The holiday seasons are full of traditions. Whether old or new, traditions shape our families, and become things we pass down from generation to generation! For some of us, it’s Christmas cookies (with Grandma’s favorite recipe, of course!), or driving around and seeing lights. Some of my clients have turned family photos or mini sessions into their own family tradition, and I absolutely love how special those moments are! Here’s a few reasons why family photos or themed mini sessions can become a priceless part of your own holiday traditions:

Choose a similar theme or time to do the photos: If you always do a santa session or pajama mini session, then turn that into a yearly tradition. While many photographers change up their offerings every year, usually there are sessions around the same time each year. Earmark that part of the month or year to do your photos so that everyone can look forward to it and plan ahead. It can become something they all anticipate rather than dread. Many of my clients have come to me every year, and now they have albums filled with yearly santa or family photos, and they can look back on them with fondness. 

Involve everyone: Even the youngest members of the family can be part of the process. Assign roles or jobs to everyone, whether it’s helping with outfits or ideas, or sending group texts to other family members. Make it fun and celebratory, and everyone will follow suit! 

Create a beautiful album after: Don’t let your images sit in a drawer after your holiday session. Turn those priceless holiday memories into framed portraits that you hang in December (or all year round!), or into hardbound albums that you can look back on for years to come. Turn your annual session into a holiday card that you mail to family and friends, and we promise they will look forward to it every year! 

Document your own traditions, too: If you have already booked a holiday or themed session, be sure to also take your own snapshots of things you do each year. Capture hanging stockings or decorating the tree, or your annual trip to get a tree at a lot. Add these to your professional images to create meaningful albums or prints that your children and grandchildren will treasure! You will never regret starting traditions and keeping them up, or continuing on traditions that your family started long ago. Although it’s a lot of work, it can become something your family loves and treasures. 

Looking for a family photographer in Dallas/Fort Worth? I’d sure love to be part of your family traditions. I’m now booking for 2024, and would love to meet you!