Holiday photo sessions are here, and I’m so excited! In addition to these being some of my client’s most-used images, they’re just so much fun. Who doesn’t love a little holiday cheer? This time of year we all get a little nostalgic. Looking back at traditions and family gatherings over the years can keep us connected to the special memories that make our hearts swell! So why not add some tangible proof of this year’s holiday to your family albums? You’ll never have another 2025 Christmas, so let’s make it count. Here’s a quick look at my holiday photo sessions—and why you definitely need to book one! 

Mini Sessions vs. Full Portrait Sessions

Holiday mini sessions are perfect if you’re looking for easy, stress-free family photos. They’re quick, they’re fun, and low-commitment! Real smiles, cozy moments, and personal images — all in just 15 minutes. I highly recommend this route for families with littles, pets, or older generations! 

Looking for a longer, more personal experience? Full holiday photo sessions are exactly what you’re looking for! Choose your own location, add more wardrobe changes, and extend the joyful experience. The result? A bigger gallery of photos you’ll absolutely love! A 30–60 minute session includes lifestyle, candid, and posed photos for families of up to six. If your group is seven or more, I offer an extended family session option that allows for additional time, thoughtful grouping, and a seamless experience for everyone involved.

Why Book Holiday Photo Sessions?

Let’s start with the obvious: Galleries from holiday photo sessions give you plenty of choices for the perfect holiday cards! Festive templates on popular sites like Shutterfly, Minted, and Snapfish don’t look quite as good with photos you took over the summer. They’re made to match the season! The photos you add should, too. 

More than that, holiday photo sessions give you the perfect gift for family members. And I’m not just talking about framed prints, canvases, and other personalized keepsakes like “World’s Greatest Grandpa” coffee mugs. (Although you can never go wrong with those, either.) I’m talking about the session itself! Gifting a holiday photo session is giving the gift of time spent together, an excuse to dress up, and resulting images you’ll cherish for years. 

Let’s Get Started! 

Ready to book? Let’s talk! Ready to book? I’d love to connect and hear all about the moments you want to remember most. I offer both Petite and Signature Sessions so you can choose the experience that fits your family best. Current openings: December 12, 15, 16, 19, and 26–28.

Need some inspiration? Here are my top three favorite spots for holiday photo sessions: 

• Even if it’s warm and sunny in the city, the beauty about being a Colorado Springs photographer is that you’re never too far from a snowy mountain space. Bundle up and head a little higher for some wintery walks, festive snow, and crisp, clean imagery.
  
• One of my favorite things about holiday photo sessions is that they capture your memories and traditions. So why not capture them as they happen? Have a holiday session in the warmth of your own home! Choose posed shots in front of the tree or fireplace, or candid shots wrapping gifts or baking cookies—or both!
  
• Did your family ever drive around looking at the neighborhood lights and holiday displays? You can bring that same festive magic into your session—think the Broadmoor’s gorgeous holiday décor, the charm of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or your favorite park’s twinkling pathways, all captured during the beautiful glow of the late afternoon. No need to shoot in the dark to get those warm holiday vibes!

I think we can all agree that family photos are a must. No matter what your family looks like today, the nature of time is that it’s always changing. Your kids will only be the ages they are once. Your family is only all together so often. With so many new seasons of life to celebrate, it’s no wonder we all want pictures to help us remember each season perfectly! But there are lots of different image styles out there, and lots of photographers, too. 

With each family photo session, my goal is to capture timeless, authentic, and joy-filled moments, all while putting you at ease. Each gallery should capture your family’s unique story—a story too beautiful to be captured with one image type! Let’s talk about my three favorite photo types, and why all three should be included in your family photos.

1. Classic Portraits

No matter how natural you want your family photos to be, make sure you include at least a few classic smiles on your image list. These are the money shots! Classic family portraits are the images that end up as profile pictures, printed on holiday cards, and framed to make perfect gifts to grandparents. Family members not feeling their smiliest? I’ve got you covered. Check out my top 5 Tips for a Successful (and stress-free) Family Photo Session.

2. Candid Poses

Yes, candid poses. Seems like an oxymoron, right? But let’s face it, you can’t always count on 30 minutes of stunning candid moments (depending on the length of your family photo session). Being super-posed the whole time can look pretty awkward, too. Enter: The candid pose. Since not everyone knows exactly what to do in front of the camera, staged candids are a great way to create an organic-looking shot, with a little guidance that allows your photographer to frame the composition exactly as they’d like. Most photographers come armed with prompts, poses and strategies to make you feel at ease, posed but not too posed. Feeling like yourself should come naturally! Each prompt gets you started so your personality can shine.

3. True Candid Family Photos

Of course, some of the very best family photos come from moments in between portraits and poses. Truly candid photos capture a moment in time as opposed to a beautiful photograph. There’s something to be said for both, but when it comes to images of authentic personality, candids definitely have the advantage. As a Colorado photographer, I’m all about making people feel at ease. I want you to have a memorable experience with your family, in addition to keeping joy-filled photos after the shutter stops. Candid photos will take some self-imposed pressure off, and allow you to remember how you felt instead of dwelling on how you looked. 

Whether your family photos include 10 people, four generations, or two people and a dog, each image tells a story. Every chapter is important, and each and every season deserves to be remembered. No matter what you’re looking for in a family photo session, let’s capture the moments together!