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.