Holiday Family Photos – When Is the Best Time to Book?

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, families start reaching out with the same question: “When is the best time to book our holiday photo session?” And honestly? I love that question — because it shows how much you value capturing your family just as they are right now. As a mom and a NYC family photographer, I understand how quickly life moves. One moment your kids are tiny, and the next they’re climbing all over you with their big personalities. Holiday photos give families a chance to pause, breathe, and save these moments before another year begins.

But when should you actually schedule the session? Let’s talk about it in the most realistic, stress-free way.

Why Timing Matters for Holiday Photos

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for families and for photographers. School schedules kick in, daylight gets shorter, and everyone wants their photos in time for cards, gifts, and end-of-year memories. The earlier you plan, the smoother (and more enjoyable!) the whole experience becomes.

Here’s why timing matters:

1. Light and Weather Are Everything

Outdoor family photos depend heavily on daylight — especially in NYC.

As we get closer to winter:

• Golden hour comes earlier

• Evenings get darker

• Weather gets colder and less predictable

Booking early gives you more flexibility to choose your ideal light, whether you prefer the soft glow of October or the crisp brightness of early December.

2. Fall Colors and Holiday Vibes Don’t Overlap for Long

Many families want both fall tones and holiday feelings — but the window for that sweet spot is shorter than most people think.

• Fall peak colors: mid–late October

• Holiday-themed sessions: early–mid November

• Winter magic: late November to early December

Booking early lets you choose the exact seasonal look you want.

3. You’ll Have Your Photos in Time for Cards & Gifts

If you want your family photos printed, framed, or turned into holiday cards, timing becomes everything. Photographers need time to shoot, edit, and deliver — and printing labs get busier the closer we get to the holidays.

Booking early means:

• No last-minute rush

• No express shipping fees

• No stress about deadlines

• Time to pick your favorite images

4. Kids (and parents!) are calmer when you’re not rushed

Children feel energy more than we realize. When we’re rushed or squeezed into a last-minute time slot, they feel the pressure too. Early planning means:

• A calmer pace

• A happier experience

• Natural smiles

• More meaningful photos

5. The Best Dates Go First

Most families prefer:

• Weekends

• Golden hour

• Mild weather

• Early evening light

These fill up quickly, especially in NYC. Booking early ensures you get the ideal date that works for your family’s schedule.

So… When Should You Actually Book? (Simple Answer)

If you want holiday photos, book in September or early October.

This guarantees your choice of dates for an October, November, or early December session.

Here’s the general guide:

✔ For Fall Colors:

Book in September for an October session.

✔ For Holiday-Themed Photos:

Book in September or October for a November session.

✔ For Winter or Cozy Indoor Photos:

Book in October for an early December session.

Anything after mid-December almost always becomes last-minute and stressful — and many photographers often close the calendar by then.

Your Photos Should Feel Genuine, Not Rushed

As a mom, I know how important it is to capture your children as they truly are — the way they smile, the way they hug you, the way they hold your hand a little differently every year. Holiday photos aren’t just about the season; they’re about the chapter your family is in right now.

Booking early gives us the space to create photos that feel:

• Warm

• Authentic

• Relaxed

• Full of connection

• True to your family’s personality

No rushing, no scrambling, no stress.Just your family — beautifully documented.

Ready to Plan Your Holiday Session?

Whether you imagine cozy indoor photos, magical outdoor NYC scenes, or a fun, playful family session that captures your kids exactly as they are, I’d love to help you create something meaningful this year.

Holiday sessions book quickly, and once the calendar fills, it’s full.

If you’re thinking about it, now is the perfect time.

→ Click here to reserve your holiday session

Let’s create something beautiful together — something your family will cherish long after the holidays are over.

What to Wear for Holiday Family Photos

Your Complete, Stress-Free Guide

One of the most common questions I get from families around this time of year is: “What should we wear for our holiday photos?” And I get it — choosing outfits for the whole family can feel overwhelming. You want everyone to look coordinated but not too matching, festive but not cheesy, comfortable but still put-together. As a mom and a family photographer, I’ve helped many families with this exact decision, and I can tell you this:

With a little planning and the right color palette, your holiday photos can look timeless, warm, and beautifully connected.

Here’s everything you need to know.

1. Start With a Color Palette (Not Matching Outfits)

Coordinating always looks better than everyone wearing the same thing. For holiday sessions, I recommend choosing 3–4 complementary colors and building around them.

Beautiful Holiday Color Palettes:

✨ Classic Holiday : Deep greens, creams, gold, warm browns, soft reds

✨ Cozy & Neutral : Ivory, tan, beige, soft gray, muted sage, warm brown

✨ Winter Inspired : Navy, ice blue, charcoal, white, silver accents

✨ Rich & Elegant : Burgundy, forest green, black, champagne, deep navy

Once you choose your palette, everything else becomes easier.

2. Dress Mom First (Trust me!)

This is the secret I tell all my families: Start with the person who cares most about the photos — usually Mom. Choose something you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful in. When Mom feels good, everything flows better.

Great options for moms:

• A long, flowy dress (photographs beautifully)

• A fitted knit sweater with a skirt

• A solid-colored jumpsuit

• Cozy winter textures (ribbed knits, wool, velvet, cashmere)

Avoid anything overly tight or anything you constantly need to adjust.

3. Choose Textures That Add Warmth

Holiday photos are all about warmth and emotion. Add cozy, rich textures such as:

• Chunky knits

• Cable sweaters

• Wool coats

• Velvet

• Corduroy

• Linen

• Cashmere

• Soft scarves

Textures photograph beautifully, especially in NYC’s winter light.

4. Keep Patterns Minimal

Patterns can work — you just need to be intentional. Like :

• Small plaids

• Thin stripes

• Subtle florals

• Soft, neutral prints

Avoid:

• Large bold prints

• Neon colors

• Logos

• Distracting graphics

A good rule: One person wears a pattern, the rest wear solids or subtle textures.

5. Think About Layers (Especially in NYC!)

Holiday sessions often mean chilly weather. Layers not only keep everyone warm but also add dimension to the photos.

Try:

• Cardigans

• Knit sweaters

• Vests

• Neutral coats

• Tights under dresses

• Simple hats (for a few photos only)

Avoid oversized puffer coats during the actual shoot — wear them to stay warm until it’s time to photograph.

6. Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Try to avoid sneakers unless they’re clean and neutral. Stick with:

• Boots

• Leather shoes

• Ankle boots

• Classic flats

• Neutral-colored footwear

They tie the whole look together without pulling attention.

7. Choose Comfort for the Kids

Happy kids = beautiful photos.

Choose soft, non-itchy, easy-to-move-in outfits.

Great options:

• Knit sweaters

• Corduroy pants

• Neutral leggings

• Simple dresses with tights

• Soft cardigans

Avoid stiff fabrics, scratchy sequins, or anything that might make them uncomfortable. And always bring a backup sweater — weather can surprise us.

8. Accessorize Simply & Softly

Accessories should compliment, not distract.

Try things like:

• Soft scarves

• Dainty jewelry

• Simple hair bows

• A cozy blanket for snuggly shots

• Neutral hats for the first few photos

Avoid oversized, shiny, or overly trendy items that might age the photo.

9. What Not to Wear (Quick Guide)

• No neon

• No large logos

• No super shiny fabrics

• No random mixes of strong patterns

• No baggy clothing

• No all-black or all-white outfits

• No matching identical shirts

Timeless > trendy.

10. Final Tip: Lay Everything Out Together

Before your session, lay everyone’s outfits on the bed and check:

• Do the colors flow together?

• Does one outfit stand out too much?

• Is there balance (patterns vs solids, textures vs simple)?

If the answer is yes, you’re ready.

Your Holiday Photos Should Feel Warm, Natural & Connected

At the end of the day, the most important thing is this: Wear something that feels like you. Your photos should show your love, your connection, your family’s personality — not stiff, uncomfortable outfits. Holiday photos are a chance to slow down and celebrate your family in this moment, as you are right now. If you ever need help choosing outfits, I’m always here. I love helping families create a color palette that feels warm, timeless, and true to them.

Ready to book your holiday session?

My calendar fills quickly this season — secure your date and let’s create something beautiful.

→ Book Your Holiday Session