Your holiday photo session is booked, and now the fun part begins: getting ready. You probably have a few questions. What should we wear? What if the kids melt down? How do we get everyone looking at the camera at the same time?
I'm Liseth, a faith based photographer who loves capturing the beautiful moments of life and the essence of love. Whether you booked holiday family photos, a couples session, or a Christmas mini session for your little ones, my goal is always the same: to help you feel at ease so your true self shines through in every shot.
Below are my best tips to prepare for your holiday photo session so you can show up relaxed, confident, and ready to enjoy it. These tips work for families, couples, siblings, grandparents, and solo portraits too.
Mini sessions are designed to be efficient and enjoyable. I will make the most of our time together, capturing a variety of images, from candid laughter to classic portraits. After your session, I hand select and edit the best images for your online gallery, and you can choose your included images or purchase any extras you love. Down below you will find tips to ensure you have an amazing session.
Holiday mini sessions are short and sweet, usually 15 to 30 minutes. That means every minute counts. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your session starts. Arriving early helps us start on time, gives everyone a moment to settle in, and guarantees we capture as many beautiful moments as possible within your scheduled time.
Quick tip: Build in extra time for traffic (we never know how 45 will be), parking, and last minute bathroom breaks, especially during the busy holiday season.
One of the most common questions I get is, "What should we wear for holiday photos?" The answer is to coordinate, don't match.
Instead of putting everyone in the exact same color, choose a palette of two to three shades that work well together. For example, a family might coordinate in navy, green, and off white for a harmonious look that does not feel too uniform. I will leave a few Inso pallets below!
Solid colors and subtle patterns photograph better than bold, busy designs. Avoid clothing with large logos, text, or overly intricate patterns. They can distract from the main focus of your photos, which is your expressions and your connections.
Simple and elegant outfits keep the attention where it belongs: on you and the moments we are capturing.
This is the section I am most passionate about, because I used to be an educator, and I bring that classroom experience to every session with little ones.
Kids do not need to be perfect. They just need to feel safe, comfortable, and a little bit excited. Here is how you can help:
Parent tip: Your energy sets the tone. If you are relaxed and laughing, your kids will be too.
A little preparation goes a long way. Here is a simple checklist:
Every session should be tailored to your needs and preferences. If you have specific poses, a certain style, or inspiration photos in mind, share them with me before or during your session. Whether you want candid, in the moment images or more polished portraits, I will guide you to get the best results and bring your ideas to life.
Lay out every outfit the night before and double check for wrinkles, stains, and missing buttons. Pack your bag, charge your phone, and get a good night of sleep. A calm morning makes for calm, happy photos.
This is the most important tip of all. Your photos should reflect genuine emotion and connection, so let the laughter happen. Hug your people. Whisper something silly. Let the kids wiggle. Those real moments are often the images you will treasure most.
If you are not sure about an outfit, a color, or how to prepare your little ones, send me a message. I am happy to help you feel prepared and confident before we meet.
You can reach me anytime at liseth@lisethmariahphoto.com
Thank you for trusting me with your holiday memories. I cannot wait to create something extraordinary together!
Liseth Mariah Photo | Spring, TX | Serving Houston, The Woodlands, Tomball, and surrounding areas
