Every year, I tell myself I’m going to get ahead of the holidays. And every year, I find myself wondering how it’s already November.
If holiday photos are still on your list, choosing a direction is a good place to start. Are you picturing something dressed up for your holiday cards? A cozy session with your favorite people? Or do you mostly want a really good photo where everyone—including the dog—is looking vaguely in the same direction?
Here are a few of my favorite holiday photoshoot ideas for Sacramento families, couples, and anyone who wants an excuse to get in front of the camera this season.
Get Dressed Up for a Holiday Party
You know that outfit you bought because you loved it, even though you weren’t entirely sure where you’d wear it? This is its moment.
Velvet, satin, a great suit, a little sparkle—I love a holiday session that gives everyone permission to dress up. Deep burgundy, forest green, navy, and chocolate brown are beautiful starting points, especially when you mix textures.
For couples, think about dressing for the same event. If one person is wearing a formal dress and the other is in a very casual T-shirt, the outfits can feel disconnected. You can each keep your own style while looking like you arrived together.
Keep It Cozy
Some of the sweetest holiday outfits are dressing for the season.
Decorating the tree, reading together on the couch, baking something that may or may not turn out edible—these activities give everyone something to do. That can be especially helpful for little ones who aren’t interested in sitting still for a portrait.
Choose one or two activities and give yourself time to enjoy them. You’ll want a few photos of everyone together, but leave room for the flour on the counter, the tangled lights, and the kid who keeps rearranging the ornaments.
Those details are part of what you’ll want to remember.
Try an Outdoor Sacramento Holiday Session
An outdoor holiday photoshoot in Sacramento can feel seasonal with very little decorating. Let the setting do some of the work, then bring in texture through sweaters, coats, boots, or a favorite blanket.
Cream, camel, olive, rust, and burgundy work beautifully together for a softer holiday palette. You can also wear red and green without putting every person in both colors.
When planning an outdoor session, leave some flexibility for weather and talk with your photographer about timing. Winter daylight disappears quickly, so an earlier afternoon session may make more sense than the time you’d choose in summer.
Go a Little More Editorial
Holiday portraits can absolutely include sequins, dramatic sleeves, statement jewelry, or a fabulous jacket.
I love the idea of treating your holiday session like a small fashion shoot. A simple background gives your outfit room to stand out, and a few changes in lighting or posing can create variety without needing several elaborate setups.
This is a fun direction for individuals, couples, friends, or families who enjoy getting dressed up. It’s also a very good excuse to wear the shoes that spend most of their lives in the box.
Include Your Pets
If your pet is part of your family, it makes sense to include them in your holiday photos.
Bring treats, a favorite toy, and a little patience. A festive bandana is often plenty, especially if your animal has strong opinions about clothing.
Let your photographer know ahead of time that you’d like to bring a pet so you can plan a suitable location and decide when to include them. Getting those photos early can help if their enthusiasm for participating is limited.
What Should You Wear for Holiday Photos?
Start with one outfit you love and build around it. You’ll have an easier time choosing everyone else’s clothing once you have a color or pattern to work from.
A few things I always suggest:
Choose a small group of colors that work together.
Mix textures such as knits, denim, velvet, or wool.
Check how outfits look while sitting as well as standing.
Make sure shoes work with the full outfit.
Let everyone try things on before session day.
And please consider comfort. If someone is cold, itchy, or constantly adjusting their clothes, it’s going to be harder for them to relax.
Choose a Holiday Photoshoot That Fits Your Personality
Before you buy outfits or gather props, think about what you’d actually enjoy doing together. Your family might love dressing up. Your partner might be happiest at home with the dogs. Your kids might give you about ten enthusiastic minutes before they need a snack.
Plan around the people being photographed, and give yourself room for things to be a little imperfect. A photo of everyone laughing at the dog can become the one you love most.
If you’re planning holiday photos in Sacramento, I’d love to hear what you have in mind. Bring your outfit questions, your ideas, and the people you want to remember this season with.