7 Holiday Photo Tips: How to Be in the Family Pictures and in the Moment too

As the holidays approach, families begin preparing for family gatherings, delicious meals, and cherished traditions. It's one of the most photographed times of the year, with countless candid moments and posed family photos to treasure for years to come. But if you're always the one behind the camera, you might notice a glaring absence in those snapshots: you.

This year, let’s change that! As a family portrait photographer, we want to share our top tips for being both in the pictures and fully present to soak in the joy of the holidays.

1. Set Up a "Photo Zone"

Designate a specific area in your home as a photo-friendly spot. Whether it’s in front of a decorated tree, by a cozy fireplace, or against a simple wall with festive accents, having a set location makes it easy to gather people for quick group shots. Set up a tripod, and use the self timer feature on your phone so you can jump into the frame easily.

2. Ask for Help

You don’t need to be the sole photographer. Hand the camera or phone to a family member or friend and let them take the family pictures too! Most people are more than happy to help, you just have to ask for it. Pro Tip: The more you’re willing to let go of perfection, the more relaxed and genuine the photos will be.

3. Take Pictures of the Candid Moments

Some of the best holiday memories are made when no one is “posing” for the camera. Set your camera or phone on a surface to capture spontaneous moments during gift exchanges, cooking, or game night. For a truly immersive experience, consider using a time-lapse feature or video mode, which can later be paused to grab stills of heartfelt interactions.

4. Plan One "Golden Hour" Family Portrait Session

Instead of trying to capture every moment, schedule a specific time for family pictures. Pro Tip: Hire a photographer to take these family portraits! Especially if the whole family is together for the first time in ages! Make it fun and festive—wear matching pajamas, or gather before dinner in your holiday best. Once you’ve taken a few posed shots, put the camera away and enjoy the rest of the day.

5. Focus on Connection Over Perfection

Holiday pictures don’t have to be flawless to be meaningful. Embrace the messy, beautiful reality of the season. Whether it’s kids being silly, grandparents laughing, or the family dog sneaking into the shot, these imperfections tell the real story of your family’s celebration.

6. Print Your Favorite Family Pictures

While digital photo albums are convenient, there’s something magical about holding a printed photo of your family picture. After the holidays, take the time to print your favorite images. Whether it’s a framed photo on your mantel or a memory book to flip through, these tangible keepsakes will make all the effort worthwhile.

7. Give Yourself Permission to Put the Camera Down

Sometimes, the best way to be present is to not capture the moment. Trust that the memories you make will live on in your heart, even if they don’t make it into your family photo album. Balancing photography and presence means knowing when to step back and simply enjoy the company of your loved ones.

This holiday season, commit to being part of the story—both in front of the camera and in the memories you’re creating. After all, years from now, your family will treasure the family pictures that show you were there, fully immersed in the joy of the season.

From our families to yours, happy holidays!

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Holiday Family Pictures in the Village of Fairport: Rochester NY Photographers

Capture Holiday Memories in Fairport Village

For timeless family holiday photos, Fairport Village is a great place. Its cozy Main Street, adorned with lights and decorations, is perfect for magical holiday pictures.

Fairport's community charm, with local shops and friendly neighbors, creates a welcoming atmosphere for your family pictures. Whether you prefer the Erie Canal's classic look or the festive village gazebo, Fairport offers various backdrops for beautiful and memorable holiday pictures.

This holiday season, consider capturing your family's moments in Fairport Village. Its beauty, winter charm, community warmth, and timeless backdrops provide the ideal setting for creating lasting memories.

Book your holiday photoshoot in Fairport today and let the magic of the season shine in your family pictures.

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Family Pictures at Chase Farms

Elevate the experience and capture lasting mementos of each Halloween memory at our Chase Farms Candid Mini Session.

Taking professional pictures of your child's Halloween costume is a wonderful idea. It helps you capture their creativity and imagination. Kids and parents alike put thought into choosing and making their costumes. Halloween costumes capture fleeting childhood moments. They immortalize your child's unique personality in their costume.

Our annual Candid Mini Session at Chase Farms ensures that this time in their lives is preserved for future you, creating a lasting memory for you and your child to treasure.

Investing in professional photos of your child's Halloween costume adds magic to the experience. Your kids get to have fun in their costume one extra time, and you get to stand back and let someone else worry about making sure a picture was taken. Instead of using quick smartphone pics, we can create images that bring out the fun of Halloween.

What could be better than that… besides eating all of your child’s Halloween candy?

Fall Family Portraits with a One Year Old: Fairport NY Photographers

This family portrait session with this newly minted one year old was adorable.

Mom and Dad are a former wedding couple of ours, so it was an honor to photograph their first family portraits taken as a family of 3.

That wrinkly nose smile gets me every time I see these family pictures. And there’s such curiosity in her face as she explores the fall setting around her. It’s so sweet.

I have no doubt that curiosity isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. Thank you to this crew for such a sweet afternoon photographing your family.

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Candid Family Pictures at Home: Fairport NY Photographers

They’re in their 9th year of annual family portraits. We’ve taken so many family pictures of these 3 and their pets, that we can line a photo from every year and watch their growth like you would in a flip book. It’s fantastic.

This year, their Fall wildflowers were beautiful, and they had apples to pick from their trees. They even each took a turn on the zipline that stretches across one a pond.

They enjoy a blend of posed family photographs and candid family pictures. Their family pictures tell the story of who they are and what they enjoy together.

And we’re the lucky ones that get to capture these family pictures, this story, every year.

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Candid Mini Sessions at Egypt Park in Victor NY

One of the things I love the most about the families that come to our Candid Mini Sessions is all of the ways that they are constantly changing.

Like when a family, (who have been clients since their wedding) gets a new puppy.

Or when a family is celebrating the end of their home school year.

Or even just celebrating the fact that last time you were here at this playground, your child couldn’t climb the rock wall, but this time it was a piece of cake.

This mixture of family portraits and candid photography is how we help you remember all of the big and little moments of growth. It’s why our this version of family pictures exist.

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3 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Time of Year for Family Pictures: Rochester NY Photographers

Spring is our favorite time of year. The temperatures rise, the colors burst everywhere and the sun comes out of it’s winter hibernation in Rochester NY. It’s easy to see why our Candid Mini Sessions in Highland Park are always one of our most popular family mini sessions.

Here’s why we think that spring family pictures in Rochester NY are the best:

1. The weather is ideal

(Mostly. We do live in Rochester after all.)

During spring, the weather is mild and comfortable, not too hot or too cold. The sun is shining, and the natural light is perfect for capturing beautiful family pictures. You don't have to worry about the heat, and humidity of summer or the gray skies of a Rochester NY winter.

2. The world is gorgeous

Spring is the season of renewal, and nature is alive with vibrant colors. The trees and flowers are blooming, and the grass is green and lush. This creates the perfect backdrop for your family pictures, especially at Highland Park. The bursting color will make your family pictures pop.

3. It's a time for family gatherings

Spring is a time for family gatherings like Easter and Mother's Day. This makes it the perfect time to take family pictures. You can capture memories with extended family members or simply take pictures with your immediate family. It's a great way to create lasting memories.

So what’s your favorite season for family pictures? I hope it’s Spring… c’mon say it’s Spring… you know you want to!

Family Pictures in March: Candid Mini Sessions in Victor NY

March in the Rochester NY area is what we call “Mud Season.” But it’s also the time of year for Maple EVERYTHING, which makes March awesome.

The idea for “pancakes and pictures” as a Candid Mini Session was born out of necessity during the pandemic. That first portrait session event was of a tailgating variety, but has evolved now that the barn at Kettle Ridge Farm has opened for dining.

First, you eat the pancakes, and spend time with your family. Then after everyone’s bellies are full, we take a few fun family pictures!

This year it was a touch cold and rainy, but we did it anyway. We even got away with asking the kids to jump in the puddles - because believe it or not, those playful family photographs are priceless as your children grow.

We’re thankful for our families who brave the weather, and are willing to hang with us, even if we get a little wet.

Family Pictures with Santa: Fairport NY Family Photographers

What do you do when Santa comes to the door? Answer it, obviously!

This was such a unique and fun family portrait session. Santa arrived with a gift for each child, they put them on the tree together. They spent some time talking about the spirit of the holidays, and then they decorated cookies WITH Santa!

I felt like one of Santa’s elves photographing these family pictures. It was so magical! I believe this was an experience that this family will be able to cherish for years to come. And these family pictures will surely help them to do just that.