Dates: November 9
Whether for holiday cards or to update family photos, Christmas tree farm family sessions are super fun, and doing it annually is a great family tradition that many of my clients enjoy.
However, getting ready for the session could be a hassle, especially if you’ve never done it before. In this guide, I’ve included outfit suggestions and some tips and recommendations to help you have a great experience and get beautiful family photos you will be proud of.
Styling Your Outfits
Opt for warm, cozy winter layers in rich earth tones paired with closed-toe boots. Add festive accents like hats with pom poms and scarfs with traditional holiday textures to complement the natural backdrop without looking over the top. Focus on timeless winter fashion that keeps you comfortable while evoking the seasonal spirit.
My recommended color palettes for Christmas tree farm photos are:
- Gray, beige, pops of black
- Green, brown, beige, mustard/brown
- Navy, red plaids, gray/brown
Layering clothes is a great way to dress kids. You can add jackets, vests, leggings, tights, hats, scarves, neckties, bow ties, and headbands for a stylish look.
For adults, adding accessories such as hats, scarves, or necklaces can add vibrancy to an outfit. Small doses of bright colors work well. Make sure everyone’s outfit fits well and is neatly pressed.
I also recommend wearing appropriate footwear. Grass can get pretty wet and muddy, so opt for weather-proof shoes and boots when possible.
Tips for Helping the Kids Get Ready
Here are some tips for helping kids get ready for a Christmas tree farm photo session:
- Explain what the photo shoot will be like so they know what to expect. Let them know they get to have fun posing and playing in a beautiful tree farm setting.
- Encourage them to go to bed early the night before so they’re well-rested.
- Lay out their outfits beforehand so there’s no fussing or last-minute scrambling the day of the session.
- Remind them to use the bathroom right before leaving the house.
- Remind them not to touch/mess up their clothes or siblings’ clothes.
- Set expectations for behavior – follow directions, don’t run off, no fighting with siblings.
- Remind them how fun it will be to see the beautiful photos with the whole family.
The key is giving them age-appropriate preparation so they feel involved while also preventing last-minute issues. Most importantly, stay positive – the photos will be great if they’re having fun!
What happens if it rains?
If it rains, I will work with you to reschedule your session. If we cannot find a date that works for you, I will refund your deposit.
If you have a flexible schedule, we can wait until the morning of your session to decide if we will proceed with it or reschedule. The weather forecast can be unreliable, so if your family is willing, we can still show up to the session. If we get rained out, we reschedule, and you will not lose your deposit. With this approach, I can shoot most of the time.
We are not good at taking pictures; will you guide us?
Honestly, I'm not natural in front of the camera either, so I understand. I will tell you what to do the entire time, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
What if my kid doesn’t cooperate?
If your kiddo is not cooperating – don’t worry (because they will feel that). I will follow their lead and do my best to capture happy moments.
There will never be any pressure to look into the camera to smile. I have plenty of tricks to help get your kiddos engaged and interested, so 99% of the time, I can get you plenty of shots. (And for that 1% – we will work together to do our best.)
Can pets join the session?
Of course! Pets are so fun to include in the photos. When booking, please let me know if pets will be joining and what kind of pets.
After we do a few shots with the pet during the session, you'll need to prepare in advance how to keep the pet safe while we work on the photos without the pet.
