some festive snapshots. Photography has long been a beloved way to document monumental moments in history. This year is undoubtedly one of them. Don’t miss the chance to take some of the most memorable New Year’s Eve pictures of a lifetime. However you end up celebrating, capture the smiles and moments to share with anyone. Champagne glasses overflowing. Fireworks displays that match the global excitement for 2021. There is no better day to capture on camera.

Before beginning, make sure to have an exact subject and specific goals in mind. For those looking for inspiration, below are five different focuses to take the best New Year’s Eve pictures. Pick one photo concept or try them all. 

1.  New Year Celebration Pictures

The celebration itself is a worthwhile subject. It’s something anyone can easily capture. No additional props or people are necessary. This is simply a photo shoot centered around how New Year’s Eve is being spent. The scene may look very different from year’s past. That’s what makes 2020’s New Year celebration pictures so special. The evening is unique, which makes the photos inherently exceptional. Focus on the things that are different.

For those who attend events in person waiting for the ball to drop: Take candid shots of “pandemic pals” celebrating indoors. A blazing fire in the fireplace or a YouTube version on tv makes for a memorable backdrop. Playing games, sipping cocktails, and watching the ball drop on TV are all moments to capture.

For people who regularly capture New Year’s Eve pictures filled with people: Celebrate your selfie, instead. Or screenshot a group Zoom call with everyone virtually ringing in the New Year.

If a traditional celebration is a festive last supper with friends: Capture an intimate dinner for two at home.

If dressing up is a past New Year’s Eve ritual: Photograph a chic stay-at-home outfit.

2.  Funny New Year Pictures

2020 was a challenging year for many people. That’s why a deep belly laugh is just what the doctor ordered. Give yourself and your loved ones that moment of joy with a few funny New Year pictures.

Recreate funny internet memes: Leonardo DiCaprio in a black tie, holding up a glass of Champagne is a famous New Year’s meme. Dress in your finest suit and recreate that image. Later, use a photo editing app for iOS or macOS to add text. A witty caption is what makes this photo.  

Customized pandemic masks: Masks have been the universal symbol of 2020. It makes them an easy target for laughs. Look for masks with silly facial expressions or messages that echo the general sentiment of 2020. There are endless options available online. If you can’t find the exact one desired, make a custom mask.  

Use goofy photo booth props: Funny New Year pictures don’t have to be a big production. An inexpensive set of laugh-out-loud photo booth props can be purchased online. Set the camera on a tripod. Stand in front of a festive backdrop (or solid-colored wall). Strike a pose with the props.  

3.  Beach New Year Pictures

For those living near the sea or traveling to distant shores, stunning beach New Year pictures are ones to remember. Revert to these summer photoshoot ideas for inspiration. Or try one of the options below:

Send a message – Head to the shoreline where the sand is wet enough to carve. Then, use a finger to write a New Year’s message. A simple ‘Happy New Year’ is tasteful. Try drawing a pair of cocktail glasses and writing ‘cheers.’ If timed correctly, a creative photo would show the year 2020 being washed away by the ocean. Take an overhead shot of the message with water in the frame. The composition is everything.

Set the scene – Grab a pair of Champagne glasses and a bottle. Place them in the sand and take a portrait-style photo. It doesn’t have to be drinking-related. Set up some traditional New Year’s props like an eye mask, top hat, and noisemaker.  

Sparkle in the sand – Have family members run along the shoreline with sparklers. The streaks of light are just enough to capture silhouettes. Sparklers are also great for creating a Bokeh effect. This cool photography technique had been reserved for professionals. Now it’s accessible to anyone by using the iPhone to create a Bokeh effect.   

Find the fireworks – Many beach communities hold a magnificent firework display over the water. Those bursts of light make for remarkable New Year’s Eve pictures. Follow some basic night photography tips to be sure firework pictures turn out crystal clear. 

4.  New Year’s Family Pictures

Family is everything. The 2020 pandemic has prevented many people from being with their families. Close the distance with photos. New Year’s family pictures are a great way to close 2020. If you can’t get the entire family together, that’s okay. Make the most of the loved ones that can be with you; young, old, non-blood-related, four-legged, or otherwise.

The kid’s table – Pictures of kids doing adult things are always clever and fun. For New Year’s, take a photo of them raising their grape juice-filled glasses or boxes.

Kisses at midnight – Mom and Dad are sure to smooch when the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. Everyone can get involved. Capture the little ones giving each other kisses or someone getting licked by the dog.

Celebrating with a bang – Whether throwing confetti in the air, gathering to watch fireworks, or snuggling on the couch to see the ball drop, get a photo of that celebratory moment. It’s something never to forget.

Group hug – This year has made everyone more appreciative of their loved ones. Quarantining has brought families closer together under one roof. Showcase that togetherness with a photo of everyone embracing as everyone embarks on a new year. 

5.  Baby New Year Picture Shots

Nothing says rebirth like pictures of a newborn. Their silly expressions and unpredictable gestures help lighten the mood. If you are ever in need of a fresh perspective, babies can help. They have a way of reminding you to enjoy the simple things in life.  Baby New Year picture sessions are a great excuse to dress them up and document those early years. You can never have too many baby pictures. Here are a few ways to get that precious baby New Year picture:

Festive baby – Keep it simple with festive attire and props. Black, silver, and gold color palettes scream New Year’s. Dress babies in something fancy or in a diaper and ‘Happy New Year’ crown. Add something sparkly like sequins or streamers to make the scene pop.

Funny baby – When the baby is sleeping, it’s the most opportune time to capture funny New Year’s pictures. The “asleep before the stroke of midnight” pose, for instance, would make for a great shot. To create it, place the sleeping baby in bed with a noisemaker, some confetti, and an empty baby bottle.