'Tis The Season for Holiday Family Portraits and one of the busiest times of the year for photographers. The fall is a perfect time for family portraits as we generally have cooler temps with beautiful foliage. Plus, the holiday greeting card craze has taken portraits to a whole new level during the fall season. Whether you send holiday cards or not, famly portraits are always a great idea. Children grow up so fast, and having images of them at all the stages become historical accounts of where they were thru the years. Braces on teeth, broken arms, short hair, long hair, and all the fantastic stages of growth are important to journal. In fact, I keep all my family portraits to see the growth of my two boys and our family over the years, and I cherish the memories.
So, how can one have an easy holiday portrait experience without all the craziness of the season? Try these tips when working with your photographer:

1. Find a photographer you love! It's easier said than done, as we have a saturated market of portrait photographers available. Choose a photographer whose work, style, and personality fit your own. View their website and ask them questions about the process of hiring them. Make sure the investment aligns with your budget, and make sure they are available. A good place to start is findaphotographer.com. This website is full of tips and lists local photographers across the nation. Also, you can find Certified Professional Photographers (CPP) through this website. The CPP designation means that an artist has met rigorous requirements measuring their artistic and technical competence as deemed by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. A CPP must pass a written exam and have their images reviewed by a selective board.

2. Find an amazing location! The best locations offer several options for beautiful backdrops within a short walking distance. Another thing to think about is distance to travel and any permits that may be required. A good photographer will have a ready list of great areas as well as knowledge and specifics involved with each location.

3. Discuss the best time of day to have your portrait session! Depending on the location you select, your photographer should have an idea on the best time of day to schedule your session. The hour before sunset is generally the most popular as there is beautiful backlighting and a softer, more pleasing light. However, if your photographer knows their light, location, and how to caputure images in any setting, then any time will work. Make sure to ask about these details before picking a time.

4. Plan a wardrobe that works for the location you select! A beautifully planned wardrobe is the icing on the cake. Wardrobe can make or break a portrait session. Old school days called for matching outfits, but those days are LONG gone. A pulled together and cohesive look that blends tones, layers, and some pattern is the modern norm. Color palattes that go with the location's scenery can make an image really pop. There are several styling tools and examples out there to help you, and your photographer will probably be able to help.

5. Schedule early! Finally, the holiday rush generally starts in late September and runs through mid-December. Depending on how long your photographer takes to turn around your images may determine how early you need to book with them. A good time to reach out for scheduling is mid-September, as this may allow first choice at dates available for fall.

Good luck, and have a wonderful holiday portrait session!