How to Prepare for Your Holiday Portrait Session

How to Prepare for Your Holiday Portrait Session: A Guide

The holiday season is the perfect time to capture beautiful memories with your loved ones. Whether it's a family portrait, a solo shoot, or a session with friends, holiday portraits can become cherished keepsakes. To ensure your photos turn out as magical as the season, here’s how to prepare for your holiday portrait session.

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1. Book Early

Photographers’ schedules fill up fast during the holidays. Secure your spot as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Booking early also gives you more time to prepare and coordinate details with your photographer.

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2. Choose Your Theme and Style

Think about the vibe you want your holiday photos to have:

Classic: Formal outfits with a festive background.

Cozy: Sweaters, scarves, and a homey indoor setting.

Rustic: Flannel shirts, boots, and an outdoor natural backdrop. Discuss your ideas with your photographer to ensure the setting, props, and style align with your vision.

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3. Plan Your Outfits

Coordinate, Don’t Match: Choose colors that complement each other instead of everyone wearing the exact same shade. Holiday colors like red, green, gold, and white are always great choices.

Avoid Logos and Busy Patterns: These can distract from the overall look of your photo.

Layer Up: Add accessories like scarves, hats, or festive jewelry to bring personality to your look.

Comfort is Key: Especially for children, make sure the outfits are comfortable enough to allow them to relax and have fun.

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4. Grooming and Prep

Haircuts: Schedule haircuts at least a week before the session to avoid that “freshly cut” look.

Skin Care: Stay hydrated and stick to your skincare routine leading up to the shoot.

Iron Clothes: Wrinkled outfits can be noticeable in photos, so ensure your clothing is camera-ready.

Bring Essentials: Carry a small grooming kit for quick touch-ups, including a hairbrush, lint roller, and extra powder for shine control.

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5. Prepare the Kids

Kids can be unpredictable, but a little preparation goes a long way:

Keep Them Rested: Schedule the shoot after nap time or when they’re well-rested.

Bring Snacks and Toys: Pack small, non-messy snacks and toys to keep them happy and occupied.

Practice Smiling: Make it fun and natural by encouraging silly faces or playing games during the shoot.

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6. Discuss Props and Settings

Some photographers provide props like ornaments, gift boxes, or faux snow. If you want to incorporate personal items, let your photographer know in advance. For example:

A favorite family heirloom.

Your pet in a holiday sweater.

A special holiday-themed blanket or pillow.

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7. Be On Time

Arriving on time (or even a bit early) ensures you get the most out of your session. It also gives everyone time to settle in and feel comfortable in the environment.

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8. Trust Your Photographer

Your photographer is there to guide you through poses, lighting, and expressions. Trust their expertise and be open to their suggestions. Relax, have fun, and let the magic unfold.

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9. Stay Relaxed and Enjoy

The holidays can be hectic, but your portrait session is a time to connect and create memories. Enjoy the experience and let your personality shine through in every shot.

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Holiday portraits are more than just photos—they’re a way to freeze a moment in time with the people you love most. Prepareahead and work closely with your photographer to ensure your session is smooth, stress-free, and filled with joy. Ready to create timeless holiday memories? Book your session today!

Or meet me at Holiday in the Park on December 6, 7, & 8 where I will be giving FREE Holiday Portraits! First come, First serve!