Home for the Holidays: Why Holiday Family Photos Are the Good Stuff

Holiday family photos aren’t just about getting everyone dressed up and smiling for the camera; they’re about pausing time, just for a moment. They’re about slowing down, remembering what life looks & feels like right now, whether that involves sticky fingers in the kitchen or a full house with grown kids back under one roof.

The holiday family photos you’ll actually remember

One of my favorite childhood memories is making Christmas cookies. My mom would make the batter ahead of time and then we’d gather around our kitchen counter and take turns spreading out the dough, cutting our favorite shapes, and putting them helter-skelter on the cookie sheets. It was messy, fun, probably at least partially stressful for my mom, and we looked forward to it every year.

Fast forward 30+ years and I’m doing the same thing with my own kids, except around our dining room table because the kitchen doesn’t photograph very well. 😉 

These photos instantly transport me back to that moment. The sticky fingers, the frosting everywhere, the mess of it all (I know it doesn’t look that messy but that’s the miracle of a good photographer and a blank wall 😉)...this was life three years ago and I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown!

Savor the little moments

Someday oh so soon these little ones will be driving themselves home for the holidays (cue the tears! Maybe yours are already here?). I’ll take photos then, too, anxious to freeze time that just won’t slow down before our home changes again (and again and again).

These little moments? I want to help you remember them, too. Because one day you and I, we’ll look back and realize, this was the good stuff. The quiet (or crazy!) moments, the sticky fingers, the little ones growing into adults right before our very eyes. 

bet you didn’t notice that laundry on the couch

What a “Home for the Holidays” Session looks like

My “Home for the Holidays” sessions are relaxed, two-hour experiences in your home or a favorite place. They’re designed to pause time for a bit and document your family as you really are, right now. 

Whether you’re…

• baking cookies

• picking out or decorating a tree

• playing board games, or 

• Gathering everyone together for a cozy night in

…these photos will help you savor this season for a lifetime.

You don’t need a picture-perfect home or matching pajamas — just your people, your favorite traditions, and a willingness to be yourselves.

Booking details

Each two-hour session includes:

• a quick phone check-in ahead of time to discuss your goals and plan for the session

• the session itself

• the choice of one of three photo & print packages. See package options on my Family Session Pricing & Packages page.

I’m only booking five “Home for the Holidays” family photo sessions between now and New Year’s. If you’ve been thinking about booking holiday family photos in New Hampshire, this is the time.

Final thoughts

Home is always changing. Kids grow up. Traditions evolve. Over time, the table looks a little different.

But the love, laughter, and stories that fill it? Those are worth savoring and remembering.

That’s what holiday family photos are truly about — keeping those fleeting, beautiful moments close long after the season has passed.

FAQ: “Home for the Holidays” Family Photo Sessions

What should we wear for holiday family photos?
You’re at home, so choose outfits that feel like you in this season! It can help to select colors that go with your holiday décor (if you have it up) or your home décor, but really, be yourself and think about how you want to be remembered in this season. I’m always available for outfit guidance; send me some photos and I’ll give you feedback!

Where do holiday family photos take place?
Usually at home or a location that’s meaningful to you — somewhere you can relax and be yourselves.

Do you still take posed photos?
Yes. Most sessions include a mix of candid storytelling and a few gently posed shots for framing and gifting.

Do these sessions work for families with teens or kids in college?
Most definitely, yes! We may design the session around a different activity - maybe a game night or everyone cooking together or going out to cut a Christmas tree - but these holiday family sessions absolutely ideal for families with teens or kids in college! It’s never too late to document your favorite holiday traditions together.

Why authentic family photos feel better than perfect ones

What comes to mind when you think of family photos?

If you’ve ever had them done before, you know the mix of excitement (and stress) that comes with it. Planning outfits, realizing your kid’s pants suddenly don’t fit, trying to convince everyone to smile… it can be a lot.

The truth? We often put pressure on ourselves because we want our photos to look perfect. We want to show our best selves, to have proof that we’re doing this “family” thing right. Maybe even to feel like we’re keeping up with everyone else’s beautiful photos online.

But what if family photos didn’t have to be a performance?

What if your session could feel relaxed — more like spending time together than posing for a camera?

What if you could end up with photos that tell your authentic story, not just your most polished moments?

What Are Authentic Family Photos?

Authentic family photos focus on connection over perfection. They capture the real moments — your kids being silly, the way your partner looks at you when you laugh, the small gestures that show love in your everyday life.

Instead of forcing smiles or matching outfits, authentic sessions are built around what feels natural: baking cookies together, exploring a favorite trail, or gathering for a cozy Friday night dinner.

Why Authentic Family Photos Matter

These images become more than portraits — they’re stories of who you are right now.
They remind you of your rhythm, your love, and the way your family truly interacts.

Years from now, you won’t care if everyone looked perfect — you’ll care that the photos feel like you.

How to Create a Relaxed, Real Family Photo Session

1. Choose a setting that feels like home.
   It might literally be home, or a spot your family already loves.

2. Plan an activity you enjoy together.
   The focus stays on connection, not posing.

3. Let go of perfection.
   The “imperfect” moments are often the most beautiful.

Ready to Tell Your Family’s Story?

It’s time to move away from stiff, forced photos and start capturing your family’s real, meaningful moments.

Let’s create authentic family photos that feel like you — full of connection, laughter, and life. Find package info here and read more about why doing them at home is so much better here!

FAQ: Authentic Family Photos

What should we wear for authentic family photos?
Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident — coordinated but not matching. Neutrals and textures photograph beautifully.

Where do authentic family sessions take place?
Usually at home or a location that’s meaningful to you — somewhere you can relax and be yourselves.

Do you still take posed photos?
Yes. Most sessions include a mix of candid storytelling and a few gently posed shots for framing and gifting.

Why your next family photo session should be at home

Family photos are more than just your annual holiday card photo (you know the one I’m talking about!) —they are visual stories that capture the heart and soul of your family's unique connection and personality. While traditional studio or outdoor sessions have their charm, there's something profoundly intimate and authentic about photographing your family right where life happens: at home.​ As a Southern NH family photographer, I’ve seen the benefits of creating family photos in the comfort of your home. Here are my top five:

Why Choose an At-Home Family Photo Session?

1. Comfort in Familiar Surroundings

Home is likely where your family feels most at ease. Children can play with their favorite toys, pets can roam freely, and everyone can relax without the pressures of unfamiliar settings. This comfort leads to more genuine expressions and interactions, resulting in photos that truly reflect your family's personality.​

2. Authentic Storytelling

Your home is a collection of memories unique to you—every room holds stories, from bedtime routines to cooking dinner around the kitchen counter to spontaneous dance parties in the living room. Capturing your family in these everyday moments provides a rich, authentic narrative that studio backdrops or even a pretty outdoor setting simply can't replicate.​

3. Flexibility and Convenience

Coordinating outfits, packing snacks, and ensuring everyone is on time, well-rested, and in a good mood can be stressful. An in-home session eliminates much of this hassle. Everything you need is within reach, and there's no need to worry about weather disruptions, travel logistics, or hangry kiddos (or partners 😉).

4. Inclusion of Beloved Pets

Pets are cherished family members, and at-home sessions make it easier to include them. Whether it's your dog lounging on the couch or your cat curiously observing the goings-on, these moments add depth and warmth to your family portraits.​

5. Timeless Memories in a Personal Setting

Photographs taken in your home serve as a time capsule, preserving not just your family's appearance but also the environment where countless memories are made. Years from now, these images will evoke the sights, sounds, and feelings of your family's daily life.​ You’ll be so grateful you took the time to make them happen!

Embrace the Beauty of Home

Choosing to have your family photographed at home is an invitation to celebrate the real, unscripted moments that define your life together. It's about capturing the laughter in the kitchen, the quiet storytimes, and the playful chaos that makes your family uniquely yours.​ It’s about choosing ease over stress and embracing the moment your family is in right now.

Your family story is unique; you deserve beautiful, high-quality photos that tell that story! Reach out today to explore your session.

Not your average family reunion photos

Family reunions are a uniquely beautiful opportunity for photos: not only do you have everyone gathering in one place, but they are full of joyful connection, reflection, and fun that are delightful to photograph.

Late in 2023, I had the opportunity of photographing the families connected with Robinwood Farm in Pepperell, MA. They were celebrating the farm’s 100th anniversary with a poignant, joyful family gathering and I was delighted to be there, not just to photograph the event, but to revel in the beauty and wonder that is multiple generations coming together to celebrate the past and look forward to the future.

I’ve talked about the uniqueness and joy of telling your story elsewhere on the blog; this was a classic example of a unique story! The gathering was centered around a beautiful time capsule ceremony, where family members took turns sharing meaningful memories, tokens, and hopes for the future, and stored them in a special spot on the farm. I got to be a fly on the wall and document the laughter, the tears, the connection - it was beautiful.

How to get the best family reunion photos

TL;DR: for the best family reunion photos, hire a storytelling photographer, like me! ;)

Whether you’re hiring a photographer or not, here are some tips to the best family reunion photos:

• Plan a few simple group activities. Being engaged in an activity helps people relax and enjoy being together, which makes for great photos. Plan a mix of large-group activities and smaller-group activities, like the hayride some family members enjoyed at Robinwood’s celebration.

• Designate a photographer. If you’re not hiring a photographer, designate 1 or 2 family members to take photos and ask the rest to put their phones/cameras away! Pick 2 so that both family members can be in at least some photos.

• Think about what matters ahead of time. What’s the story behind your gathering? Is it an anniversary, a birthday, a just-because? What do you want to remember about the time together? What moments or places or buildings or specific people do you want to make sure are in the story?

• Give the gift of presence: hire a photographer! You had to know it was coming to this. ;) Give everyone the gift of being present in the moment and hire a photographer to be the fly on the wall, photographing those key moments and guiding you through the best ways to preserve them after the event.

What to do with the photos after the reunion

Family reunions are a special time - don’t let your memories of the time together disappear into the noise of digital life! The best way to remember & honor your time together is by bringing your digital photos to life in an album or printed product. Nothing beats the feeling of flipping through old photos, remembering the quirks and personalities of the different family members, or the story of what happened when you were gathered together.

(Forgive the quality of the handheld, iPhone video below - the polished photos I took of the album got lost in the shuffle of family illness this winter, but I had to at least give you an idea of what it looked like!)

Short video showing the embossed, linen, heirloom-quality album made with these photos.

Family reunion photos that tell your story

Your family story is unique; you deserve beautiful, high-quality photos that tell that story! Reach out today to explore your session.

How do I make my family photos unique?

I get this question never (lol), but it popped up in a recent Google search and I decided to write about it!

I’ve talked about the uniqueness and joy of telling your story earlier on the blog (and there’s a great example there of a creative photo session), but maybe you’re like me and need a few more concrete ideas to kick off your creativity. Before we get to the specifics, though, start here:

Ask yourself a few questions

I’m a big fan of self-reflection - part of brainstorming a unique family session is considering what makes your family unique! - but if you’d rather just jump to the concrete suggestions, skip down to the next section.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to get started:

• What do you and your family love to do when you have down time?

• What are your kids’ favorite activities?

• What’s special to you in this season, or unique to your story? Sidenote: it doesn’t have to be unique compared to other people, it could simply be unique for your life right now. What’s happening that you’ve not gone through before? Or that’s meaningful, whether it’s unique or ordinary?

• What are your values? Do you love time together? Racking up adventures? Exploring the world? Quietly making your community a better place? Celebrating your identity? Brainstorm some ideas to memorialize that through photos!

This is just the start, but take a few moments to think through what matters to you, what’s happening in your lives in this season, and how you’d like to remember it, and the concrete ideas will start flowing!

Consider some of these ideas

Now that you’ve thought about what matters and is unique about your story in this season (or you skipped that part and went straight for the concrete suggestions!), here are some ways to bring some uniqueness to your family photos:

Have photos done at home.

It’s uniquely yours, no matter what state it’s in! And it doesn’t have to be Pinterest worthy to be worthy of remembering. Mine certainly isn’t!

Build a favorite activity into your session.

Go for a walk or hike; break out the books, board games, soccer ball, or family olympics; plan a baking activity (*so* many great photos here!) or family picnic; or head to the beach! Other fun ideas include roasting marshmallows in your backyard or favorite camping spot, paddle boarding or kayaking with your teens, going indoor rock climbing…if your family (especially your kids) love doing it, you’ll get great photos and have a blast.

Get kooky (or coordinated!) with outfits

If you have young children who love playing dress-up, your family is really into Halloween or cosplay, or you just love bringing a unique voice to the world through your clothes, plan a session around that! Or dress for your setting - I loved these nap dresses from a beach session!

You make your family photos unique by being you.

It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. No one else does family just like you do, so your photos will be unique no matter what. But if you want to mix it up and try something new this time, let’s talk!