If your holiday calendar already looks like a tangle of cookie crumbs and school concerts, you’re not alone.
Every year, parents tell me the same thing: “I want beautiful photos, but I don’t want to lose my mind getting there.”
And here’s the truth — you don’t have to.
After more than 20 years photographing families through the busiest seasons of life, I’ve built my studio experience to make your photo day one of the easiest parts of your holiday.
This guide walks you through exactly how to prepare for your session — from choosing outfits to managing kid energy — so you can show up calm, confident, and ready for genuine smiles.
Holiday Photos Don’t Have to Be Stressful
I’ve seen it all — toddlers who refuse shoes, parents who swear they forgot the baby’s outfit, and families who show up convinced chaos is inevitable.
Here’s the good news: stress-free sessions aren’t about having everything perfect. They’re about creating space for connection and letting go of unrealistic expectations.
“Perfect doesn’t photograph as beautifully as joy does.”
Your session isn’t a performance — it’s a pause. A chance to slow down, laugh together, and soak in a few quiet moments amid the holiday noise.
And when that’s the goal, you’ll leave with photos that feel like you.
Simplify Your Prep Routine
It’s easy to overthink prep, but most of the stress melts away when you focus on three simple things: outfits, timing, and essentials.
Outfits: Keep It Simple, Keep It You
Holiday sessions don’t need a brand-new wardrobe. Start with what feels comfortable and true to your family.
Stick with three to four complementary colors and textured neutrals — cream, sage, navy, burgundy, or oatmeal all photograph beautifully in my studio’s warm light.
Avoid pure white or bright red (they reflect light onto skin), and skip stiff fabrics that wrinkle easily.
Pro Tip:
Lay everything out the night before — including shoes, socks, and accessories. If you have little ones, keep backups nearby (extra shirt, leggings, or bib).
A lint roller and travel steamer? Worth their weight in gold.
Timing: Plan Around Your Family’s Natural Rhythm
If you’ve ever tried to take family photos right before nap time, you already know — timing matters.
Morning sessions tend to work best for toddlers and babies, when energy (and patience) are highest. Afternoon or early evening is perfect for older kids or couples who love golden light.
Don’t cram your photo day between errands. Give yourself at least 30 minutes of buffer time before leaving the house — it’s the easiest way to prevent tension from sneaking in.
Bonus Tip:
Play calm music on the way to the studio. It helps shift the family’s mindset from rush mode to fun mode.
Essentials to Pack for the Studio
A small prep bag can make your session run ten times smoother. Toss these in before you head out:
-
Baby wipes (for faces, hands, and the occasional glitter mishap)
-
Small snack or treat (avoid messy chocolate — dry cereal works great)
-
Hairbrush and touch-up kit
-
Water bottles
-
Extra bibs or burp cloths
-
Favorite small toy or comfort item for shy little ones
-
One of my favorite things about my Saint Paul studio is how intentionally it’s designed for families.
The Studio Experience
From the temperature to the pacing, everything is built around comfort first.
The room is kept warm and softly lit — ideal for little ones who might nap mid-session or parents who want that cozy holiday glow without the chaos of outdoor weather.
I schedule breaks as needed and move at your family’s natural pace. Kids can explore, snack, and reset when needed. No guilt, no rush.
“You bring the kids — I’ll bring the calm.”
Music often plays softly in the background — a mix of gentle instrumental and holiday tunes to keep energy light. For sensory-sensitive children, I adjust lighting and sound levels to ensure a calm experience.
Even nervous parents tell me within minutes, “Oh — this actually feels easy.”
Tips for Post-Session Peace
Your session might only last 20–60 minutes, but the joy it creates can stretch long after you leave.
Here’s how to keep that peace rolling:
-
Back up your images. When your gallery arrives, download them right away and save to both cloud and device.
-
Choose prints early. The earlier you order, the faster you’ll have gifts or wall art ready for December.
-
Involve the kids. Let them pick a favorite image to frame or hang — it helps them feel proud and excited about the photos.
-
Celebrate! Plan a small treat after your session — cocoa stop, brunch, or even a cozy family movie night. It helps everyone associate photos with fun, not stress.
When Real Life Happens (and It Will)
Maybe your toddler won’t sit still. Maybe your baby drools through their onesie five minutes before the first shot.
It’s okay. That’s life — and it’s beautiful.
Those moments of imperfection often create the most memorable photos. The ones where everyone starts laughing because chaos won for a second.Your only job is to show up and enjoy your people. I’ll handle the rest — lighting, pacing, direction, and all those micro-moments you don’t even realize I’m capturing.
A Final Word From One Human to Another
The holidays are already a juggling act. Between remembering the class party snacks and finding time to breathe, planning a family photo session might feel like one more thing.
But here’s the truth I’ve seen again and again:
The families who show up as they are — even a little tired, maybe a little late, but together — end up with the most heartfelt images.
Because their photos reflect real life: love in motion, connection through the chaos, laughter in the in-between.
You’ve already done the hardest part — deciding your family deserves to be in front of the camera. The rest? That’s just light, laughter, and cookies.
Download The Stress-Free Family Photo Guide to make your next session smooth from start to finish — and if you’re ready to create calm, cozy memories this season, I’d love to have you in the studio.
You bring the magic — I’ll take care of the rest.
