In This Guide
- Why You Need to Book Early for Holiday Cards
- The Holiday Photo Card Timeline
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Sessions
- Outfit Planning for the Whole Family
- Tips for Sessions with Young Children
- Designing Your Card
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You Need to Book Early for Holiday Cards
Every year, without fail, I get a flood of inquiries in November from families looking to book holiday photo sessions. And every year, without fail, most of my November and early December slots are already gone. It is the single busiest stretch of the year for family photography in Edmonton, and the families who end up with the best sessions — and the least stress — are the ones who planned ahead.
Here is the thing that catches people off guard: it is not just the photography that takes time. After the session, there is editing (typically 2 to 3 weeks), then the time you need to select your favourite image, order cards from a printer, and get them in the mail before the holiday rush. That whole pipeline takes 6 to 8 weeks minimum. As a result, if you want cards in mailboxes by mid-December, you need to be shooting in early to mid-October at the latest.
Moreover, fall in Edmonton is gorgeous for photos. The foliage turns gold and red across the river valley, the light is soft and warm, and the temperatures are still manageable for outdoor sessions. Booking a fall session serves double duty — you get beautiful seasonal photos AND your holiday card images in one session.
| Stat | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Families Sending Photo Holiday Cards | 65% | Shutterfly Consumer Report, 2025 |
| Average Canadian Photography Session Cost | $250–$500 | Photography Market Survey, 2025 |
The Holiday Photo Card Timeline
I have put together a practical timeline based on years of experience helping Edmonton families navigate the holiday card process. Of course, these dates can flex slightly, but this framework keeps everything stress-free.
| When | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| August | Book your session | Best fall dates fill first; get on the calendar early |
| September | Plan outfits, choose location | Gives you time to shop and coordinate without rushing |
| Early October | Photo session | Peak fall colours, warm enough for outdoor sessions |
| Late October | Receive edited gallery | 2-3 week turnaround from session date |
| Early November | Select card image, order prints | Print companies have faster turnaround if ordered early |
| Late November | Cards arrive, start addressing | Avoid the December postal rush |
| Early December | Mail cards | Cards arrive well before the holidays |
Pro Tip
If you miss the fall window, do not panic. Indoor holiday mini sessions in November — with festive backdrops, twinkling lights, and cozy props — are a wonderful alternative. I offer these annually in my studio. However, turnaround time is tighter, so card ordering needs to happen quickly.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Sessions
Outdoor Fall Sessions
This is my recommendation for most families. Edmonton’s river valley and surrounding parks like Hawrelak Park are stunning in September and October. The natural colours create a warm, organic backdrop that complements every family’s style. The light during golden hour — about an hour before sunset — is soft, directional, and incredibly flattering.
That said, outdoor sessions do depend on weather. Edmonton is unpredictable in the fall. I always have a rain date built into my schedule, and if the forecast is looking grim, we reschedule without any extra cost. It is not worth battling freezing rain for a photo card.
Indoor Studio Sessions
For families with very young children, or for those who want a more controlled environment, indoor sessions are excellent. I set up holiday-themed backgrounds — think warm lights, greenery, wooden textures — that create a festive feel without being kitschy. The consistent lighting means the session moves quickly and efficiently, which is a blessing when you have a toddler with a 20-minute attention span.
In-Home Sessions
A growing trend that I love is the in-home session. Your living room, decorated for the holidays, becomes the backdrop. The photos feel deeply personal and authentic. In addition, kids are more relaxed in their own space, which means more genuine expressions and fewer meltdowns.
Outfit Planning for the Whole Family
Outfit coordination is one of the most asked-about topics when families book holiday sessions. The goal is to look cohesive without looking like you are wearing a uniform. Here is my advice, refined over hundreds of family sessions:
- Pick a colour palette, not matching outfits. Choose 3 to 4 complementary colours. For holiday cards, warm tones (burgundy, forest green, cream, navy, mustard) work beautifully.
- Mix textures. A knit sweater, a cotton dress, a denim jacket — different textures add visual interest and depth to the image.
- Dress kids first, then match the adults. If your toddler has a cute plaid dress, build the family palette around it.
- Avoid holiday-specific costumes. Santa hats and ugly Christmas sweaters are fun for outtakes, but your card image should be timeless. You will want to frame these photos too.
- Layers and accessories. Scarves, blankets, hats — these add warmth to the photo both literally and visually.
The best family photos happen when everyone is comfortable. Dress for how you actually live — just a slightly polished version of it.
Tips for Sessions with Young Children
I am going to be honest with you. Photographing families with toddlers and young children is equal parts wonderful and unpredictable. The smiles are genuine, but so are the meltdowns. However, after years of family photography, I have developed strategies that work consistently.
- Schedule around nap time. A well-rested child is a cooperative child. I always ask about nap schedules when booking.
- Bring snacks. Not messy ones — goldfish crackers, cheerios, fruit snacks. A strategic snack break can reset a cranky toddler in 30 seconds.
- Let them play. Some of the best family photos come from moments between the posed shots — a toddler running toward mom, siblings chasing each other, a baby discovering a leaf.
- Keep it short. For families with children under 4, I recommend 30 to 45-minute sessions. Quality over quantity.
- Dress them last. Put on their nice outfit right before the session starts. The less time they have to spill on it, the better.
Photographer Tip
I always tell parents: your job during the session is to ignore the camera and connect with your kids. Play with them, make them laugh, be silly. I will capture the magic from a distance. The more natural your interactions, the better the photos will be.
Designing Your Card
Once you have your edited gallery back, it is time to choose your card image and design. Here are a few tips for a card that feels personal and polished:
- One hero image is better than a collage. Services like Shutterfly and Minted offer beautiful one-photo card templates. One stunning photo makes a bigger impact than four small ones. Save the extras for your online gallery or a year-in-review collage on the back.
- Leave space for text. When selecting your image, consider where the greeting text will go. Photos with clean areas (sky, blurred backgrounds) work best.
- Keep the design simple. Your photo is the star. Choose a card design that frames the image without competing with it.
- Order 10 to 15% extra. You will always think of someone you forgot. Having extras saves a last-minute reorder.
Key Takeaways
- Book your holiday photo session by August for the best fall dates
- Plan for a 6 to 8 week pipeline from session to cards in the mail
- Outdoor fall sessions offer gorgeous natural colours; indoor sessions are ideal for young families
- Coordinate outfits with a colour palette rather than matching clothes
- For kids under 4, schedule around nap time and keep the session to 30-45 minutes
Ready to Plan Your Holiday Cards? The best holiday sessions start with early planning. Whether you want a golden fall outdoor shoot or a cozy indoor session, I am here to help your family look their best. Let us get you on the calendar. Book Your Session
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the absolute latest I can book for holiday cards? If you need cards mailed by mid-December, the latest I would recommend shooting is the last week of October. This gives 2-3 weeks for editing, a week for you to select and order, and a week for printing and shipping. November sessions are possible with rush editing, but the timeline gets very tight.
What if it rains on our session day? We reschedule at no extra cost. I monitor the forecast closely and will reach out 24 to 48 hours before the session if the weather looks problematic. We always have a backup date already selected when you book.
Can we include our pets in the holiday session? Absolutely. Pets are family. I recommend having someone available to manage the pet between shots so we can get clean family photos and family-plus-pet photos. Dogs tend to do better outdoors where there are more distractions and they are less likely to get restless.
How many photos will we receive? A typical 45-minute family session delivers 40 to 60 fully edited images. For holiday mini sessions (20-minute format), you will receive 15 to 25 images. Every image is individually colour-graded and retouched.
Do you offer holiday mini sessions? Yes. I offer holiday mini sessions in October and November — 20-minute sessions with a festive setup at a reduced price. They are perfect for families who want a quick, focused session specifically for card images. Availability is limited, so early booking is essential.
Browse my family photography gallery to see real Edmonton families. Or check out packages and pricing for details.
