Don't Wait on Holiday Pet Photos This Year
Every year without fail, I hear from people in November who want holiday photos and are already too late to make it happen the way they'd hoped. I'm writing this now, in late August, so that's not you this year.
Here's the honest timeline, and why it matters more than people realize.
The Holiday Card Math
If you want photo cards in your recipients' hands before Christmas, you need to work backward from December 25th.
Cards should be in the mail by around December 10th to account for holiday postal slowdowns. Card companies typically need two to three weeks to print and ship after you place your order, which means you need to be ordering cards by mid to late November at the absolute latest. Most sources recommend placing your order in the first week of November to avoid the holiday rush entirely.
That means your photos need to be edited, delivered, and in your hands before you can even start designing a card. Which means your session needs to happen well before any of that.
For my clients, I aim to have all photos delivered well ahead of the card ordering window. This year, all sessions and edits will be completed before I leave for Thailand on November 15th, which means any session intended for holiday cards needs to be on the books and completed in October.
That is not a lot of time, especially once you factor in scheduling.
Two Ways to Do This
Themed seasonal sessions
Each year I offer a small number of themed seasonal sessions designed specifically for this time of year. These are limited availability, pre-planned concepts that make it easy to show up, have fun, and walk away with photos that feel intentional and holiday-ready. This year's themed sessions will drop in October with sessions taking place in late October and early November.
These spots go quickly. If you want one, the best thing you can do is keep an eye out for the announcement and move fast when they're released.
Private sessions
If you want something more personal and custom, a private session is the way to go. You choose the location, the vibe, and what you want to capture. Unthemed, natural photos actually make some of the most beautiful holiday cards because they feel genuine rather than staged. A great photo of you and your pet together, in a location that means something to you, will always hold up better than something trendy.
Private session availability in October and early November will be limited. I am heading into my busy season and have some travel and personal things happening on top of it. If a private session for the holidays is on your radar, please don't wait to reach out.
A Note on "I'll Just Use a Phone Photo"
You might. And that's okay. But if you've been thinking about doing this for a while, or if this is the year your pet is getting older or going through something, this is the gentle nudge to stop waiting. A great holiday card makes everyone on your list smile for a moment. The photos behind it will make you smile for a lot longer than that.
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