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Discover how storytelling photography and genealogy work together to preserve family history and create heirloom portraits for future generations.

It may feel a little strange to be talking about Christmas when September is only just around the corner. The weather is still warm, kids are just settling into school routines, and the thought of twinkling lights and stockings might feel far away. But when it comes to holiday portraits, the truth is that now is the very best time to start preparing. Waiting until November or December almost always leads to stress, rushed choices, and missed opportunities. Starting early allows you to create something calm, meaningful, and memorable. Whether you book with a professional photographer, have a friend take your portraits, or even plan a casual family photo in the backyard, a little planning ahead can make a world of difference. Here are five important reasons to start preparing now and five practical ways you can get ready. 5 Reasons to Start Planning Now 1. Schedules Fill Up Quickly The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for photographers, venues, and even print labs. By the time November rolls around, calendars are often packed. Waiting too long to book can leave you with limited options or force you to accept a date that doesn’t work well with your family’s schedule. Planning now gives you the advantage of choice. You get the date that works best for you and you have time to arrange everything else around it. 2. More Time for Meaningful Details The magic of a beautiful portrait often lies in the little details. Maybe you have a dress passed down from a grandmother, or a toy your child adores that would add a personal touch to the session. If you begin thinking about these details now, you have plenty of time to dig through closets, ask relatives for keepsakes, or even shop for outfits that reflect your family’s style. When you wait until the last minute, those meaningful touches often get lost in the rush, and the portraits can feel less personal. 3. Less Stress for You (and Your Kids) Children notice when parents are stressed. When you are rushed, hurried, or anxious about getting everything ready, kids pick up on that energy and it shows in the portraits. By planning ahead, you are giving yourself the chance to slow down and enjoy the experience. Instead of frantically looking for matching socks or trying to convince a tired child to smile, you walk into your session relaxed and ready to create memories. That calm energy makes the portraits more genuine and joyful. 4. Christmas Cards and Gifts Take Time One of the biggest reasons to plan early is the simple reality of time. After your session, there will be editing, ordering, printing, and delivery. If you want to send out Christmas cards or give portraits as gifts, every step takes longer once the holidays get closer. Starting now gives you enough breathing room to make sure everything is ready on time. Imagine writing out your Christmas cards in November with beautiful portraits already printed and ready to go. That is a lot less stressful than hoping your prints arrive before the postal deadlines. 5. It Leaves Room for the Unexpected Life is full of surprises. A child might get sick on the day of your session. A snowstorm might close roads. A lab might have shipping delays. When your session is planned early, there is room to reschedule or adjust without losing the chance to have portraits done. If you wait until December and something goes wrong, there is often no way to make up the time. Planning ahead builds a cushion so that unexpected events do not ruin your holiday portraits. 5 Ways to Prepare Ahead 1. Pick Your Session Date As Soon As You Can Even if it feels early, go ahead and get the date on the calendar. Most photographers are already planning for this year's setup, so make sure your notifications are turned on. That way you are the first to know when they are starting to book their sessions. You can also make sure that you are on their newsletter or email list so you don’t miss the announcement. Doing this step gives you something to plan around and keeps your holiday season from filling up before you have time to fit it in. Once you have the date, you can work backward, setting mini deadlines for outfits, props, or card designs. 2. Choose Outfits with Care Wardrobe choices make a big difference in the overall look of your portraits. Start looking through your closets now and set aside anything that might work. If you plan to shop, allow yourself enough time to find outfits that coordinate without looking too matchy. Textures like knits, velvet, and wool photograph beautifully and instantly give a holiday feel. Neutral colors paired with a pop of festive red, green, or gold always work well. Having time to plan means you can choose outfits that look timeless and will feel just as beautiful years from now. 3. Gather Special Props or Heirlooms Normally your photographer will have props to make your session magical already at the studio. However, if you want to make your session a little more special you could bring an heirloom that has been in the family for years. It could be a vintage sled, a favorite stuffed animal, a cozy blanket, or even a special ornament that can add warmth and story to your portraits. You could also bring more delicate things like grandma’s scarf or your child’s first Christmas stocking, planning ahead gives you time to track them down. These small touches make the images uniquely yours and often become the detail people remember most. 4. Think About Your Holiday Card List While it may seem simple, making your holiday card list now saves so much stress later. Write down the names and addresses of everyone you plan to send a card to. Having this ready means you will know how many cards to order as soon as your portraits are complete. You will avoid that last-minute scramble of trying to remember who you forgot or running short on envelopes. 5. Plan Ahead for Gifts Portraits make wonderful gifts. Grandparents often treasure framed prints, albums, or even simple card-sized portraits of their grandchildren. If you want to use your session for gifting, think through what you would like to give and to whom. This way, when your portraits are ready, you can order exactly what you need without rushing. Planning ahead ensures your gifts arrive in time to be wrapped and placed under the tree.     A Calm and Joyful Experience The biggest benefit of planning early is the feeling it brings. Instead of seeing holiday portraits as another stressful task, you can approach them as a joyful tradition. When the details are already taken care of, the session itself becomes a memory to enjoy. You laugh with your children, relax into the moment, and let the photographer do the work. That calm joy is exactly what shines through in the final images. The holidays are about connection, tradition, and celebrating the people you love. Portraits capture that spirit in a way that lasts long after the season is over. By starting now, you give yourself the best chance to create something meaningful without the chaos of last-minute planning. So even though it’s only September, now really is the perfect time to start preparing. Pull out that cozy sweater, look through your closets, jot down your card list, and choose a date. When December arrives, you will be so grateful that you planned ahead. Your portraits will be ready, your cards will be mailed, your gifts will be wrapped, and you will be free to enjoy the season the way it was meant to be enjoyed.