It’s still summer and the last thing on your radar is probably planning your photography session for your holiday card, but hear me out. These are some reasons why you should be thinking of them now verses later.

Why I’m Already Thinking About My Holiday Card

Every summer we visit my hometown in Rhode Island for a few weeks. We soak up New England’s charm and spend time with family and friends.

We squeezed this session in the night before flying home. My husband and I got married almost 11 years ago in my great aunt and uncle’s backyard, with the reception in my grandmother’s adjoining yard. We took our photos at a nature preserve just a short walk from her house. I wanted to take the kids to the exact spot from one of my favorite wedding photos and recreate it with our now family of five.

We hadn’t planned to take pictures, so I had no outfits ready and tired kids after a busy trip. I kept my expectations low. But we threw together some decent outfits and walked away with some great shots (thanks to my mom, who ran the camera for our group photos).

With my low expectations, I am very excited that we have a holiday-card-worthy shot. I’m notorious for leaving holiday cards until the last minute, so I’m riding the high of actually being ahead of schedule this year.

I know it seems early, but I’d encourage you to do the same. Don’t wait until late October or November to book your holiday session. You don’t need six months of lead time, but late August through the first two weeks of October gives you the sweet spot of flexibility, so you’re not scrambling to get your cards out.

Why Waiting Too Long Becomes a Problem

People are often hesitant to book family sessions because of the stress they associate with family photos, or because life gets busy in the transition from summer to back-to-school schedules. It’s easy to assume there’s plenty of time and availability, and put it off.

Waiting too long to book can create a few common hiccups. I’ve run into these myself when scheduling my own family’s photos:

Availability shrinks

The later you wait, the more families are competing for the same holiday card timeline. Being able to choose the date and time that works best for you makes the whole process less stressful.

Sessions get rushed

You might be able to get squeezed in, but it could mean a shorter session, feeling hurried and fewer shots.

The light gets trickier

• Daylight saving time ends November 1st, which cuts into golden hour. This makes it harder to plan around work and school schedules for good light.

Late Summer and Early Fall Are the Sweet Spot

Better natural light for that warm, golden glow in your photos

There really is nothing like a golden hour sunset for family photos in Ventura County and the surrounding areas. They don’t call it the Golden Coast for no reason.

More flexible scheduling before everyone starts booking their holiday card sessions

Everyone starts booking their sessions at the same time making it tricky to schedule a family photography session.

Time to actually use your photos for your holiday card and gifts without a mad dash

I love perusing sites like Minted, Artifact Uprising and Mpix for holiday cards. The ability to take the time to choose a card you love is a little luxury planning in advance offers.

Getting your holiday card done sooner makes sure you’re cards are getting to your friends and family on time. Last year my Christmas cards definitely became New Years cards, making me glad I went with Happy Holidays!

Our Rhode Island session was a reminder of why I encourage the families I work with to get ahead. It’s the same approach I bring to every session as a Ventura County photographer: unhurried, stress-free, and rooted in the moment.

What Getting Ahead Actually Looks Like

Book before November 1st.

This gives you roughly four weeks to get your photos back from your photographer. Two weeks for printed cards to arrive, and buffer time to get them in the mail in a timely manner.

Plan outfits without the scramble.

No last-minute trips to the mall hoping you’ll find something that works for everyone.

Get clear on what you want.

Booking early gives you time to think through specific groupings, poses, or inspiration photos, and to communicate that to your photographer before session day. A well thought out family photography session never disappoints.

What a Session Looks Like With Me

1. Send an inquiry, and we’ll pick a date.
2. We’ll decide on a location and, if you’d like help, put together a wardrobe style guide.
3. We’ll talk through any specific shots or pairings you’re inspired by ahead of the shoot.
4. On the day of the shoot, we have fun and take photos you’ll treasure and love sharing.

My style blends laid-back, candid storytelling with a few classic posed “Christmas card” shots, so you get the best of both worlds. I focus on gentle guidance and letting natural moments unfold. It’s been said a million times, but it’s true: the best shots always happen in the in-between moments, when everyone’s just being themselves.

Get Ahead of the Rush

I’m now booking family sessions from August through November. I recommend booking before November for the obvious reasons! I am booking throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and LA counties. If you’d love unhurried, natural family photos for this year’s holiday cards, reach out and let’s find your date.