Prepping For The Perfect Holiday Shoot

1. RESEARCH. What do you envision your family shoot/holiday card to look like? Where would it take place? Make an album in your phone or start a Pinterest page. Plan to send final ideas to your photographer prior to day of.

2. SHOP for clothing, and accessories at least a week in advance. This leaves time for returns and/or alterations.

3. SCHEDULE waxing, hair appts., makeup (if that’s your preference) around the date. Some people I know even start a teeth whitening and tanning regimen. However far you want to take it, just make sure to schedule out.

4. PLAN it for a day of the week you and your family aren’t running from place to place. Sunday afternoons are great, but sometimes weekdays are the only option with our busy schedules. We have done both! The only advice I have with weekdays, is try to leave time between school, and the pics to regroup. Breaking from activities that day is a good call.

5. STYLE your wardrobe and decor. Props and/or background ideas are great to have on hand, and can easily be set up at most locations. Flowers, blankets and garland/lights go a long way. *See wardrobe styling below*

6. GET HELP. If you have little ones, it's nice to have some extra hands from someone who is not in the photo. This is an easy one for us all to forget!

7. CLEAN IT UP. Eating anti-inflammatory foods, avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of water the day before you plan to be in front of the lens is proven to make you look, AND feel better.

8. SLEEP, sleep, sleep! Plan to get everyone to bed at a decent hour to get a food nights sleep.

9. SMILE & let it go! When shoot day arrives, it's time to get in the spirit. Outfits are ready, ideas are sent, appts are lined up (or already out of the way), now it’s time to relax, have fun and enjoy this time with your family!

WARDROBE STYLING (because this deserved its own list):

1. Start with MOM. Always. Because, we are obviously the most important. Ok, I'm kidding, but if we aren't happy with our outfit then all bets are off, right? Then move on to kids, husband, pet. My husband, and dog Ginger, are the easiest to style, so they get the last spots

2. Pin/Save looks starting about a month out

3. Shop at least 2 weeks ahead of time so you have time for alterations/returns

4. Make flatlays of your outfits, take pics, then send to friends, or stylist ;)

5. Try on EVERYthing

6. Remove tags, steam and hang in a place where outfits are easily accessible (extra important if you are planning an after school/work session)

Check out pics below from both our past, and present holiday shoots. Remember it’s all about preference. Looking back every year was different for us, based on what worked best during that time. Some years we were able to plan for us all to be present, others it was just the kids, and, some we skipped the professional pics all together!

Cheers to the season of joy, excitement and holiday cards! As always, feel free to leave comments, or message me with any questions.

X0,

Nichole

Photos By: Tiffany Wayne