When Should You Book Holiday Card Photos in Southeast Michigan?

Do Printed Holiday Cards Matter?

The short answer is “yes.” Your friends and family want to feel something during the holidays.

Not the crazy rush of purchasing presents, or even the holiday hustle of going to staff holiday parties, although that can be fun.

It’s the “good slow” of listening to the softness of fresh snow, or breathing in the smell of your Christmas tree, or enjoying spiced cider while sitting on the couch reading holiday cards and letters from friends and family.

It’s about connecting in a personal way, sharing your family’s love and bringing it into their home. Overseas, or just across the street.

Your holiday card doesn’t start in December. It starts right now, in October.

OK, But How Do I Do This, Ginger?

Start by getting your family around the table, or in the group chat, and finding out when in October or November they are available. It could be a weekend or weekday. Once you have a few dates in mind, then pop over to my booking calendar here to see if there’s alignment.

Here’s a typical timeline that works for most:

October: Book your session and start planning outfits while the leaves are at their peak. Overwhelmed by choosing outfits? Pick all neutral colors. Keep it simple but not all-matching, if that makes sense.
Late October to early November: Choose outdoors, either on location, in the backyard, or, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, then indoors in my beautiful climate-controlled studio!
November: Your Proofing Gallery arrives before Thanksgiving, and you pick your Favorites. Enjoy a quick Zoom to discuss preferred retouching so that we’re all on the same page.
After Thanksgiving: I retouch your favorite top images and deliver a hard copy set of proofs along with high-resolution digital images. You can use the retouched photos to design your own holiday or New Year’s card, or I can create three designs for you, and you choose your favorite design and order cards through me.
December: Cards go in the mail and are delivered in time for that holiday spiced eggnog by the fireplace.

Why Does Booking in October Make December So Much Easier?

Because every step after your session takes a little time, and December doesn’t have any to spare. I have a dedicated vendor that can get cards printed as late as December 21st AND overnight shipping at no extra cost to you. No worries about getting your cards in time.

Should We Take Holiday Photos in Autumn or Wait for December Snow?

For most families, fall is the safer bet. Michigan autumn gives you warm color, soft light, and comfortable temperatures for little ones.

If you’re dreaming of a cozy winter look, my home studio is toasty all year long. We can create that feeling indoors with sweaters, blankets, and a few festive touches… no snowsuits required!

If you are a younger family and have a more flexible schedule, you can be on my “snow list.” You receive a text when there’s predicted snowfall (or even a snow day off from school!), and you can spend time outside in my gorgeous backyard with soaring blue spruces!

What Time of Day is Best for Fall Family Photos?

The hour before sunset, also known as golden hour. In mid-October, that’s roughly 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. here in Southeast Michigan. Once daylight saving time ends on November 1, it moves earlier, closer to 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., which is perfect for families with early bedtimes. I wrote all about why this light is so magical in Why Is Golden Hour So Special for Your Family Photo Session?

What Should My Family Wear for Holiday Card Photos?

Coordinate, but don’t “match.” Pick a palette of two or three colors and let everyone wear their own version of it. A few tips I share with every family:

Neutral tones like cream, gray, olive, warm browns, and dark blues look beautiful on a card.
Start with Mom’s outfit first, then build around it.
Texture photographs so well: think knits, corduroy, flannel, and denim.
Skip big logos and busy patterns that pull attention away from faces.
Pack a backup outfit for the littlest ones. Trust me on this one.

A week before every session, we hop on a short planning Zoom call to talk through wardrobe together, and I’ll send you a packing list two days before. I got you!

How Many Photos Do I Need for a Holiday Card?

Usually one main image, plus two or three more if you love a multi-photo card. That’s why many families choose my Copper Package ($449, 3 retouched images) or Bronze Package ($749, 5 retouched images) for a holiday card session.

If you’d love a full gallery to print, frame, and gift to the grandparents, the Silver Package ($1,449, 10 images) is where most of my clients land. It includes a print credit and 0% financing for 3 to 6 months. You can see every option on my Packages page.

What if Someone in My Family Hates Having Their Picture Taken?

Oh, I love this question, because that’s my specialty! I create flattering images of people who hate being photographed by using sensory-friendly, experiential methods: your favorite music playing, a warm and welcoming space, and plenty of time to settle in.

The two things I hear most at the end of a session are (1) “It’s over already?” and (2) “There are too many good photos to choose from.” You can read more about what to expect on my FAQ page.

Do you photograph families outside of Saline?
Yes! I’m based in Saline and photograph families all over Southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Canton, and Metro Detroit.

Can we bring the grandparents? The dog?
Absolutely. Multi-generational sessions are some of my very favorites. Just let me know who’s coming so I can plan the right amount of time. If a pet is included, then I will need a friend or neighbor to volunteer to dangle a treat or squeaky toy over my head while I get the entire family and pet together looking at me!

What if it rains or blows so windy that our hair gets in our eyes?
We’ll reschedule or move inside to my home studio, so your card gets to your family just in time.

So Let’s Make This Your Easiest Holiday Card Yet

Fall dates go quickly once the leaves turn, so if you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign. You can book your holiday card session here, or take a peek at my packages first. Either way, I’ll take it from there, and this will be the year your card goes out on time with a photo you truly love.

Where Is Ginger?

Just like a holiday card captures a moment in your family’s year, the places I show up and the people I meet become part of my story, too. You keep asking where you can connect with me in person, so here’s where you’ll find me over the next few weeks:

Now through Saturday, October 24: Yearbook portrait sessions in my Saline studio. Seniors, grab your slot here.
Friday, October 23: Fall Headshot Day! Confident headshots for just $150 (standard price is $200), includes one image. Join my email list to participate.
Wednesday, October 28: WXWForum26, hosted by the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw at Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building in Ann Arbor. Let’s do a selfie together and tag on socials!
Wednesday mornings: 1 Million Cups Ann Arbor, a free connection morning for entrepreneurs at Bamboo coworking in downtown Ann Arbor, 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Learn More About WXW | Book a Session With Me | Read More from the Blog

You might also love: Why Is Golden Hour So Special for Your Family Photo Session? · Picking the Perfect Yearbook Picture

-With love and the greatest hopes for your success,
Ginger 🧡