Photographers are always thinking far in advance of holidays.  Ask a photographer what they’re working on in the middle of a St. Louis heatwave in June or July, and they’ll probably tell you they’re planning their Fall Sessions!  Ask them in September or October what they’re working on they’ll likely say, “Christmas Sessions!”  The list goes on.  We have to think ahead because the sessions need to be well planned out so clients can book sessions and we can get the photos back out to clients as soon as possible.  Here we are friends, about to embark on Halloween, and I’m going to throw some holiday stuff your way!  I know, I know, but Thanksgiving is in 6 weeks!!  And guess what happens immediately after Thanksgiving?  

Young girl looking at herself in reflection of round ball ornament hanging from white artificial table Christmas tree
Decorating for the holidays!!  It’s a time honored tradition for many families which usually includes setting up a Christmas tree, decorating the tree, hanging stockings, Christmas decorations, enjoying some egg nog, noshing on some cookies, and quality family time filled with laughs, inside jokes, and playful banter among siblings. 

Two photo collage of father with young son on shoulders and mother with young girl giving a piggy back
It often brings back memories of years gone by when the parents bust out hand made ornaments adorned with younger school pictures of the kids, children’s projects with little handprints painted on, homemade crafts or mugs, old train sets, and antiques from generations ago.  And yet, while this is such a fun tradition so many of us have with our families, how many of us actually have photos of it?  And I don’t mean your mom taking out the camera and snapping a picture of the tree when all is said and done.  I’m talking real moments with the WHOLE family included.  

Two photo collage of handmade ornament with child's school photo and 1980 handmade stocking
Manger under Christmas tree with ornaments blurred in foreground
Two photo collage of a father holding up a young boy to place an angel decoration on top of a christmas tree and a box of organized ornaments

Take a look at this session from last year that I did with Jessica, Rick, Adam, and Emma.  This sweet little family decked the halls together!  They pulled out their impressively organized ornaments, grabbed the bins with both the handmade and store bought decor, and got to work.

Two photo collage of Mother and children decorating mantle with stockings for Christmas and artificial white tree with ornaments
While Rick and Jessica put the lights and main decorations on the trees, Adam and Emma worked hard on decorating the mini tree.  Adam put together the classic train set for under the tree, stockings were hung on the mantle, the Elf on The Shelf was carefully situated in his spot for safekeeping and no touching. 

Two photo collage of father and son decorating Christmas tree and Mother decorating small white christmas tree
Child putting toy train set together for under the Christmas Tree
Two photo collage of woman and man hanging decorations on Christmas tree while little girl sorts through decorations and woman hanging bows on Christmas tree
View of back of little girl's head with pigtail french braids in front of Christmas tree
Two photo collage of snowflake lights hanging on porch and Merry Christmas Tree skirt Elf on the Shelf on a mantle in a card cage holder
Two photo collage woman decorating shelf and close up of christmas decorations on white shelf with Joy sign They debated who had given certain ornaments, and which ones had their own little stories behind them.  One of my favorite aspects of this family’s traditions: every year they decorate for Christmas, they play Home Alone on the TV in the background.  How awesome is that?!

Home alone playing on big screen flat TV while young girl looks at Christmas decorations
Two photo collage of jingle bells door hanger and kids standing at front door step overlooking Let It Snow door mat
Young girl kneeling on chair looking at Christmas stockings hung on mantle Two photo collage of ornaments on Christmas tree with Gingerbread ornament, christmas lights, and red bows
Young girl with braids bending down to pick up glass ball ornament
Two photo collage: glass snowman ornament with marshmallows on tree and school made popsicle stick tree ornament with child's picture
Young boy looking at Christmas decorations in a bin holding a snowman Two photo collage of handmade stocking with stitching that says 1980 Jessica and woman unfolding Christmas tree skirt walking towards tree
This session was the PERFECT way to document their family tradition and it would be an excellent way to document yours as well.  Imagine having a photo album to look back on years from now of one of the best and most genuine memories of your family together! 

I’ll be offering these sessions for two weekends only, so space is limited.  Sessions are $200.  Sessions will take place in your home or on location where you get your Christmas tree.  Referral bonus: if you tell a friend and they also book a session, you receive an additional $25 off your session fee.  What are you waiting for?!  Let's get you scheduled before all the spots fill up!