How to Nail Your Holiday Family Photos Without Losing Your Mind | Utah Family Photographer

Fall is in full swing and you know what that means?? The time when we all flip the switch from pumpkins to pine trees and start stressing about that annual holiday photo session. Trust me, I get it—between gift shopping, meal planning, and making sure no one shows up to the shoot with a jelly-stained shirt, it’s enough to make you want to skip the whole thing. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here’s how to survive (and maybe even enjoy) your holiday photo session.

First off, let’s talk coordination. I’m all for a well-put-together look, but let’s not go full-on matchy-matchy. We’re not trying to clone the Brady Bunch here. Instead, think complementary colors and a mix of textures. And don’t forget layers! Layers of sweaters, tights, jackets, shirts are great for dynamic outfits that look fabulous and also keep you warm. It’s all about balance—coordinated but not cloned.

Now, let’s chat about the Utah weather, shall we? If you’re planning an outdoor session, don’t underestimate the chill! Nothing creates a frown faster than a kid who’s freezing. I always tell my clients to bring blankets and coats that they can throw on and off between shots. And remember, warm kids = happy kids, which means better photos all around.

Mini sessions are your new best friend. Trust me, your kids (and your partner) will thank you. Fifteen minutes of smiles is way better than an hour of trying to keep everyone happy. And speaking of keeping everyone happy, don’t be afraid to bring out the big guns—by that, I mean snacks and bribes. Yes, I said it. Nothing keeps a smile on a kid’s face like the promise of a treat afterward and maybe a small treat in between shots.

Pine trees or in studio sessions with some pleasant holiday decor are perfect settings for quick mini sessions that get up to date holiday photos that will surely make any Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle get a little teary. AND double up and turn these photos into the best personalized gifts!

Let’s not forget about you, dear parent. It’s easy to get so caught up in making sure everyone else looks good that you forget about yourself. This year, take a moment to pick an outfit that makes you feel fabulous. Trust me, a confident parent makes for a relaxed family, and that shows in the photos.

Real talk: accidents happen. Whether it’s a spilled juice box or a last-minute mud puddle, be the hero of your own story and pack some backup clothes. A quick outfit change can save the day and keep those smiles going strong.

When it comes to hair, a quick brush-through right before the session is a must. It’s amazing what a little touch-up can do, and no one wants to look back at their holiday photos thinking, “I should’ve fixed that strand.”

But who says you have to dress up at all? Choose casual, PJ’s, matching sweats set! Oh man I’m putting it out in the universe! Someone please wear cute matching sweat pants and sweatshirt sets!!

Finally, embrace the chaos. Something will inevitably go wrong—maybe the kids will get a little wild, or someone will make a silly face. But here’s the thing: those are the moments you’ll cherish the most. The imperfect, real moments are what make the best photos, so just roll with it and enjoy the ride.

So there you have it! With these tips, your holiday photo session will be less about stress and more about making memories. And remember, perfection is overrated. It’s those little imperfect moments that make the best photos. Happy snapping!