How to Capture Special Moments During Your Holiday Family Photos

Planning Your Holiday Family Photo Session

Getting ready for holiday family photos takes a bit of prep work, but it’s worth it to capture those special moments. Let’s keep it simple! Enjoy this simple guide for Holiday Family Photography in St. Louis.

Best Times for Winter Light

Winter light is tricky but beautiful:

• Golden hour (about an hour before sunset) gives a warm glow
• Mid-morning (10-11 AM) often provides soft, even light
• Cloudy days work great as natural diffusers

Perfect Location Ideas

Pick spots that mean something to your family:

• Your decorated home
• Local parks with evergreens
• Downtown areas with holiday decorations
• Indoor studios if weather is bad

Outfit Coordination Tips

You want to look cohesive without being twins:

• Choose 2-3 colors that work together
• Mix textures like knits, velvet, or flannel
• Let everyone show their personality
• Avoid busy patterns that distract

Need some holiday family photo inspiration? Foppiano Photography has tons of examples to get you started.

Pro Tip: Bring backup outfits for little ones who might spill or get dirty before the camera comes out!

Remember, the best photos happen when everyone feels good in what they’re wearing. Comfort leads to natural smiles and genuine moments.

Preparing Everyone for the Photo Session

Getting ready for holiday family photos can make all the difference between stressed faces and genuine smiles. Here’s how to prep your crew:

How to get kids excited about family photos

Kids often need a little motivation to get excited about photos. Try these simple tricks:

• Talk about the session as a fun family adventure, not a chore
• Let them pick one special outfit element or accessory
• Show them past family photos they love
• Promise a small treat or fun activity after the session

For little ones, bring their favorite stuffed animal to hold between shots. Sometimes having a comfort item nearby helps them feel secure and more willing to smile.

Tips for helping teens feel comfortable and natural

Teens can be the toughest crowd. Here’s what works:

1. Include them in planning (location, time, outfit choices)
2. Respect their personal style, even if it’s not what you pictured
3. Give them space before the session – no nagging!
4. Talk about anything BUT the photos during the session

Most teens hate forced poses. Let them know candid shots will be part of the plan, and they won’t have to fake-smile the whole time.

Final touches for parents

Don’t forget about yourself! Fresh nails can make a big difference in close-up family shots. Check out some places to get your nails done before your session to look your best.

For moms and dads, bring:

• Touch-up makeup or powder
• Hair brush and hair spray
• Lint roller for last-minute outfit fixes
• Water bottle (smiling is thirsty work!)

What to bring to keep everyone happy

Pack a small bag with:

• Snacks (nothing messy or that stains)
• Water bottles
• Tissues
• Small toys for young kids
• Phone charger
• Band-aids (just in case)

A five-minute snack break can reset everyone’s mood and give you the energy to finish strong with big smiles!

 

Creating Natural Moments During Your Session

Activities That Create Genuine Smiles

Want to see real smiles instead of fake “cheese” grins? Try these simple ideas during your holiday photo session:

• Follow-the-leader games get kids moving and laughing
• Whisper silly words in each other’s ears for instant giggles
• Counting contests (“Who can count to 10 the fastest?”) create fun competition
• Favorite joke telling loosens everyone up

Capturing Candid Connections

The best family photos often happen between posed shots. These unplanned moments show your family’s true personality.

When you hug your kids or laugh together, that’s when the magic happens. I can catch these small but real moments if you:

• Stay relaxed and forget about the camera
• Touch shoulders or hold hands naturally
• Tell stories about fun family times
• Let kids be silly for a few minutes

Don’t worry about getting the “perfect” shot where everyone looks at the camera with the same smile. Instead, focus on having fun together. The small looks between family members often make the most special pictures.

Pro tip: Bring something that makes your family happy – like hot cocoa in thermoses or a favorite holiday book to read together. These simple props create natural moments without feeling staged.

Working With Different Age Groups

Photography Tips for Families with Young Children

Kids don’t understand the concept of “smile nicely for the camera.” They want to play, run, and have fun. The best photos happen when you let them do just that.

• Keep it short and sweet: Young kids have short attention spans. Plan for 30-45 minutes max.
• Play games: Try “who can make the silliest face” or “can you jump higher than Mom?”
• Bring comfort items: Let them hold a small toy if it helps them feel secure.

The key is to create a fun time rather than a strict photo shoot. When kids feel free to be themselves, their true smiles come out in photos.

Getting Great Photos with Teenagers

Teens can be tricky to photograph. They’re often self-conscious and not thrilled about family photos.

• Involve them in planning: Ask for their input on location or outfits
• Give them space: Allow some solo shots where they can show their style
• Be quick: Teens appreciate when you don’t drag things out
• Talk about their interests: Getting them talking about things they care about brings out natural expressions

Remember that a teen’s eye roll might seem annoying now, but could become a treasured memory of their personality years later. Let them be who they are in photos.

Making the Most of Holiday Elements

Holiday photos shine when they capture the unique magic of the season. Here’s how to add that special touch to your family portraits:

Seasonal Settings That Pop

Nothing says “holiday photos” like the right backdrop. Try these ideas:

• Fresh-fallen snow for a winter wonderland effect
• A decorated Christmas tree as your background
• Your family’s favorite sledding hill
• Front porch with simple holiday decor

Show Your Family Traditions

The best holiday photos tell your family’s unique story:

1. Baking cookies together in matching aprons
2. Hanging ornaments on the tree
3. Reading holiday stories by the fireplace
4. Building snowmen or snow forts

Quick Tip: Bring props that mean something to your family – like grandma’s cookie recipe or dad’s silly Santa hat that comes out every year.

Lighting for Winter Magic

Winter light can make or break your photos:

• Morning light (9-11am) gives a soft, gentle glow
• The “golden hour” before sunset creates warm tones
• Christmas lights add sparkle – try photos at dusk
• Soft window light makes for cozy indoor portraits

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean rushed photos! Pack hand warmers, bring hot cocoa in thermoses, and plan short outdoor sessions with warming breaks to keep everyone comfortable and smiling.

What to Do With Your Holiday Photos

You’ve got stunning family photos – now what? Don’t let them sit forgotten on your phone! Here are fun, practical ways to enjoy these memories beyond the holiday season:

Print and Display Ideas

• Gallery wall collection: Mix holiday photos with year-round family shots
• Custom photo books: Create yearly volumes to track how your family changes
• Canvas prints: Turn favorite shots into statement pieces for your home
• Photo ornaments: Add new ones each year to build a memory collection

Digital Keepsakes

• Custom phone lockscreens: Update them seasonally with current family photos
• Family video slideshows: Set photos to music for a touching keepsake
• Private family photo sharing: Use apps where grandparents can see updates

Start Holiday Family Photography St. Louis Traditions

Try setting up a spot in your home for yearly photos in the same location. This creates a visual timeline of how kids grow from year to year.

Many families take photos on their stairs or by their fireplace each Christmas morning – the background stays the same while your family changes!

Pro tip: Take some time each January to organize your holiday photos while they’re fresh. Label them clearly so you’ll find them easily next time you want to look back.

FAQ: Holiday Family Photography in St. Louis

Got questions about your upcoming holiday family photos? Here are answers to the most common concerns:

What should we wear for holiday family photos?

Choose clothes that feel like “you” but with a bit more polish. Aim for coordinating colors rather than exact matches. Deep reds, greens, navy, or neutral tones work well for holiday sessions. Layer with scarves, sweaters, or jackets that can be added or removed as needed.

How do we handle unpredictable weather?

Have a backup plan! For outdoor sessions, we can:

• Reschedule if the forecast looks truly terrible
• Use umbrellas as props if there’s light rain
• Find covered areas like porches or gazebos
• Switch to an indoor location as a last resort

What if my kids won’t cooperate during the session?

This happens all the time! I bring:

1. Small toys for quick attention
2. Silly sounds on my phone
3. Games that make kids forget about the camera

The best photos often come when kids are being themselves rather than posed perfectly.

How far in advance should we book our holiday photo session?

For holiday sessions, book 2-3 months ahead. October and early November slots fill quickly for December holiday cards. If you need photos by Thanksgiving, aim to book no later than early September.

Remember, the goal is capturing your family as they truly are – complete with all the joy and real moments that make your family special!

Working with a Professional Holiday Family Photographer

A pro photographer brings much more than just a fancy camera to your holiday session. They know how to spot those sweet, quick moments when your family is truly connecting.

Why it makes a difference:

• Lighting mastery – Pros know how to handle tricky winter light and make everyone look their best
• Kid whisperers – They can get smiles from shy toddlers and authentic expressions from eye-rolling teens
• Stress reducers – You can relax and enjoy being with your family instead of worrying about technical details

When you invest in a skilled photographer, you’re not just paying for photos. You’re getting peace of mind during a busy season.

“The photos we took last Christmas still make me smile every time I walk past them in our hallway.” – Sarah T.

For busy families, having someone else handle the technical stuff means you can focus on what matters – being present with your loved ones.

Want Holiday Family Photography St. Louis that truly capture your family’s personality this holiday season? Visit www.foppianophotography.com to book your session before the calendar fills up.