The Magic Is in the Little Things: Why I Love Holiday Photos
Christmas has a funny way of making the ordinary feel a little more magical. ✨
The messy wrapping paper. The matching pajamas. Someone sneaking cookies before dinner. The kids running downstairs on Christmas morning. Your favourite people all squeezed onto one couch.
Because years from now, we probably won’t remember exactly what everyone got for Christmas, but we’ll remember who was there, what it felt like, and the little moments that made that Christmas ours.
That’s what I love about photographing families during the holidays. It’s not about making everything perfect.
It’s about documenting your version of Christmas. 🤎
This year, let's remember more than just what was underneath the tree.
And if you're planning holiday photos, you might already be thinking:
“Okay… but what are we WEARING?” 😂
Don't worry — I've got you.
Think Cozy, Warm & Timeless
Holiday photos are the perfect excuse to lean into all those cozy textures we don't get to wear year-round.
Think:
🤎 Creams & warm whites
🍂 Browns & caramel
🌲 Forest greens
🍷 Deep burgundy
🩶 Soft taupes & velvets
Chunky knits, corduroy, wool coats, textured sweaters and soft layers photograph beautifully and instantly give your photos that cozy holiday feeling. A little satin skirt and a few accessories gives your outfit dimension.
You Don't Have to Match!
You do not need to put everyone in the exact same sweater.
Instead, coordinate your colours. Choose a colour palette.
If Mom is wearing a cream sweater, Dad could wear a warm brown or forest green, while the kids bring in another shade from the same palette. The goal is for everyone to look like they belong together without looking like you've dressed the entire family in a uniform.
Pick 3–4 colours and build everyone’s outfits around them.
Bring on the Layers!
This is your season to layer.
For outdoor sessions: Coats, scarves, cardigans, vests, tights, sweaters, little jackets, they give variety!
Layers add texture and movement to your photos and give us options throughout your session.
For indoor sessions: You can still layer with cardigans, tights and light sweaters.
Keep Patterns Simple
A little pattern is totally okay!
Think subtle plaid, tiny florals, simple stripes or textured fabrics rather than large logos, neon colours or really bold prints.
The goal is to keep the focus on your family, not on one particularly bright sweater.
Dress for the Season, But Dress for YOU
You don't have to wear a dress just because it's a holiday session.
You don't have to wear heels. You don't have to put your kids in outfits they'll immediately complain about.
Wear something that feels like you, just a little more festive.
A beautiful sweater and jeans can photograph just as beautifully as a dressed-up holiday look.
Don't Forget the Little Details
This is where you can have some fun. ✨
A cute bow, little boots, a cozy scarf, a wool coat, hair accessories, simple jewellery or even a festive blanket can add so much to your photos.
And if you're doing an at-home session?
Bring the slippers. Bring the Christmas pajamas. Bring the hot chocolate.
I'm here for it.
And Most Importantly… Be Comfortable!
There's nothing worse than spending your whole session fixing your outfit.
If your sweater is itchy, your shoes hurt or your pants are cutting into you, you're not going to feel like yourself.
Comfort = confidence.
And confidence + your favourite people + a little Christmas magic?
That's where the good photos happen. 🤎
Ready to Get Cozy?
Your holiday photos don't need to be perfect.
They just need to feel like your family, in this season of your life.
So grab the cozy sweaters, coordinate those colours, and let's make some magic. ✨