The 5 Biggest Holiday Photo Mistakes Families Make (Plus a Bonus!) — And How Not to Totally Screw It Up

Hey, fellow parents! It’s that time of year again — when you try to get your whole crew dressed, smiling, and looking somewhat decent in photos for the holidays. (Spoiler alert: it rarely goes as planned.) As a seasoned family photographer and a mom who’s survived more chaotic photo shoots than I care to admit, I’m here to share the classic holiday photo fails and how to dodge them without losing your sanity (or your favorite sweater).

Mistake #1: Booking Your Shoot When You’re Already Overwhelmed

“Oh, the holidays? Sure, let’s just throw a photo shoot on top of school concerts, last-minute shopping, and Aunt Karen’s fruitcake.” Newsflash: that’s a recipe for cranky kids and exhausted parents who look like they barely slept.

Mom Hack: Schedule your shoot before the holiday madness hits. Early birds get the calm, smiling worms — plus, you’ll actually enjoy the process instead of bribing your kids with candy the whole time.

Save yourself the headache and book early. You'll thank me later. Promise.

Mistake #2: Outfits That Look Like a Christmas Tree Exploded

Glitter, plaid, neon sweaters, reindeer antlers, and three different shades of red. Look, I get it — holiday clothes are festive, but please don’t turn your family into a walking holiday clearance rack.

Mom Wisdom: Pick a simple color scheme and keep it cozy. Trust me, your kids will thank you when they can still move, and you’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to Photoshop five different patterns into something resembling art.

Family Outfit GOLD! Mom and Daughter in similar color family as are Dad and son!

Mistake #3: No Backup Plan for Weather — Because Texas Winters Are Totally Predictable (Hint: They’re Not)

Half of your family is freezing, the other half is wet, and everyone’s miserable — that’s the classic outdoor shoot nightmare.

Pro Tip: Check the forecast, have an indoor backup, and bring enough blankets and hot chocolate to bribe your kids through an Arctic expedition. Also- buying light sweaters "Just in case you need them" isn't a bad idea - cold snaps in the morning in the fall are a real deal. Hey - just leave the tags on them and if you don't use them - return them, but better than throwing on a worn out jacket that doesn't match because littles are freezing right?

Buy a sweater or tights or leggings just in the event a random cold snap blows through! Then your kids can make these faces in weather appropriate gear! ;)

Mistake #4: Expecting Kids to Act Like Tiny Models for More Than 5 Minutes

Here’s the truth: your toddler will run away, your teenager will roll their eyes, and the dog will probably eat the props. Trying to force smiles longer than a snack break is a losing battle.

Mom Survival Strategy: Pick a photographer who’s basically a kid-whisperer. AND ONE WHO OFFERS 15 MINUTES MINI SESSIONS! (Ahem, me, "Hi!", it's me! Slide over to the Book Online tab now) Bring snacks, bribes, toys, and be ready to laugh when things go sideways — because those imperfect moments often make the best photos.

Kids will be kids - and sometimes that's photo awesomeness!

Mistake #5: Obsessing Over “Perfect” Poses Until You Forget to Actually Have Fun

You know the pose: everyone looking at the camera with forced smiles, like they’re auditioning for the cover of a holiday brochure. Snooze.

Mom Real Talk: Let go of the Pinterest perfection. The real magic is in the candid hugs, goofy faces, and all the little moments of love — even if someone’s got spinach in their teeth.

If you can't beat them - join them! I love capturing your love and fun more than the perfect pose.

Bonus Mistake: Forgetting What You Actually Want to Do With These Photos

You’ve got the pictures, but now they’re buried in your phone under 3,000 other blurry shots of your kid’s science project.

Bonus Mom Tip: Plan ahead for cards, gifts, or that giant family wall collage you’ve been dreaming of since 2015. Chat with your photographer about print options early so your beautiful photos don’t just live in cyberspace forever. Tell your significant other it's at the top of your Christmas wish list and there you go - two birds with one stone!

Albums and Wall Art > Digitals

Wall Art for the Win!

So there you have it — the real deal on how to survive and even enjoy your holiday photo shoot without losing your mind or your favorite coffee mug. Trust me, with a little prep and a good sense of humor, you’ll have photos that make you smile for years to come — even if your kid refuses to take off their fuzzy reindeer hat.

Ready to book? Let’s make this holiday season picture-perfect (or at least perfectly hilarious). www.melanie-wright-photography.com/book-online