Photography and the Holidays
The holidays are quickly approaching. I can see the twinkling of the lights now. (No, seriously. My neighbors already put their Christmas lights up.) I can smell the turkey, taste the pumpkin pie, and hear Santa coming down the chimney. I can also feel the stress building. It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many of us, it’s also the most stressful time of the year. We’re pulled in so many directions that we feel spread too thin, or even inadequate. But it’s my mission to ensure your holiday family photo session does not suffer from all the stress. I genuinely want it to be easy, carefree, and most of all, fun!
Here are my top tips to getting that holiday card photo, and enjoying your holiday family photography session.
1. Take a deep breath. Do it with me. Inhale. Exhale. Now focus on a positive thought, quote, or memory. Our perspective influences everyone around us for the better, or worse.
I like to think of one of my most favorite books, The Tao of Pooh.
“Do you really want to be happy? You can begin by being appreciative of who you are and what you’ve got.” ― Benjamin Hoff
Or
“Write it on your heart that everyday is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. Set aside your clothing choices at least a week in advance. Make sure they’re washed, ironed, dry cleaned, whatever it is. Don’t wait until the night before. You want it done well in advance so you have one less thing to worry about. Hang them all in your closet together, away from everything else so when it’s go time, you can grab and run.
3. Plan your day accordingly. Don’t try to pack in too much on the day of your session. The more you try to do, the less relaxed you’ll be. You can read in this post what an asset it is when you’re prepared, relaxed, and on time.
4. Arrive early. Not on time. Not late. Early. If the session is at 1:00, tell your family it’s at 12:30. You’ll argue less, stress less, and accommodate for the unexpected- the explosive diaper, the traffic jam, or the wrong turn. When you arrive, get out of the car and start having fun. Make a game of it. Get the wiggles out and let loose.
My all time favorite boss in college whom I schlepped tires for at Discount Tire in Flagstaff, AZ (visualize, wind, snow, ice – not cactus) said to me, “Fifteen minutes early is ON TIME. Anything else is unacceptable.” I live my life like this. Thank you, Jon!
5. Remember why you’re doing this. This isn’t about perfection. This is about memories. This is about looking back on the Christmas when your son’s eyes lit up when he found a train under the Christmas tree. It’s about the Hanukkah when your family had the absolute most amazing meal full of laughter and love. It’s what you want to look back and remember.
Never forget that every memory, be it good or bad, is a gift. Time is a gift; the rest is small stuff.
Please enjoy the stunning families who trusted me at my best and worst this last weekend with their family photos. A very fun day in a new space!
Thank you, and may you all have the happiest of holiday seasons.
Tilly
