Every year, sometime around October, families across the Greendale area start thinking the same thing: we really need to get updated photos before the holidays. And honestly? Same. I do it for my own family too. Whether you're dreaming of a card that makes Grandma reach for the magnet on her fridge or just want something that finally captures your crew as they actually are right now, the good news is that getting a great holiday card photo does not have to be the stressful ordeal it sometimes feels like. Let me walk you through what actually makes the difference.
This year, my fall and holiday mini sessions filled up faster than I expected… and then again, maybe I shouldn't have been surprised at all. October and November minis are the sweet spot for families who want fresh photos in time for holiday cards. The light is gorgeous, the kids are (usually) bundled up in the cutest outfits, and there's something about the season that just makes people want to gather everyone together… kids, partners, and yes, even the dog.
Speaking of dogs: if your pup is part of your family (and let's be honest, they absolutely are), they belong in your holiday card too. I am a firm believer in that. Pets are family… full stop. The holiday greeting that goes out from your household should include every member of it.
Now, do dogs add a layer of beautiful chaos to a 20-minute session? Absolutely. Especially when you throw a toddler or two (or three!) into the mix. But that chaos? It's actually where some of the best photos come from.
A lot of people assume that a great holiday card photo means everyone is perfectly still, smiling perfectly, in perfectly coordinated outfits. And sure, we'll get those shots. But the photos families end up loving, the ones they frame, the ones they send to everyone on their list, those usually come from somewhere more real than that.
Here's my honest take:
lean into the chaos.
Let the kids run. Let the dog sniff around. Admire the beautiful, beautiful mess you made by growing your family. Interactive photos have quickly become some of my absolute favorites because they show the connection between the people in the frame. The glances, the giggles, the moment your toddler grabs your hand without being asked… that's the stuff!
Will everyone look at the camera at some point? Yes. We'll get those looking-at-the-lens shots for Grandma's mantle, I promise. But the in-between moments? Those are gold! And a little practical tip that never fails: bring treats. For the dog and for the littles. You'd be amazed what a well-timed snack can do for everyone's mood, including the adults.
This one is big, and I wish I could tell every family before they pull into the parking lot:
Do not stress about the time.
I know 20 minutes sounds fast. And it is. But if you spend those 20 minutes watching the clock, anxious about whether you've gotten "enough," you're going to create more tension than any photo session is worth. Your kids will feel it. Your partner will feel it. And it shows in the photos.
Here's a little reframe I love: use the time as an incentive. "The faster you smile, the faster it's over" works surprisingly well on kids who would rather be doing literally anything else. And if your family is actually enjoying themselves? Sit back and soak it in.
One more thing - and this one is a game-changer for the energy of a session:
Leave your phone and your Apple Watch in the car.
The to-do list, the unread messages, the reminders pinging at your wrist… they will all still be there in 20 minutes. This tiny window of time is yours. Let it be uninterrupted.
Here's the thing about holiday card photos: they become the record of where your family was at this stage in life. Your kids won't be this age again. Your dog won't always be this spry. And you (even on the days you feel like you don't want to be in front of the camera) deserve to be in these photos.
I say this as a mom who knows firsthand how fast these years go, and as someone who has watched countless families go from nervous and skeptical at the start of a session to absolutely ecstatic when they see their gallery. That shift is my favorite part of this whole thing. You don't have to have the perfect outfits or the perfectly behaved kids. You just have to show up, breathe, and let me do the rest.
If you've been on the fence about booking a mini session, whether because of the time, the logistics, the dog, or the husband who needs a little convincing, I hope this helped make it feel a lot more doable. Mini sessions are designed to be quick, fun, and genuinely enjoyable for the whole family. We'll get your holiday card shot. We'll get the ones for Grandma's mantle. And we'll probably get a few that make you laugh every time you look at them. Head over to the mini sessions page to see what's available and get yourself on the books. Your future holiday card is waiting!
