This past holiday season we had tons of holiday family portrait sessions. Christmas is always a favorite, but any holiday is a great time for portrait sessions. Other holidays to consider is Valentine’s Day for couples photos, maybe a surprise engagement? Easter, for those who celebrate, its a great option when you’re already dressed in your best and the kids are having fun searching for eggs! This one requires a bit of planning ahead of time, but surprising mom with an updated family portrait session for Mother’s Day is a great gift for her to look back on for years to come. For photographers, maybe plan to offer some options to potential clients with a themed session and promote ahead of time.

No matter what holiday, it’s a great opportunity for some creative ideas and cute setups with fun outfits, family fur pets, props or a beautiful backdrop. For photographers, planning for these holiday sessions can be easy if you allow yourself time. In this post, we included some tips for both families and photographers alike when looking to have some fun family portrait sessions. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Including Family Fur Pets

Cats, dogs and a cute couple, oh my! This lovely couple wanted to include their adorable furry pets in their portrait session and we made sure they got tons of photo ops to look back on. For photographers, some clients may want to include their fur babies in the shots and it can create some fun pose ideas. Make sure to talk with your clients beforehand to make sure you know they plan on including a few furry friends so you can plan based on the session what location, poses or props would be best.

Clients, always make sure your fur babies are ready to go! Any leashes or outfits/props you want to include, make sure to have them handy and convey any picture ideas you may have with your photographer. They may be familiar with areas that will keep your furry friends comfortable and happy.

2. Outside, Creating a Variety of Images and Props

Having a family session outside offers some adventure, play-time, freedom and a beautiful, scenic location! Nature’s beauty speaks for itself in these gorgeous, family photos. Mama Lucero was ready to get all her girls together to finally get some family pictures taken, especially before the oldest heads off to college. Cue happy tears of excitement! We headed out to Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, Florida for some privacy and a great backdrop. This family was a lot of fun to work with! Each of these girls have different personalities, the youngest was one in charge, haha! Their cute dog is the baby and the dad is the center surrounded by all of his lovely ladies!

For photographers, make sure you have an idea of how busy an outside, public area, may be during the holidays, you want your clients to have their privacy without others interrupting or ruining the fun. Another important part of doing a photoshoot is keeping it fun and keep everyone involved! Maybe have them interacting with each other or engaging in a regular family activity. In this session, the girls love their Cheerleading stunts and had fun trying different poses to keep a variety of images. Whether they were solo or together, keep it natural for them.

Clients, make sure you’re ready to go outdoors and depending on location are wearing the right shoes or ones to switch into to make sure you’re comfortable!

Props! Props are a huge part of family sessions, from holiday-themed plaid blankets, Santa mailboxes, to different backdrops or signs, it adds a little extra touch to each of the images!

3. Studio, Outfits, and Generational/Extended Family Ops

This family included some extended family members from Venezuela to celebrate the holidays! This cute multi-generational family was excited to try out the studio! Studios are great to beat any unexpected weather, or if you’re looking for a more immersive scene for your photos. This family was dressed in cute plaid shirts with the littlest sweetheart in a plaid dress. We were able to decorate for a themed atmosphere with the tree, lights, ornaments, and cozy blankets. Mom and dad included their niece, nephew, and grandmothers in their pictures and created some festive photos.

Outfits for the holidays are probably the most discussed topic when it comes to family photos. Do we wear matching outfits? Color coordinate? Dress formal? PJs? Plaid? Comfortable? Free-for-all? Whatever you decide, make sure everyone is happy and relaxed!

For photographers, including generational photo ops is one of the memorable photo ops for your clients. Looking back at those photos with grandma and granddaughter can melt hearts. make sure everyone has their desired photos with each family member.

Clients make sure you discuss how many family members and who is going to be included in the session so the photographer can plan a variety of images for the family members.

Portrait sessions are always meant to be fun, relaxing, and heartwarming while memories to add to your home!

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