How to Prepare for Family Photos Next Year: A San Diego Family Photographer’s Planning Guide
If you’re searching for a family photographer in San Diego who creates photos that feel natural, meaningful, and stress-free, we need to talk. Every year, I work with families who love their images—but many tell me afterward that they wish they had planned sooner.
Based on what worked best this year (and what caused unnecessary stress), here’s a practical guide to help you prepare for your family photos next year, whether you’re planning holiday cards, wall art, or simply documenting this season of life.
1. Book Your Family Photographer Early (This Is the Most Important Step)
If you take one thing away from this post, let it be this: book your session early.
Some families wait until November or December to think about photos for holiday cards or gifts—and by then, availability is extremely limited. Photographers book up months in advance, editing timelines are tighter, and there’s little room for reschedules.
My ideal timeframe for family photos:
September and October
Booking during these months gives you:
More availability and flexibility
Comfortable weather for outdoor sessions
Enough time for editing and gallery delivery
Plenty of time to order holiday cards and gifts
December is simply too late if your goal is holiday cards or meaningful photo gifts. Planning ahead makes the entire experience calmer and more enjoyable.
2. Decide on the Style of Family Photos You Want
Before booking, think about the overall look and feel you’re drawn to. This helps ensure your session is scheduled at the right time of year.
Some families prefer:
Outdoor family sessions (beach, natural light, relaxed)
Simple fall-inspired sessions with warm tones
Studio mini sessions with a seasonal or themed setup
In home sessions (Holiday decorations or not)
Each year, I begin offering fall and beach family sessions earlier in the season, and in late October, I announce my Christmas and winter-themed sessions.
If you already know you want a specific look—especially a holiday or themed session—communicating early is key. Reaching out in advance allows us to plan intentionally and avoid last-minute stress.
3. Consider an In-Home Family Photography Session
Fall is also an ideal time to book in-home family sessions, especially if you’re drawn to a cozy, intimate, and candid style.
In-home sessions are perfect if you want:
A relaxed, documentary-style feel
Photos that reflect your real family life
Images that include your home and seasonal decorations
Additional benefits of in-home sessions:
Very casual and comfortable for kids
Great for capturing everyday moments
More scheduling flexibility
Because these sessions are typically done midday, we have more options to work around naps, school schedules, playtime, and my busy sunset schedule during fall. This flexibility makes in-home sessions an excellent choice for families who want a calm and unhurried experience.
4. Don’t Let Outfits Stop You From Booking
One of the most common reasons families delay booking photos is outfit stress—but it doesn’t need to be a deciding factor.
You don’t need:
New or expensive clothing
Perfectly matching outfits
Trendy pieces bought just for photos
Instead, focus on:
Clothes you already love
Pieces you feel confident and comfortable in
Colors and styles that reflect your family
Comfort always photographs better than anything forced or unfamiliar.
5. Mini Session or Full Family Session: Choose What Fits Your Family
When planning family photos, it’s important to choose the right session type.
A full family session is best if:
Your family needs time to warm up
You want to choose your own date and location
You want more variety and backgrounds
You have a large family or extended family visiting
If your group is larger, booking a full session is strongly recommended. Mini sessions are not designed for large groups, and booking multiple mini spots often costs more and limits your vision. A full session allows the experience to be fully customized around what you want.
A mini session works well if:
Your schedule is flexible
You only need a few images for cards
Your family does well with short sessions
You’re working within a budget
Neither option is better—it’s about choosing what works best for your family’s needs.
6. Book Christmas Tree Light Sessions as Early as Possible
If you’re considering one of my Christmas Tree Light Sessions, early booking is essential.
These sessions require:
Careful scheduling
Detailed setup and preparation
Specific lighting conditions
The earlier you reserve your date, the more time we have to prepare and ensure everything runs smoothly. Early booking also gives you more flexibility to choose a date that works best for your family.
Final Thoughts: Early Planning Makes All the Difference
Whether you’re booking a mini session, a full family session, or an in-home photoshoot, the earlier you book, the better your experience will be.
Planning ahead means:
More options
Less stress
Better timing
Photos you’ll truly enjoy
If you’re already thinking about family photos for next year and searching for a San Diego family photographer, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. A little planning now will save you a lot of stress later—and you’ll thank yourself when everything feels easy.
Serving families throughout San Diego with natural, timeless family photography.
